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Published: November 14th 2007
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Dr Anukul
Statues such as these were used as ballast in empty ships returning from china - Bangkok is full of many such ballast statues Arrived Bangkok Friday pm and was met by Dr Anukul , a retired professor from Khon Kaen University who has been director of the boystown in Namphong for 15 years. Anukul had trundled down country by bus from Khon Kaen to Bangkok to meet me and be my guide in Bangkok - what a star.
Bangkok - first impressions - not so good - it is a concrete forest of high rise structures growing out of a crawling mass of horn-honking vehicles of every shape, hue and age. Thankfully I was being driven around Bangkok by Joe who had been a student of Dr Anukul at Khon Kaen university 25 years ago. They have developed a warm and friendly relationship. Joe and Anukul were to be my escorts for my 2 days in Bangkok.
Day one - I did what every new visitor has to do - The Palace, Temple, Museum and then to the places not visited by tourists. Joe who is quite a respected government employee and business man gained access to sites by claimimg that I ('she who grins' in back of car) was a VIP (I knew that tiara and royal sash would
Bonsai Trees
Just fabulous collections of Bonsais everywhere - sort of makes up for the mass of concrete. come in useful). On sunday we joined forces with a friend of Joe; he was entertaining a client from Romania who imports flowers from Thailand. We all took off to visit a village on the coast outside of Bangkok. Much looking at food in markets, much eating , more looking at food and more eating, some leg massage, more eating and finshing up by attending a magnificent show in Bangkok of Thai dance and drama- a great day away from the usual tourist places.
Joe and Anukul gave up their whole weekend to be my hosts and guides - such kind and generous people. Everyone who comes to Thailand comments upon the gentle, kind nature of the people and I too am enjoying this. Is there a way we can import that to the UK? Unlikely I think.
Perhaps a major contributing factor is the fact that Buddhism pervades all aspects of society, it's tenets seem to underpin the daily workings of the Thai people. According to Dr Anukul over 60% of the young men of Thailand enter a Buddhist monastery at some stage in their youth, normally around 20 years old. They live, study ,
Young Buddhists Monks
Monks are in evidence everywhere in town meditate and follow the Buddhist way for some months perhaps even years following the Buddhas' teachings on compassion and detachment . On entering the monastery they give up worldy possession, wordly habits, adopt the dress of a saffron robe and practice humility.One aspect of this is that they have to go daily into the community to beg for food which is willingly given to them by the local people. Knowing my own cravings, I was curious about how this was organised to prevent those with a sweet tooth always heading off towards the cake shops but I think I haven't quite grasped the true nature of this activity!!! I jest - I would not mock these young men for I find them trully delightful to be amongst and wonder why Western society went the way of awarding most accolades to those who have achieved great wealth irrespective of the sum of the consequential unhappiness for those affected by that gain.
Ah well - back to travellers tales. My next stop and next blog entry will be from the boystown just outside of Khon Kaen. 'Til then Sah wah dee Kah
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