Blogs from Khao Lak, South-West Thailand, Thailand, Asia - page 9

Thur 1st Up for the 9am ferry (via the french cafe) then onto a bus. I arrived here at about 2pm. Nancy and Stuart arrived about 9pm and we went out for dinner. Fri 2nd Stuart and I tralled around dive shops looking for one that was leaving soon and would be back in time for Stuart and Nancy to do a visa run to renue there Thailand visa by going out of the country and back in after having a cup of tea!! We found one that leaves tomorrow so spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach. I tripped over a rock trying to get out of the sea- it was funny but not as funny as stuart laughing at me and then tripping over the same rock and being covered by a ... read more

02-Jan-2007, Phuket: I had my first run in with the Thai authorities. As Jen and I returned to our hotel in Kamala (see map) from an afternoon of sunbathing at Kata Noi, we were stopped at a police checkpoint on the outskirts of Patong (the Cancun of Phuket Island, where a fat pasty tourist can get anything he craves). The rather humourless motorcycle police officer with the pearl-handled Glock informed me that it was illegal, in Thailand, to operate a scooter without my driver's license on me. Fair enough. Welcome tax: 300 Baht ($9). "Drive to Police Station to pay", he instructed. Jen had to remain as collateral with all the other Farang (Thai word for "much appreciated tourist dollar provider") girlfriends while I drove the scooter the 3 kilometers to the station, without my license. ... read more

Khao Lak, Thailand - A hidden paradise Khao Lak. Where the hell is that??? Well, its about 80km north of Phuket International Airport. Sounds more like a metropolis than a tropical jungle, huh? Phuket, the largest island in Thailand is in the southwest. It is frequented by many travelers and has the second highest economy among the provices next to Bangkok. So what makes this area so desirable?? With the exception of Patong Beach, I think Phuket has much to offer. I say that about Patong Beach because it is the haven for many sex tourists, drug dealers and just plain 'ol sleaze. I don't understand why people take their children there and subject them to such debauchery. I'm certainly no prude, but I know my personal limits on what I believe to be senselss spending ... read more

Howayiz. Only 2 weeks in Khao Lak and already it’s starting to feel like home. It’s so nice simply to have somewhere to unpack your bag - I’m realising how I really am getting too old and accustomed to my creature comforts for hardcore haven’t-washed-in-a-week backpacking. But it’s more than that. Khao Lak, and the whole of Thailand so far, exhibits a warmth and openness which make you feel immediately that you’re amongst friends. Despite the language barrier, the Thais have a great sense of humour, and even in places which have experienced immense tragedy, you are surrounded by smiles and a sense of laidback optimism. On my first day of work, we were taken on an orientation trip round the various project sites in which the Tsunami Volunteer Center is involved. Visiting one village about ... read more

Well kids, i am finally caught up with my blog! Sorry it took me so long! I am now in khao Lak..one of the worst hit places from the Tsunami. Amanda and I came here to see if we could volunteer here for a few days but found out that you had to work at least 2 weeks, so we were actually turned away! So instead we bought some gifts for our friends at home that you all will get in July! 90% of the sales go to the villages restoration projects. I am hoping too that when i'm finished in India I will get the opportunity to come back and volunteer 2 weeks here before heading home! They are still in need of volunteers throughout this coming year. It's been getting quite expensive the further ... read more