Monk in Pattaya

Those Thais are wonderful people, aren't they? Yesterday I attended a gigantic celebration to mark the fact that a boy became a temporary monk.

On the stretch of beach where I always sit, Rong skillfully holds sway, but in reality an old Chinese is in charge. Rong is married to the daughter of this Chinese.

A younger son of the Chinese becomes a monk and dad therefore throws a party on the grounds of the main temple in Pattaya. I am proud to be invited and go there at about half past six in the evening. I am among the first guests, although everyone is invited at six.

The old Chinese, who never exchanges a word with his customers, presumably out of embarrassment, receives me warmly. He takes my hand and leads me to a table where several people are already sitting. I am amazed, because I see fifty tables with eight chairs each. A big stage with gigantic loudspeakers makes me fear the worst. On the table are some bottles of coke and a bottle of water. If it stays that way, my visit will be short-lived. I'm not sure if Mekong is allowed to be served within the temple walls. Those fears will prove unfounded, because once the supply of Mekong starts, the supply will be endless.

Dark clouds predict rain. The rainy season has started in full force for several weeks, but when you have Buddha at hand, everything goes well. Not a drop falls. It is slowly filling up. Only now do I see the jubilee, who, dressed in white tulle, is receiving at the entrance, between mom and dad. I don't know the boy, but maybe that's because he's bald. Especially without eyebrows you look very different. It is clear that he looks just like his sister. The poor man. He should remain a monk.

The music kicks in and, although loud, it's not only easy, it's pleasant. Various singers perform well-known Thai repertoire. I also know most of it, in fact, I have most of it at home. Cozy music and not distorted because, as often in Thailand, the sound capacity is exceeded.

We get a nine course menu. Always a large dish in the middle of the table and everyone takes pieces from it with the help of chopsticks. At my table are two friendly Germans, who, like me, have to get used to it. An even friendlier Japanese feels like a fish in water. I know almost everyone from the beach, both Thai and foreigners, so it's fun.

Also at our table are a waiter and Rong's brother. They can't resist and make sure that all the glasses remain filled throughout the evening. I would like to name all the dishes, but due to drinking some have already slipped my mind. Perfect were the fried chicken in a soy sauce, a bowl of crab and shrimp in a coconut sauce, a huge fried fish and so on. Four girls actually dance on stage in constantly changing, oversized bikinis. The boys are having a lot of fun.

There will be speeches, but they are not too bad. Two gentlemen address the fresh monk. Short and sweet and that is why they are rewarded with a hearty round of applause. I don't understand anything, but I do hear that the mother is announced as the next speaker. The bride's father is apparently too shy. The mother goes to the microphone and gets a round of applause. She nods through the microphone and goes back. This is the shortest speech I've ever heard. Without words and yet she too is rewarded with applause. Finally, the birthday person speaks a word of thanks and the music can start again. And the dancers.

A video recording is made for later. To this end, the young monk and his parents move past all the tables, pose with the eight eaters and continue on. Along all fifty tables. I used to think other people's slides were a disaster, but I hope I never have to see this shot.

The party is nearing its end. Several people get on, but our tables remain full and the Mekong continues to flow. The Chinese sometimes brings bottles personally. As soon as a table is empty, it is immediately cleared by the catering company. I see the waiters put leftovers of Mekong in an empty Johnny Walker bottle and it is put in the cardboard for safety, so that the Chinese don't notice.

When the music finally stops, I decide to leave. I'm not even drunk, because I politely go to the old Chinese to thank him in Thai and say that I thought it was a great party. I still mean it. The waiter offers to take me home by car, because Rong lives nearby, but I decline and go for a walk.