The best way to see Thailand is if you are visiting Thai friends.

They know what to avoid and keep you out of trouble.

In the matter of medications,

I suggest that you make out a list of your medications.
Give this list to your Thai friend. Have your Thai friend take that list to the local druggist.

The druggist can verify what's available and legal locally.
He can also suggest alternate medications, which you should discuss with your regular doctor. This of course is part of pre trip planning.

Special interest: Visit to the local fire department.

The fire department moved to a new location a little over a year ago.
They do have modern equipment, but also tend still depend on ancient equipment when needed.

These pictures where taken in 2003

Weather Advisory

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather alert in effect until July 16, warning of torrential rains, heavy and very heavy, in mostly the north and north-east.

Phallic Brouhaha

Monks in Khon Kaen are upset that a local aids foundation is selling Phallic aids Candles. ThaiChimes

Used to be (just ten years ago), phallic shrines were common place in Thailand.

A phallic shrine on beach road in Pattaya, displaying a red, four foot phallus disappeared a some years ago.

Wearing phallic replicas by Thai males is still quite common, as a means of enhancing fertility. You don't see them, since they are worn around the waist.

Then of course just a few months ago, some tourism official suggested selling phallic amulets to tourists, as a means to create income.

Something that may be hard to explain to customs agents when returning home.

Ask a Thai for directions to Bangkok's Tuptim temple.
Many will deny it's existence, while others will become quite "Thai embarrassed."
They go there to pray for fertility when they want to have children

Thai culture and religion vetoed by modern day moral values.

Chaos Ahead

Effective Monday

More than 1,000 summer schools to close for 15 days,
Internet gaming shops also are expected to close for the same period.
Thousands of Thai kids will be idle looking for something to do.

Staff at all government operated hospitals will be required to wear face masks.

Observed at local shops approximately 20 to 30% of the employees and customers are wearing protective masks.
Flu viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours.
Touching shopping carts, products, and even money can spread the virus.
Haven't seen anyone wear gloves, or use handy wipes.

On the subject of viruses: A recent discovery most obesity can be treated with antibiotics (as proven on mice).
That should be obvious: there actually is an Obesity Virus

Farewell to a Friend (070809)

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With countless diseases, illnesses and death...

... You would think scientists have better things to do.

SKY NEWS: Newcastle scientists create artificial human sperm

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Mysticism Healthcare

Don't cross at marked crosswalks, cross where other people are not crossing. Avoid parties, alcohol, crowds. Don't attend a funeral.

These are some of the suggestions made by Thais in an effort to help me recover from my illness.

Except no alcohol, the other suggestions make no sense to me.

But to Thais who strongly believe in ghosts, spirits and everything mysticism, these suggestions are quite real.

Meanwhile I have been given a Scalar pendant to wear.

The pendant is made in Malaysia with claims that it reduces inflammation, enhances circulation, increases energy, retards the aging process and much more.

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Why I have avoided major dementia

BBC News reports, a pot of coffee a day may avert Alzheimer's.

It's been proven with 55 Florida mice.

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Chinese Surprise: The Real Madame Butterfly

Madame Butterfly, a play and movie, was inspired by real persons, real events.

M. Butterfly was however a Chinese man named Pu, convincing his lover, a French embassy employee, that he was a woman.

The story gets even more intriguing, as both were convicted of espionage, and the frenchman slashing his throat when he discovers the deception.

Butterfly died last month at the age of 70.

Read full details at towleroad

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