The Thai Pirate - Thai Blog and Travel Stories

Flooding in Bangkok Continues

The plughole that is Bangkok has had too much water to handle lately, and the floods endlessly continue, with little sign of respite. I think this has been a baptism of fire for the current PM, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra, who has fared fairly badly during the whole drama....

Proving that 'style' definitely triumphs over 'substance' in Thai politics, she appeared early on at some of the poorer flooded neighbourhoods of Bangkok, sporting a fetching pair of 15,000 baht Burberry boots. If that isn't bad enough, she was also slated for using the same sound bites she used three months prior to win the election... 'thai people must stand united,' 'we must be strong in the face of adversity, 'watch out for that bloody massive crocodile swimming up soi 5' etc

(pic above - street in Sai Mai, which was not flooded two days before this photo was shot... The bloke on the bike does eventually 'go for it', although it took him about 10 minutes of deep consideration!)

So Bangkok remains a complete mess for the time being; last year the protests and army, this year widespread flooding... What the bloody hell is gonna happen next year?

(Side note: I wonder, for all the Abhisit haters... Do you think Abhisit might have handled this whole affair a little more competently?)

 

Out and About in Central Bangkok

Had a day in town, walking around parts of central Bangkok, taking in the general atmos.

Oh yeah, we know what goes down in them places eh fellas, nudge nudge, wink wink etc

Eeek !

The Infamous 'Thai brother-in-law'. Thoughts.

We all have one don't we? Why is it so commonplace for there to be a 'black sheep' brother in many Thai families?

The black sheep Thai brother-in-law..... usually a bit of a handful... basically, the boy who refuses to grow up... The main problem? Booze of course.

Your average black sheep bro-in-law will get through a bottle of something strong most evenings; he'll be out and about and regularly playing around / punch ups etc.... About once a month he's sporting a shiner, or he's being chased / hunted by some local gang, from somewhere.

Many times he causes rows inside the family, and he is usually on the take... I remember a friend telling me they'd  nicknamed their brother-in-law 'sam loy,' being that, this is the amount they were dishing out every night...

So........ why is the black sheep Thai brother-in-law like this, when so many other Thai guys are so well turned out?

My guess, is that he probably has one or more sisters ... they have waited on him hand and foot since he was knee high to a Buddha... .. plus, at home, he's been able to go, say and do as he pleases most of the time.

But the root cause of this type of misguidance???? surely it has to be laid at the feet of the fathers...

Many, being considered the bread-winner, are largely absent ... sure, this is sometimes unavoidable, but other times, it's simply because they can be...

Side thought: I do think that Thai 'nightmare' bro in laws can get judged very prematurely, which may perhaps hasten their descent into 'badness'...... especially so when in the eyes of the Thai family, whose expectations are so high, only exemplary behaviour is acceptable (Western families are a little more forgiving 'early on', I think).

Thailand's Got Talent - Only in Thailand

A Thai star is born....

Or is that two?

Get involved in Rugby in Thailand - Pattaya 10's tournament 2010

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....