The title says it

Extraordinary

You don't realize it's a commercial 'till the very end.
A bit of a tear jerker!!

For a good laugh visit

I'm off to see the witch doctor...

My last visit to the hospital, while in severe pain was pretty much worthless.

The pain injection I received was so weak, I simply felt like I had a couple of beers.

No pain relief at all.

The same can be said for a number of herbal medicines.

Even though one seems to have some effect after repeated application.

At this stage I am ready to try anything. Even a healer.

I visited one this morning.

The guy chewed on a leaf and then spit a fine, cool mist on my back,

reciting what was apparently prayers, between applications.

Astonished is all I can say.

All the shingles pains to my back disappeared.

This little healing episode cost 30 baht and needs to be repeated seven times.

I'll be back!!

Thais are strong believers in the supernatural, spirits and such.

A number of experiences here in Thailand have convinced me there is something to that.

For a good laugh visit

Another day in Paradize

I had received an invitation to an event at a local school (S-BAC).
The best translation of the event I received was 'New Student Introduction Day.'
You might better understand it simply as Open House Day. A few dozen parents participated.
Buddhist religious ceremonies generally start the day of activities.

The opening ceremonies conclude with traditional thai dancing by students.

I am supposed to sit on the stage with the dignitaries and teachers. I can't sit still that long. I always politely decline, pointing at my camera. My excuse, I want to take pictures.

The guest speaker apparently had his audience's full attention. Students were laughing, answering questions, or even blurting out comments. It wasn't just a speech, rather almost a community discussion at times. Even though I have no idea what was said, the presentation was just superior.

Students present teachers and dignitaries with local flower arrangements.

Quite a few awards were handed out to students with perfect attendance records. I also departed with a number of gifts which I always cherish.

A perfect day concluded later in the evening watching a Bee Gees concert on local Sakon Nakhon TV (STV)

For a good laugh visit

Thai VIP

Thai gentlemen of high esteem must stand tall.
High heels are therefore important.

Talking about VIP. I was one of those my first year here, VIP.
Talk about butchering my name "Hans. "The sign read "VIP Mister Hung."
I'm not making that up, I have a picture of that sign somewhere.
Come on Tony, let's hear your wise crack on that one.

I know you're just itching with one.

For a good laugh visit

Visit to the Toon

Stopped by Toon bar yesterday. Apparently the place was quite busy the night before. They were still cleaning.

The owner rushed off to get me some herbal medicine which will surely take care of my medical condition.
So here I am alone with this new somewhat cute lady... wait a minute.. adams apple...
Well, she/he was still cute,,, but... after all these years I'm still not quite used to... T&D

I looked across the field.
Why is it every time a cow or buffalo sees a camera, they look like they are posing for you.

The big story here is that Toon is continuing a tradition of providing prospective customers a free ride.
Yes, it you're stuck in a local hotel, just give them a call and they'll gladly provide transportation to the bar.

For a good laugh visit

Grasping for straws

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday that the Thai government will exempt fees for tourists visas effective June 25 until March 2010.

Tourist visas must be applied for in Thai embassies or consulates and are good for 30 or 60 days.

They can be extended by 30 days while in Thailand

For a good laugh visit

My view of the world

Come to church, the bar is open.
UK church tempts fathers to attend church (on fathers day) with free beer
I'd like to see some of their missionaries open a local annex.

Meanwhile I'll say my prayers at Toon Bar.

Thai Ginger pleads innocent to Green Card marriage scam.

US tax money at work:

$423,500 grant to the Kinsey Institute for research:

"Why men don't like Condoms."

The return of the swastika. Occasionally I see one in Thailand.

It brings back bad memories to most westerners.

But keep in mind, it's really an ancient religious "lucky charm," dating back to the New Stone Age.
In Thailand, A New Party Tries to Take Back the Swastika

For a good laugh visit

Phuket is getting ready for the BIG SHOW

If your travel plans include a visit to Phuket during the next four months,
be prepared for frequent security checks and closer scrutiny.

The province is making preparations for the October 23-25 ASEAN summit.

A safe and successful summit will improve Thailand's somewhat tattered image,
and may be a step to revive an ailing tourism industry.

For a good laugh visit

Blasts are most likely isolated incidents

Local Elections are over.

Results won't be official for another week or so.
I generally do not involve myself in local politics.
This post is in response to a few safety concerns after news of two explosions.

If you want to read more;

The Nation

Bangkok Post

Bangkok Post Editorial

Khok Sila (Khoksila) is 87 km from the city of Sakonnakhon
The explosions seem to have been timed to scare voters an hour before a scheduled rally.
The rally was cancelled

For a good laugh visit