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.
'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?
A friendly pat on the head and therefore just kill gods? The supreme god did not intend it that way. And then measures follow…
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...
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…
The tiger and the calf – Fables and legends from Thailand No. 05
A special experience for two animals and then a moral message: determination in carrying out a mandate will bring good results.
My favorite Thai writer is Khamsing Srinawk. Here I give a brief introduction to his life and work
In recent years, 14 short stories by Khamsing Srinawk have appeared on this beautiful Thailand blog, partly translated by Erik Kuijpers and partly by the undersigned. Most of these stories were published between 1958 and 1973, a time of great change in Thai society, with two stories written in 1981 and 1996.
The faithful Krachâb – Fables and legends from Thailand No. 04.
How the perfume of the lotus flower can lead to the misunderstanding that kills two weaver birds in love. But both animals count on rebirth.
The cuckoo is an impostor! Does not build its own nest, but lays an egg in the nest of another bird. For example, the female cuckoo seeks out small birds that are building their nests; she throws an egg out of the nest and lays her own egg in it. But how did that come about?
Alchemy. From: Fables and legends from Thailand. No. 01.
According to Van Dale, alchemy is 'the ancient secret science that aimed to prepare precious metals and an elixir of life with the 'philosopher's stone'.' But does that mean anything?
If the Kingdom of Ayuthia prospered during the reign of Phra-Naret-Suen (1558-1593), suppliers could not meet the needs of the population. So they send out traveling salesmen. Growers who hear how they can sell their trade come from far and wide to the market with their wares.
The Farmer and the White Man, a short story by Khamsing Srinawk
This is a short story from 1966 by my favorite Thai writer. It is about an encounter between an elderly farmer and a white man and how, despite both good intentions, different views and habits can lead to friction, described through the behavior of a dog. The story also says a lot about the dire and weak condition of the farmer at that time, perhaps not improved that much.
The girl from Chonburi
Chonburi, a place in Thailand, is not just any city. Located on the Gulf of Thailand, which in the past was called the Gulf of Siam, this place offers a lively mix of nature, culture and industry. The harbour, the market, the inhabitants and the lively atmosphere each tell their own story. In this text we delve deeper into the soul of Chonburi and one of its inhabitants, Rath, whose life is in some way intertwined with that of the city.
The most unlucky among the temple teens is Mee-Noi, 'little bear'. His parents are divorced and remarried and he doesn't get along with the stepparents. It is better for him to live in the temple.
The Princess of Buriram
This new compelling story from Alphonse Wijnants is about a man who is looking for the princess of Buriram. He met her on Thai Love Links and is determined to meet her. He travels to Buriram and ends up in a sweet shop where he meets the princess. She is not dressed like a princess, but wears modest denim shorts. The man cannot take his eyes off her and feels like a prince too rich. The princess tells him about the building plot that is becoming increasingly popular in the area due to the growth of the student population. The man feels that he sits on the throne that is only for the man who can endure the trials of the princess.
Living in the temple saves the cost of a boarding house. I can arrange this for my younger brother who is coming to study. Finish school now and practice basketball after which I go to my room. He also lives in my room and sits there, resting his head on the table. Before him a telegram.