Thailand is the country of hardworking people. Just meander through the Floating market in Bangkok in the small narrow boat to see the intricately designed wares. Situated on either side of the canals, we saw myriads of shops, some in boats and others in small concrete buildings. And the shopkeepers included beautiful young ladies and smart old women. They were stylish, wearing attractive hats, shorts, T-shirts etc.
Another place we visited in Phuket was the cultural theme park, Fantasea. The Thai dancers were superb. Graceful and full of innocence, they won the heart of the audience. The show, featuring pyro-techniques, laser etc, scans the history of this great country, consists of a magical interlude etc. The stage is frightenning at first sight. Its a thick jungle with huge trees on both sides and at the top. Reminded me of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi who are symbolically depicted by the forest in Hindu mythology.
A visit to Thailand would be incomplete without a visit to Buddhist temples and monasteries. We visited the Golden Buddha, made of five and a half tonnes of gold. The room in which it is kept on a marble pedestal has hand paintings on the walls.
Next, we saw the huge reclining Buddha, under whose feet is depicted 108 signs- 108 being a lucky number in Buddhism.
The breath-taking beauty of Phi Phi Island leaves everlasting memories in one's mind. These are tall rocky structures covered with thick vegetation. The island , from a distance is a mixture of viridian, grey, black and the colour of sandal. You are taken in small canoes through low- roofed caves to a clearing inside the rocks. We saw a lot of mangrooves inside. We also visited the James Bond Island which is somewhat similar.
Thailand is ruled by a constitutional monarchy. The Monarch's name is King Rama IX and the queen's, Sirkit. They have three daughters and a son.The queen's birthday celebrations were just over when we visited Bangkok. We drove around the huge compound of the palace. In each corner, there is a statue of a pair of peacocks. We also visited the Grand Palace with its ornate buildings, museum etc.
Bangkok is an amazing city spread across a large area and crisscrossed by an abundance of fly-overs. The far-sightedness of the King is evident here. There are also huge buildings, eateries, typical Thai massage centres, posh cars, a huge airport- Suvarnabhoomi Airport etc.
Still at the heart of hearts, Thailand is the country of the peasant, the tradesmen and such like ordinary people as our guide, Mr. Sainik was telling. Thailand exports rice, silk, gems and prawns.
After our seven day sojourn of this wonderful country, we came to realize that the Thai people were basically fun-loving people; they were a happy and peaceful lot.
Long Live Siam !!!!!!
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