Simon is a Flemish man in his fifties who lives and works in Antwerp and is on holiday in Thailand. Of course in Nongkhai because there is a lot to experience for Simon. Culture in particular. Simon likes to sniff up culture and enjoys it to the fullest.
'The king who was no longer hungry'; a folk tale from Lao Folktales
The Pathet Lao has used folk tales in propaganda against the incumbent rulers. This story is an indictment. A king who can no longer eat because he has too much, and the people who suffer poverty and hunger, is fine propaganda.
Abirul's wives
In the white Nissan, we had already spent several miles discussing women's jealousy, the all-consuming jealousy that turns them into paranoid morbid furies and vixens for men here in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile the wheels turned down the route.
You-Me-We-Us; A wedding at the Sgaw Karen
From the series You-Me-We-Us; indigenous people in Thailand. A film about the traditional wedding at the Sgaw Karen in Chiang Rai province, Ban Huai Hin Lad Nai, Wiang Pa Pao.
'No sausage but flubber meat'; from the life of a farang in Thailand
Big party in the temple! We write 2012 and my partner, Kai, goes to Phanna Nikhom, a 30 km west of Sakon Nakhon city. She lived and worked there for years.
You-Me-We-Us; When being home is illegal
From the series You-Me-We-Us; indigenous people in Thailand. This part is about the experiences of a Tai Yai refugee from Myanmar and his uncertain future.
'The fable of the lame hare'; a 19th century fable from Siam
A fierce-looking, wide-eyed dog sits in the shadow of a boulder next to a horse track on the edge of the jungle north of Ban Lao. He hears the voices of two animals about to emerge from the jungle: a monkey and a hare; the latter is lame and holds a forepaw in the air. They stand trembling in front of the dog they immediately recognize as their master and from whom they will accept judgment on their dispute.
From the series You-Me-We-Us; indigenous people in Thailand. Part 15 is about Lahu people in the Chiang Mai region.
'A Mother's Will' – a short story by Suwanni Sukhontha
Her son, who died of drugs, is remembered in a collection of stories, including 'a mother's will', as if he were still alive. Touching.
Fanny dans ma chambre
Fanny steps out of the bathroom into our spacious triple room full of beds. Completely damp, with a towel wrapped around her hair high in a twist. Her turban of navy blue bath linen floats in an embroidery of sailing ships that are about to enter a Thai port.
You-Me-We-Us; Deserted
From the series You-Me-We-Us; indigenous people in Thailand. Part 14 is about Covid19. A bar is closed. The employees without Thai nationality receive no compensation despite the fact that they are now unemployed due to corona. Thai people do. This is happening in Chiang Mai.
'Hairpin bends' – a short story by Suwanni Sukhontha
You-Me-We-Us; Our house in Ban No Lae
From the series You-Me-We-Us; indigenous people in Thailand. Part 13 is about the life of Dara-ang refugees from Myanmar who now live in Ban No Lae, Fang region, Chiang Mai.
'The Golden Belt'; a short story by Riam-Eng
A gold belt that is also fake. And be killed for it? Extremely sad. But greed knows no bounds….
You-Me-We-Us;I would like to…
From the series You-Me-We-Us; indigenous people in Thailand. Part 12 is about stateless people working for their ID card. This story about young Tai Yai people is set in Fang, Chiang Mai.
'A Deadly Duel for the Landlord'; a short story by Ussiri Thammachot
The landlord and his serf; the upper classes abused the poor for their quarrels. Waging war and the foot soldiers allowed to bleed.