Thailand stands at a crossroads of time, where age-old traditions collide and mingle with the waves of modernization. At the heart of this cultural drama is the deep-seated reverence for the monarchy and Buddhism, which together form the country's social and political backbone, even as the voice of youth for change grows louder.
Thailand's most famous private investigator, Warren Olson, returns with even more mind-boggling true stories from his investigative files. From unfortunate cases related to the tsunami to the latest antique and racehorse scams, girls tricked into pornography and boys forced into vices, as well as eccentric American and European husbands and vengeful wives – “Thai Private Eye” covers it all.
Music from Isaan: Luk Thung
What certainly stands out when you watch TV in Thailand is the sometimes typical Isan music. It seems a bit complaining. The music style I am referring to is 'Luk Thung' and comes from the Thai pleng Luk Thung. Loosely translated it means: 'song of a child of the fields'.
Thai mythological snakes: Nagas
You almost always see them at Thai temples and spiritual places: Naga. The word Naga is used in Sanskrit and Pali to denote a deity in the form of the great serpent (or dragon), usually the King Cobra.
This story is about the relationship between city and countryside at the end of the sixties of the last century and perhaps even relevant to today. A group of idealistic student 'volunteers' leaves for a village in Isan to bring 'development' there. A young girl from the village tells what happened and how it ended. How beautiful ideals do not always bring improvement.
About amulets and spirit houses, Thai superstitions
The belief in supernatural powers and evil spirits ensures that a Thai believes that the spirits must be kept happy. If they do not, these evil spirits can cause disaster such as illness and accidents. Thais protect themselves against evil spirits with spirit houses, amulets and medallions.
'Michigan Test' – A short story by Wanit Jarungkit-anan
This story is about the desire of many Thai students to continue their studies, mainly in the United States, in the period after 1960, known as the 'American Era'. This affected up to around 6.000 Thai students annually. When they returned to Thailand, they had often changed in many ways, gained a different view of Thai society, but also increased their chances of getting a good job. But how do you prepare yourself for such a big step? How do you arrange all the necessary documents? And should you actually go?
The Thai National & Other Libraries
It all started in the seventh century BC with the thousands of clay tablets of King Ashurbanipal in Nineveh. A collection of texts that was systematically arranged and catalogued and it has continued in this way for twenty-eight centuries, albeit with trial and error. So the oldest library was that of good old Assurbanipal, the youngest newcomer is the internet.
'Zombie' by The Cranberries, an eternal hit in Thailand
During one of my first trips through Thailand, I ended up in a nightlife venue in Saraburi. The band there played the song 'Zombie' by The Cranberries at least 3 times in one evening. I also heard the song regularly during my later travels. Recently I asked my girlfriend why the song is so popular in Thailand, she couldn't answer that. It was just a classic.
Puang Malai, a Thai flower garland of jasmine
A typical Thai symbol that you encounter everywhere is the Puang Malai, a garland of jasmine flowers. Which is used as decoration, gift and offering. In addition to jasmine, roses, orchids or champak are also processed in a Malai.
What is and what is not possible in Thailand?
Are you going on holiday to Thailand soon? Then make sure that you have read the 'tips' below carefully. Adjusting somewhat to Thai customs and culture is very much appreciated by the Thai.
A friendly pat on the head and therefore just kill gods? The supreme god did not intend it that way. And then measures follow…
And that's where the gold diggers show up again!
I have previously written on Thailandblog about the Thai version of the Loch Ness Monster; a persistent myth that pops up with the regularity of a clock. Although in this specific case it is not about a prehistoric aquatic creature, but about an even more imaginative enormous treasure that the retreating Japanese troops are said to have buried near the infamous Burma-Thai Railway at the end of the Second World War.
Never tell a vulture it stinks from its mouth! He takes revenge and devours everything you hold dear. Fortunately, there are good goddesses who will stand up for you...
About a watchful dog and a sleeping princess
In many mythical places in Thailand one can find strange, often fabulous rock formations that stimulate the imagination. A large number of these bizarre, strange phenomena can be discovered in Sam Phan Bok, which is also - and in my opinion not entirely wrong - called the Grand Canyon of Thailand.
Today part 2 and also the conclusion of a classic story. Good and evil, fear, revenge, love, infidelity, jealousy, witchcraft and spells. A long story, so take your time…
A classic story. Good and evil, fear, revenge, love, infidelity, jealousy, magic and spells. A long story so take your time…