I’m sitting on the second floor of Starbucks in the heart of Chiang Mai, looking out over a public square and the most historic gate of the old city wall. This part of town is overwhelmed by the tourist industry–within a half-mile radius there are dozens of tour agencies and cheap hotels, and bars to suit the night crowd. A few Thai guys shove English-language […]
Beer and Buddha
Buddhism is based on 5 Precepts: Avoid 1) killing, 2) stealing, 3) sexual misconduct, 4) lying, and 5) intoxication (both drugs and alcohol). This final precept is practiced in many ways throughout Thailand. Stores are not allowed to sell alcohol on Buddhist holidays, but the most prominent expression is at temples — it is prohibited (even illegal, with prison time or fines) to sell or drink alcohol on […]
Signs at a National Park
Two attempts at “Souvenirs” This one in English says, “please Keep Clean” … but translated from Thai accurately, it should read, “Please throw trash in a trashcan.” Are they just trying to keep it simple, or are they suggesting that foreigners have trouble keeping clean… ?