Our first stay is over. As we move on to the south of Thailand and its gorgeous beaches and landscape, here are some of the images and impressions we are left with from our stay in Bangkok.
They include beautiful temples and palaces, Buddha, crazy motorbike riders, canals, monks, fellow travelers, elephants and tigers, marketplaces and a very hard working, gentle, respectful and concerned people who adore their King and worry about the non-monarchy politicians.
Goodbye Bangkok … on to Ao Nang!
Impressions of Thai people upon departing Bangkok.. November 14, 2013
Some thoughts on the people, culture and sense of the Thais as we leave the first stop on our Adventure,
First and fixed in my mind is the quiet, respectful and welcoming nature of the people we met and encountered. This is no minor impression given that we were very nearby Democracy Square, the epicenter of the major political protests ongoing among Thais of all strata over their disgust and growing intolerance with corruption in their ruling political party. The protests were so-far peaceful and non-violent, but seemed to be headed toward increasing confrontation. The most hopeful sign was the Thai senate unanimously defeating a measure which would bestow amnesty on political wrong-doers back some 20 years. The protests were a cross between Occupy Wall Street, Arab Spring and a Bruce Springsteen concert.
What’s this got to do with the average Thai? Well, it underscores their nature and values. The most important elements in their lives are Buddha, their beloved King, and family, “in that order ” I was told. These values cultivate both a sense of quiet acceptance and tolerance, but also an outrage and intolerance of greed and abuse of those in power. It is a marvelous juxtaposition. All this plays against a backdrop of relatively low income and high reliance on family, the land and water for support, subsistence and survival. I sensed that these ingredients created a climate of democratic pride and personal activism that was inspiring to view. I will watch their challenge to the perceived corruption and democratic threat with new interest and respect.
A final impression: the Thais are a wild bunch on the roads. Motorcycles, motor bikes, cars, trucks and taxis compete and coexist in a totally chaotic and yet cooperative arena. There is also a feeling of personal responsibility, or perhaps a strong dose of irresponsibility, in their driving habits and standards. It was not uncommon, whether in the country or the city, to see mom and dad, a toddler and an infant, and grandma too, driving along in the “family car”, which in this case was a motorbike, with or without a sidecar!! Oh yeh, obviously without helmets. But don’t worry the trucker will yield to you at the intersection… why wouldn’t he??
It will be interesting to gauge these attributes at our next stops in southern Thailand…Krabi, Ao Nang, and Ko Lanta.
Billy
Oh, yeh, here’s a preview of Ao Nang,,, it’s UNBELIEVEABLE !
