Back to Thailand

Since the last blog I have been reflecting about the experience in Myanmar. Thailand is so modern and up to date, yet the country next door has so much need. Words cannot describe the difference and it brings home to me the need for a government who cares for its people.

Since coming to Thailand the group has divided and some have chosen to do their own thing avoiding Myanmar. We are more or less back together now and have spent time sharing our experiences.

Our first night on Koh Samui (18th) there was a full moon party on Ko Pha Ngan. There was also a torrential storm during the evening which put some of us off going - including me. The following morning I discovered that it was "a good night" but there were some mishaps! One of the group was robbed, another lost 1000 Bhat. One of the group fell of the jetty into the briny whilst trying to save their bucket of gin. Yet another ended up in hospital with a foot injury! Loads had hangovers but the music was reportedly wonderful.

Whilst the hotel was quite with the sound of hush from recovering party mongers....I spent the next day with 3 others hiring a jeep. We were told to put in 300 Bhat of petrol and that would be enough. We managed to see some impressive waterfalls and drive round the island before the jeep broke down on the way to an evening meal. I had to get a taxi home and then entered into debate with the hire company about compensation for the taxi and petrol used. They were very good and handed over all I asked for! We got the jeep for nothing! So result!

Today (22nd) we travelled to Hatyai Songkla which is in the very south of Thailand. We go to Malaysia tomorrow. Tonight was a meal with friends as a local group sang John Denver’s well known song "Im aleavin osa jeet Stain". Wonderful, it kept us amused.