Thai or Farang, all those living / working in Thailand should consider getting themselves involved in a rugby club in Thailand.
(Pattaya Panthers half time) There is no better place to make new Thai friends and meet fellow expats socially, whether you play (or even know) the game. The Pattaya 10's tournament took place this weekend and proved to be another incredibly enjoyable and action filled weekend. Teams travelled from the length and bredth of Thailand, from Chiang Mai in the North to Phuket in the South...
All the 'more well known' regions of Thailand will likely have some form of rugby club - so have a look / search to see if there is one nearby - each one will be a bastian of sensible, fun-loving folk (thai and farang), who enjoy the game and a good drink after.
(Panthers putting in the tackles vs the Thai Young Blood) Onto the game, it's clear to me now that the expat teams have to rely on their larger frames to 'slow things down' a bit in order to get results against the younger Thai sides.
Get too cocky in the backs, and you're opening yourself up for a whipping by the nippy Thai's, who are always fast, fit, and good with the ball. Once you've spent 5 minutes chasing fruitlessly after several Thai's in 32 degrees; there is a real risk of leaving the field on your back.. Cunning plans have to be hatched, and implemented, speed and fitness have to be nulified; and the black art of 'tieing up the Thai's' is a must for all successful expat sides (especially those that are getting on a bit).
The Thai's game equally has to be played with an according strategy - a good Thai side will keep the ball moving, quickly depleting the expats oxygen; hot, sweat filled brows and thumping hearts will quickly finish off most less mobile expat sides.
Aside from the game, these tournaments are always welcoming, busy, lively places; lots of food, drink and banter, great for meeting others and finding out what they get up to in LOS (there are some very interesting individuals / careers / stories around).
(a young panther looks on) If you live or travel to Thailand regularly, I really advise all to give your local rugby club a look. If you are in Pattaya, go and see the Pattaya Panthers (website here) You would be hard pressed to find a friendlier and more welcoming bunch.. For those in Bangkok there are also several clubs, the Bangkok Bangers and Southerners spring to mind.
Someone mentioned on Saturday how a rugby match between the yellows and reds would be an interesting way to solve the current political wranglings... Haha what a great idea... would love to see that match ....
And for anyone still reading, if you're planning a trip to Thailand, don't worry too much about the goings on in Bangkok, these people only want to have a go at each other - as long as you stay away from the areas directly affected, you're unlikely to notice anything different and you can still have an awesome holiday..
Just watch the roads....
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Posted by: Jose Mackey | May 21, 2010 at 11:57 AM