Penfold's South East Asian Odyssey

WARNING: This post has graphic content The standard of driving on Thailands roads is nothing short of criminal and this has been a problem since the introduction of motor vehicles to the Kingdom. Once a Thai attempts to operate a motorised vehicle of any kind from a sports car to a motorcycle to a lawnmower, the chances are its going to end in disaster. Now throw a little alcohol into the mix and you are going to get carnage............ This video has been doing the rounds amongst Thai netizens over the last few days and shows the actions of drunk driver in Bangkok........ it demonstrates the selfish, thoughtless mentality that most Thais display. https://www.facebook.com/JeHoyNews/videos/1430270880341462/

Yesterday, Friday 3rd November, marked the celebration of the annual Loy Krathong festival....... If you are a regular visitor to this blog or you have travelled to Thailand in the past, then you will probably be familiar with the origins and significance of this festival. But for any of you who aren't "au fait", then please allow me to explain. Loy Krathong is one of the most romantic and eagerly anticipated festivals in the Thai calendar. It is celebrated on the first full moon in November, so the date changes every year. It is common practice to invite your husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend or significant other to visit the nearest lake, river, canal or seashore to float a small raft on the water. As the raft floats away, so will your worries, bad luck, illhealth and unhappiness. The raft was traditionally made with banana leaves and contained candles and incense sticks. The candle symbolises the Buddha with its light and the 3 incense sticks represent the Bud...

As you are no doubt aware from reading this blog, living in Thailand is extremely dangerous. From the poisonous animals inhabiting your backgarden to the dangerous drivers on the roads. Not to mention the litany of health and safety failings that are observed daily. For your viewing pleasure I present the following photos. But if you are a health and safety inspector, may I suggest you look away now............... To make matters even worse, the 3 photographs above were taken opposite a local school!!! Accident waiting to happen me thinks..... The picture of the roadworks above was taken in a "soi" or sidestreet near my residence. There were no warning signs and nor was it fenced-off in any way to minimise the risk of accidents. The 3 beauties above were taken outside a well-known local convenience store. Just imagine popping in to the shop to buy a loaf of bread and ending up neck-deep in shite because you've fallen down the dra...

An estimated 250,000 Thai citizens have lined the streets of the captial, Bangkok, to pay their final respects to their late King. A symbolic funeral urn was taken by chariot to the site of the cremation, in an elaborate procession accompanied by traditional flute music, drums and an artillery salute, which marks the main part of a five-day ceremony. Many buildings are adorned with yellow marigold flowers, whilst crowds of mourners hold images of their beloved monarch and are dressed in black as a sign of respect. The funeral officially started on Wednesday 25th October, with a merit-making ceremony, an important Buddhist rite, in the Grand Palace. Today, a series of Buddhist rites began in the royal palace ahead of the procession and the late king will be cremated later in a royal pyre to be lit by his son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The chariot carrying the urn in the second part of the procession has been used since the 18th century. It was pulled by a team of more than ...

I first visited Thailand 15 years ago and was shocked at how dirty the streets were and the flippant attitude to littering and rubbish disposal among the general population.  The average Thai cared little for their environment and was more likely to throw their rubbish on the floor than dispose of it in a dusbin. Having lived here here for 7 years I can say that the situation has not improved and, in fact, has probably worsened. The pathways, roads, public parks, temples and even the beaches are awash with litter and general detritus. In case you think I'm biased or exaggerating, I'm not, it's fact. As evidence, I offer you the set of photos below. They were taken along the side street that joins my current residence to the main road, which stretches a distance of about 150 metres. The problem starts at a young age, Thai kids grow-up watching the disgusting habits of their parents and grandparents and mimic the same behaviour.  The older ge...

My friend and I observed this classic Thai company name, on the side of a pick-up truck parked in a local petrol station..... The driver of the truck didn't look too amused as we were snapping the pictures though!!! But, we had a good old chuckle and I hope it causes my readers just as much mirth. Enjoy...................