12 Jun 2010 – Khob-Kun Kha/คุณขอบคุณ

Thank you to Michael, Sharon & Alex CHUA for their gracious hospitality which is most appreciated. Without them, the trip to BKK would not have been. It was most educational & interesting to be in a country where the longest serving head of state in the world – King Bhumibol Adulyadej (born 5 Dec 1927, acceded 9 Jun 1946) who is hospitalized at present.

Thailand’s civilization goes as far back to 3,600BC/2,100BEC, the culture of Ban Chiang/Bronze Age settlement known for its pottery in NE Thailand. In 1238, Sukothai/ราชอาณาจักรสุโขทัย was the first capital of Thailand. In 1351, Ayutthaya/อาณาจักรอยุธยา was the second capital.

Since 1732 to present, Bangkok/บางกอก is the capital. The full ceremonial name Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasi/กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุทธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตนราชธานีบุรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยะวิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์ meaning City of Angels/Diety and BKK/airport code for short! With a pop of app over 6mil in an area of app 1,568sqkm/605sqmi, BKK is crowded and congested with both people and traffic. A vibrant city, the roads run in all directions and a street can its name four times along its length.

People are generally friendly and helpful but as a visitor at any place, one can only get a tourist impression. Like any tropical cities, the heat is overwhelmingly hot in the daytime. Subways are clean and efficient but limited but did not try the buses. The motor-cycles and the tuk-tuk are fun to ride. Taxis are reasonable but somehow one of the taxi drivers who picked us, drove down the road decided that he did not want to drive to our destination! We just got off and took another taxi! Me and my taxi drivers’ stories can fill a book! Food, yummy and spicy 🙂

14th floor views from Michael & Sharon’s condo

Chao Phraya River/Dinner Cruise with views of the Bhumibol Bridge & State Tower/Sirocco alfresco Bar & Restaurant

Destroyed buildings vs Nature shots!

Soon my Angel came again;
I was armed, he came in vain;
For the time of youth was fled,
And grey hairs were on my head – William Blake