Changing World

Recently received this in e-mail and consider it worth sharing

Monk Manners

A few years ago a Thai Government official wanted to put a halt to the many transvestite shows on public television.

"They are not part of Thailand's heritage, and do not represent Thailand's image."

Of course that never happened.

Most of the Ladyboys are extrovert and flamboyant, making for a lot of fun entertainment at public and private events.

It came as little surprise to me that a Buddhist preacher in Chiang Rai came up with a plan to educate and curb the flamboyant behavior of transgender monks.

Finally someone admits they are among us. Education is the logical solution.

There's a time and a place for these antics. The temple just isn't the right place.

BBC News Asia- Pacific: "Etiquette guide for Thai monks."

Trends Updates: "Good manners to be taught to Thailand's gay monks."

May Holidays

1 May 

  Labor day

5 May

Coronation Day วันฉัตรมงคล (Wan Chattra Mongkhon) 

 Commemorates the coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950

8 May

Visakha Bucha Day วันวิสาขบูชา (Wan Wisakha Bucha)

 Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.  Also observed as National Tree Day

11 May

Royal Ploughing Ceremony วันพืชมงคล (Wan Phuetcha Mongkhon)

Televised ceremony giving blessing to the country's farmers. 

Each year's date is astrologically determined and announced by the Royal Household Bureau.  Also observed as Farmer's Day.

Recuperating Mode continues

After receiving an injection yesterday morning I had a very pain free afternoon.

Even was able to spend a few hours updating the hotel directory.

The directory is really starting to shape up quite nicely with the help of Martin.

Of course the big news is the disturbance at the Toon Army Bar.

With me being home bound and only hearing second hand information, 

it is not appropriate for me to transmit rumors.  

I've always considered it a bad idea for Graham to operate a bar, his expertise being a chef.

Those persons with computer questions.  I highly recommend typing your question into google.

You'll be amazed at the results.  Teenagers whose computer interest grow beyond playing games should seriously consider enrolling in a computer course.

There is also a Thai version of Computers for Dummies.

Thais with some knowledge of English and a knowledge of computers have greater employment opportunities these days.  Computers are the future.

With three visits to the doctors last week, I have an oversupply of medications.  I now have to choose carefully which medicine is best suited for the final phase of my recovery.

Talks about over medication.

The most pleasing and enjoyable occurrences  are the local Thai's.

I have been receiving deliveries of soups and other meals from neighbors near and far.

I appreciate this tremendously.  But then agian this is truly Thai.

Exercise

The local park at the lake gets quite busy daily around 5 p.m. with people jogging and all other forms of exercise.
There are a number of exercise stations with instructions.
This one caught my attention, is that a fart? Is it part of the exercise?

Invited to make merit...

Friday morning.  I had just taken a dose of medicine to kill old age and back ache pains.
I decided to lay down, there's very little else you can do when taking all this medication.

My friend Samat came by moments later, explaining that I am invited to a celebration.
When I asked him when, the reply was "right now."

I just love the Thai way of advance notice of an event.

Lucky we only had to go a block away to the main street.

From my understanding, it was a ceremony honoring the elderly, senior citizens from this neighborhood (Thadum 3).
Well, yes I am now a senior citizen, but somehow I felt very special that I had been included in this merit making.
As a foreigner I feel privileged to be accepted in the neighborhood.




All elderly attending received gifts to commemorate the event.

Mine's Bigger than Yours

In response to my recent post "Rain + frogs = snakes" I received these three pictures with the caption "mine's bigger than yours."




This one almost looks like a cute little pet, especially in the first picture. Commenting on my recent snake encounter, it was suggested to use insect spray. Not that insect spray will kill the snake, but teporairly blind it.

How do you translate that ? Up to you !

These road signs are at a local intersection. 

A typical example that there are different opinions in translating names.

Another example of differing translations is the North Eastern region of Thailand: Isan, Isaan, Isarn, Issan, or Esarn.

Sakon Nakhon seems to be the most acceptable translation of the city/ province,

however here also are a number of variations in translation:  Sakonnakhon, Sakol Nakholn, Sakorn Nakorn..

In Thai script the name is one word, while it becomes two words when translated. 

The meaning of the words also are not clear. 

Some translations indicate center of the universe, others claim it to mean international city, apparently also incorrect

Rain + frogs = snakes

Frogs and toads could be heard most of the evening last night after some fresh rain.

As I walked out of the house this morning, I made a very quick u-turn, grabbed some knifes and a machete, and began target practice.

Once I ran out of knifes to throw, I threw shoes, helmets and even an umbrella.

There are sort of bite marks in all the things I threw.
Nothing worked.  My next weapon was a cup of bleach thrown from an open window.

That apparently slowed down my target and I felt safe to leave the house.
Grabbing a  four foot metal bar, I was able to eliminate my three foot target.

A reminder to all, if you hear plenty of frogs, then expect snakes to be nearby.