The three air condition repair boys came, escorted by the maid. They spoke loudly about Chalerm and I, asking nosey questions which the maid did her best to answer. Realising I might understand the conversation she shut the door.
I have been planning for a while to have a look at the pro and con Thaksin demonstrations, but Sunday when I was on my way it was so darn hot I sought refuge in a shopping centre instead. Judging from the crowds I wasn’t the only one with that idea. Why overthrow a government when you can go shopping instead.
Farang D says today is the worst day yet in the low season. I am adding to the web site hoping to drum up business. Chalerm watched me working last night and was worried I might screw up.
I saw Cedric had posted an appeal on Sawaddee Forum for me to “get over it” and return. Thank you Cedric, I am over it, but I am happy as it is. The time I used to spend in Sawaddee Forum is now spent on something else. I still believe new mods and a rethinking of the culture of the board would do it good.
I don’t think the Forum can survive the Thai government blocking in the long run, or if it does it will be reduced compared to what it used to be. Posters who are actually on the ground in Thailand may make up a small percentage of total traffic, but in all modesty we who are here have something crucial to contribute. You can get the hard core of existing users to use proxies but for many that is too much trouble.
Is it too early for me to start dreading Songkran? Yes, I am a bad sport, a humourless farang who can’t see the charm in getting attacked by water gun carrying kids on every corner, drenched with fire hoses, having buckets with ice water poured over my head, or being ambushed by pickup trucks with large barrels of “ammunition” on the back. If it wasn’t for the fact that everyone else wants to leave too and hence drive up the air fares, I would have left the country for a safe place like Malaysia. The trouble with the water war is that (a) you can’t refuse to take part and (b) it goes on for five days.
In 1998 I took part in the water fights as a tourist. I bought a large water gun at Robinson and went to Lumpini Park and joined in. It was fun for a couple of hours. I fought back with water and I enjoyed the many people who put talcum powder on my cheeks as a genuine wishing well rite. The women in particular did this and they were warm and friendly. I resisted the drunk Isaan man who tried to push me into the lake. But now that I live here and have no choice I have come to resent Songkran. It is too much of a good thing.
Tags: gay boy, gay Thailand, Songkran, Thai boy
March 28th, 2006 at 11:57 pm
Hope you don’t get too many days like this one. Reading it, one gets the impression you really don’t like Thailand very much, as if you are here under sufferance.
If that is not the case, perhaps you could try to include more positive comments about your adopted country.
March 28th, 2006 at 11:57 pm
Hope you don’t get too many days like this one. Reading it, one gets the impression you really don’t like Thailand very much, as if you are here under sufferance.
If that is not the case, perhaps you could try to include more positive comments about your adopted country.
March 28th, 2006 at 11:59 pm
Hi Silom.
From everything I have heard about Songkran, it is legalized terrorism by water. Are there any parts of Thailand where you can have a less intrusive version? Or is it the same all over? I would think that in some of the less densely populated areas they might have a more positive way of celebrating. BTW thanks for keeping us posted about the political situation from your vantage point. According to news reports, the place is on the brink of riots and/or civil war. It is reassuring that you are able to continue to function and enjoy your life amid “the trouble”. Stay well.
March 28th, 2006 at 11:59 pm
Hi Silom.
From everything I have heard about Songkran, it is legalized terrorism by water. Are there any parts of Thailand where you can have a less intrusive version? Or is it the same all over? I would think that in some of the less densely populated areas they might have a more positive way of celebrating. BTW thanks for keeping us posted about the political situation from your vantage point. According to news reports, the place is on the brink of riots and/or civil war. It is reassuring that you are able to continue to function and enjoy your life amid “the trouble”. Stay well.
March 29th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
^^The richer Thais/Thai Chinese also avoid Songkran. Furthermore, a number of very normal Thais have told me that in recent years they think Songkran has gone downhill. It’s not just foreigners with reservations about it (or about Thaksin).
March 29th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
^^The richer Thais/Thai Chinese also avoid Songkran. Furthermore, a number of very normal Thais have told me that in recent years they think Songkran has gone downhill. It’s not just foreigners with reservations about it (or about Thaksin).
March 30th, 2006 at 12:52 am
I would disagreed that the Thai/chinese are avoiding Songkran.
One times We were the people on truck with water tank splashing passerbys.
Contrary to what you would wants to believe. Songkran is a fun tradition and now a chance to go about in BKK on the road since many people from other province will go back to their hometown during this time.
As for the foreigners… I will ask just look at where you people choose to stay in BKK. I believe things are more tame in the residential areas.
March 30th, 2006 at 12:52 am
I would disagreed that the Thai/chinese are avoiding Songkran.
One times We were the people on truck with water tank splashing passerbys.
Contrary to what you would wants to believe. Songkran is a fun tradition and now a chance to go about in BKK on the road since many people from other province will go back to their hometown during this time.
As for the foreigners… I will ask just look at where you people choose to stay in BKK. I believe things are more tame in the residential areas.
March 30th, 2006 at 2:31 pm
^You will probably feel differently about it if you get a horrible ear infection from buckets of klong water thrown over you.
March 30th, 2006 at 2:31 pm
^You will probably feel differently about it if you get a horrible ear infection from buckets of klong water thrown over you.
March 30th, 2006 at 9:33 pm
You can use earplug to protect your ear. If not then make sure you use cottonbuds to clean it afterward.
Can’t blame the other for personal hygiene deficiency now, can you? Afterall you wouldn’t be the first or the only one who has been hit with klong water. I suppose many Chaing Mai people who went out for songkran will be spalsh with klonk water.
March 30th, 2006 at 9:33 pm
You can use earplug to protect your ear. If not then make sure you use cottonbuds to clean it afterward.
Can’t blame the other for personal hygiene deficiency now, can you? Afterall you wouldn’t be the first or the only one who has been hit with klong water. I suppose many Chaing Mai people who went out for songkran will be spalsh with klonk water.