Penfold's South East Asian Odyssey

Politics is a very divisive issue in Thailand and is not a subject for the faint hearted!!!! The deep schism that currently exists in Thai society is clearly demonstrated by the on-going protests and clashes between the Red Shirts of the UDD (United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship) and the Yellow-shirted supporters of the PAD (People's Alliance for Democracy). The principles of democracy and the idea of an accountable, civilian-run government, chosen by universal suffrage, are still in their relative infancy. Today, the country is still struggling to produce a political establishment and institutions that have the support of the population and are free from bribery, corruption and scandal. Although the country officially became a constitutional monarchy democracy in 1932, it was plagued by a succession of military dictatorships which stifled the growth of an elected civilian government. A student-led revolution in 1973 brought about a short lived and unstable period of dem...

Welcome to the next edition of my Thailand photo journal, featuring a selection of snaps that were taken on my last trip to the Kingdom..... For those of squeamish nature, may I suggest you go and put the kettle on, as the next few pictures show me helping to prepare a breakfast of curried rat at the home of, Wan, my girlfriend's older sister, who lives in the village of Phrom Phiram, within the province of Phitsanulok. And here is the end product......a veritable feast, I'm sure you'd agree!!! It is suprising what you can do with a couple of rats, a few vegetables and some herbs and spices!!! It tasted absolutely delicious and would even give Jamie Oliver a run for his money!!! Wan's home is in a rural idyll, with paddy fields as far as the eye can see........ From Phrom Phiram, we travelled North to the popular Doi Inthanon National Park. The mountain of Doi Inthanon is the highest point in Thailand, reaching over 8,000 feet and is home to a couple of magnificent Na...

I have a keen interest in the history, development, and use of the English language and I always enjoy seeing the mistakes that non-native speakers make as they grapple with the complexities of my mother tongue!!! Thailand has developed its own unique form of Pidgin English, known affectionately as "Tinglish". There are many examples that you will encounter, on road signs, advertising hoardings, restaurant menus and in shops, during your travels around the country. Here are a recent selection of amusing bloopers......... All I can say is God help you if you ever need to use the services of the Bangkok Translation Centre!!!! I'm still trying to work out if this is just an example of bad English or a profound existential thought!!!!! Whoever wrote this menu needs to go and stand in the "naughty conner"!!!!! I hope this post made you chuckle and please find below one of my favourite websites on this topic....... http://www.engrish.com/

I have been lambsted by my readers, in recent weeks, for the lack of photos featuring my girlfriend and I. Some have even started to suggest that I may not actually exist and my girlfriend might just a figment of my overactive imagination. Having recently returned from a fortnight in Thailand, I thought the best way to document our trip, and at the same time prove that we are both real people, would be through a photo journal. The following photos were taken at the popular Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple, in Ayutthaya and show their magnificent ancient ruins and reclining Buddha. The next set of photos were also taken in Ayutthaya at Wat Phananchoeng Worawihan, a revered temple, dating from the 14th Century and renowned for it's enormous gilded Buddha statue. This set of pictures were taken at the well-known "Suan Nok Chainat", the largest Bird Park in Asia. The park is also home to an aquarium, which has an impressive collection of freshwater fish, including the Siamese tig...

Welcome to my supplier of the month for March, with the honour going to the Nong Khai Map online travel guide. Nong Khai Mapped Out! Nong Khai Map is your online guide to Nong Khai, a fairly busy town in the north-east of Thailand (also known as Isaan, Esarn or Isan). Nong Khai map also provides a free city map you can download , detailed maps of the region and a community forum . We have now also introduced a section dedicated to Laos, and will be updated shortly to include information about the capital, Vientiane, and all of the other major cities within the country, we have also added a dedicated Laos section to our forum along with an additional interactive map of Vientiane below the Nong Khai map. Enjoy your stay in Nong Khai, Thailand, or maybe even Laos :) Contact Details: Nong Khai Map Co., Ltd - 48/28 Soi Jaemnusorn, Wattana Nuwong Road, Tambon Makkhaeng, Amphur Muang, Udon Thani, 41000 Tel: +66 (0) 42-467 545 / +66 (0) 81-156 5767 E-mail: info@nongkhaimap.com Website: http:...