Penfold's South East Asian Odyssey

I hope everybody is in fine fettle and apologies that it's been a while since my last post..... For the last week or so I've been experiencing interuptions to the communal wifi in my apartment block....... but after a little PI work, I was able to track down the location of the router and I have  identifed the culprit....... If you look closely, you can see that a zebra dove has made a nest on top of the router...... I didn't have the heart to move the nest because there were 6 tiny little eggs inside!!! Being a nice chap, I'm happy to experience a few internet connection problems until the eggs hatch..... Here is more information about the zebra dove http://aladdin.st/bird-watching/zebra_dove.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra_dove I just hope my neighbours don't find out it..... because the singing variety of the zebra dove can fetch prices of $90,000!!  http://www.gulf-times.com/story/433616/Thailand-s-singing-zebra-doves-can-fetch...

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...................

In their infinite wisdom, the Department of Marine & Coastal Resources has decided to enact a smoking ban on 20 of Thailand's beaches which include Pattaya and Jomtien. The ban is due to come into effect on 1st November 2017. As a non-smoker, it won't have any impact on me whatsoever. But, once again there appears to be no thought, logic or common-sense applied in the implementation of the ban. My first point would be, why only 20 beaches? Why not every beach in Thailand? Why single out cetain locations and not others? It seems slightly unfair, don't you think? The second point I would like to raise is the effect this will have on the already weakened tourist industry. The consumption of alcohol on the beach has already been banned and now with the cigarette ban, it is depriving local workers of much needed tourist income. The third point is the government has cited discarded cigarette butts as causing an environmental hazard. But, in the past there was no...

Those of you who have travelled in Asia will be aware of the vast array of "street food" that is on offer. By "street food", I mean food that is served in a non-restaurant setting, normally from roadside stalls, people's homes, market-places, shacks and even from the back of motorcycles. Street food usually appeals to locals because there is a huge range of food available and the prices are generally very reasonable. Street dining is becoming increasingly popular, even amongst celebrity chefs, like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey, who have made TV programmes extolling the virtues of Asian street cuisine.   As a result, more and more foreign tourists are being seduced by the allure of eating exotic foreign fare for a fraction of the price that is charged in their home countries. But be warned....... eating street food is a double-edged sword ...... you are playing Russian-roulette with your health....... as psychologists m...

If you have spent anytime travelling or working in Asian countries, you will have noticed that the standard of English is generally very poor. There are one or two exceptions of course, like Malaysia and the Philippines. But overall, when going about your daily business, you will be faced with a barrage of unintelligible, indecipherable drivel. "I no speaky speaky Engrish goodly" "Sucky, fucky 5 dollar Mister" Good old Thailand is probably number one in the verbal diarrhoea league.......... This gem was a photo that I took whilst travelling on a songteaw in the city of Pattaya in Chonburi province. What the hell is a "But Stop"? Somewhere I can rest my fat, sweaty posterior perhaps? Songteaws are public buses which operate all over Thaland. They are simply converted pick-up trucks, with a covered bed or cargo bay and 2 rows of seats facing each other. The above sign was issued to all songteaws operating in Pattaya and it was a number of week...

Unless you've been living on the moon or in a cave in Afghanistan then I'm sure you will be aware that today marks the 1 year anniversary of the death of Thailand's beloved monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej For nearly seven decades His Majesty was known for his wisdom, generosity, compassion and selflessness. To honour his legacy, all Thais citizens and expats must learn to follow in his footsteps and carry on his good deeds in the years to come On behalf of everyone at Penfold's Southeast Asian Odyssey, I would like to extend my sympathies and best wishes to the Thai Royal Family and to the the Thai Nation Long Live the King

I know its been 3 years since my last post but I can confirm I'm not dead.  Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated!! You may have been wondering where I've been and what I've been doing and I can tell you that there has been no shortage of drama or ups n' downs.....  These last couple of years have included a new job, moving home and a divorce..... so I'm now offficially single........ settle down ladies!! There was simply too much going on to dedicate any time to this blog but I hope to get things back on track in the coming days and weeks....... so please keep an eye out for up-coming posts Until next time....... Adieu