Penfold's South East Asian Odyssey

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I recently heard a quote about driving in Thailand that made me chuckle..... The first rule of driving in Thailand is: Don't! The second rule of driving in Thailand is: Don't! It's incredible to think that a race of people who are inherently kind, friendly and forgiving turn into complete psychopaths when sitting behind the wheel of a car or riding on a motorcycle. However, despite its horrendous reputation driving in Thailand isn't quite as bad as many people would have you believe!!!! But, I would advise caution and it's not something to be undertaken lightly or by those of a weak constitution!! I once vowed that I would never drive in Thailand, but, on my last trip to the Kingdom, I broke that promise and drove for the first time. We travelled from Bangkok to Pai via Ayutthaya, Sukothai, Phitasanlouk, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, then back to our home in Banglamung near Pattaya, a road trip of several hundred kilometres!!! Having returned in one piece and not ha...

Being quite a romantic chap, I would like to take this opportunity to wish my girlfriend, Apinya, a Happy Valentine's Day and to say....ผมรักคุณ Your're my angel and I hope you like this poem!!! You've given me a reason For smiling once again, You've filled my life with peaceful dreams And you've become my closest friend. You've shared your heartfelt secrets And your trust you've given me You showed me how to feel again To laugh, and love, and see. If life should end tomorrow And from this world I should part, I shall be forever young For you have touched my heart.

The charming town of Hua Hin, located at the Northern end of the Malay penninsula, in the province of Prachuap Kiri Khan, is the oldest and most traditional of all the beach resorts in Thailand. Being only 200 km South of Bangkok, it is easily accessible and has been a popular destination, among Thailand's Royal Family and high-society, for nearly 80 years. The resort was founded in the early 1920s by King Rama VII and in 1928, construction began on on a Royal Palace, which was named Klai Kangwon, meaning "Far From Worries". The palace still remains an official residence and it's not uncommon to see Royal motorcades passing through the streets. The building of a railway line from Bangkok ensured Hua Hin's accessibility and cemented its popularity with the general public. I am well acquainted with Hua Hin having stayed there for over six months during 2006 and I have admit that I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I also attended a friend's wedding at the Sofitel...

It must be easy to buy and use drugs in Thailand, with all the full moon parties and relaxed holiday atmosphere, right? The Police aren't going to worry about a foreigner smoking a few joints, right? Thai Customs will turn a blind eye if I decide to bring a bit of weed with me, right? Wrong, wrong and wrong again!!!!! The penalties for possessing and using illegal drugs can be harsh and include heavy fines or long prison sentences. It is also important to remember that Thailand stills carries the death penalty for drug trafficking. So you may want to think twice before lighting that spliff!!! If you are considering trafficking drugs in or out of the country, then you are a complete f*ckstick and need your head examined. The only advice I can offer you is to read the book, "The Damage Done: Twelve Years of Hell in a Bangkok Prison" by Warren Fellows and then read it again, just in case it didn't sink through your thick skull the first time. If you are contemplating buy...