Death at the gambling table
I already wrote about playing cards here in the village. Another well-known phenomenon is gambling during the death period. There are all kinds of gambling options.
The phu yai job (village chief) in Thailand
Every village in Thailand has a village chief, if the village is a bit bigger even several. It is an official position, but the lowest in rank in the Thai administrative organization.
Fortunately, the daily conversation in the village is not about corona, so there are no corona infections. That could also have to do with the temperature, we easily touch above 40 degrees Celsius, for days now.
Life in our village continues quietly, no corona reports. The rules have been expanded somewhat, for example, the main entrance to the village is now guarded. Everyone who wants to go to the village will receive a temperature check and hand gel on their hands. Although the check is limited. Working hours are from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and 13.00 p.m. to 17.00 p.m., but to the eye, the village is now protected against corona invaders.
Reader submission: Corona between the rice fields (4)
No fireworks have been heard in our village this week, which is positive news. But in the surrounding villages I heard the fireworks. Whether these fireworks concern announcements of corona deaths will never be clarified.
Reader submission: Corona between the rice fields (3)
In the village where I stay, you can see carefully that the realization has come that this can become an unpleasant situation in the coming weeks. And that it may well take longer than a few weeks before, to name just one example, the tourists will return to Thailand.
Reader question: I am looking for the name of a village near Tha Tong along the river Kok
Many years ago I visited a village in the vicinity of the town of Tha Tong along the river Kok. Both Karen and Akha ladies stayed in this village. To my regret I did not name the photo at the time and collect as many tips as possible about where to look, as I would like to name the place of the photo. I certainly know that at the time we made a trip on the Kok river with a longtail boat.
Reader submission: Corona between the rice fields (2)
So, the first week of more or less self-quarantine is over. Not a problem for me, can spend many hours reading a good book.
Reader submission: Corona between the rice fields
Last Saturday I posted a message about how we live in the countryside, between the rice fields and how things are going with this corona crisis. What happens now? Quite a lot in our village. The first thing that strikes me are the many strange faces.
Daily life in the Isan: Village characters
Isan life forms characters. Climate and labor pound on everyone's body. That produces beautiful heads, sinewy but scarred bodies. Curved backs too, from working lifelong in the rice fields.
A visit to Sam Ngao with a temple party as a bonus
A visit to the village of Sam Ngao, 40 kilometers north of Tak, is a bit of a journey through time. Day after day passes here; the only highlight is the weekly market. Until some fellow villagers are ordained as monks for a short or longer period of time. Time for a big party, but without alcohol…
Grabbed from the Isan life. A sequel (part 5)
What is such an expat doing there in Isaan? No compatriots around, not even European cultures. No cafes, no western restaurants. No entertainment. Well, The Inquisitor chose this life and is not bored at all. This time stories in non-chronological days, no weekly report, but always just a blog, sometimes current, sometimes from the past.
Pleasures and displeasures in Isaan, a few short stories
This time a collection of a few short experiences and experiences: The Inquisitor is up early and steps into the bathroom for a nice shower. No water comes out of the tap. Jesus, what now?
Isaan and love, a diptych
The Inquisitor observes some couples in his village. In part 2, The Inquisitor will analyze his own relationship.
'Grandma Withaar' in Isan
The children in the village call her 'Grandma Withaar'. The 87 years of life can be seen from her. She is blind in one eye. Her teeth are black from chewing betel nut.
Gossip, the national folk sport in Thailand
In the 'Land of Smiles' there is not only a lot of laughter, but above all a lot of gossip. Although gossip occurs all over the world, it is also a kind of outlet for Thais. As a result, gossip often takes on bizarre forms.