Keeping you busy

[sylvia1065]

Originally Posted by pavel123

Sounds like a short definition of paradise

Yep!
They got everything here: sun, ocean, islands, nice people, cheap life, wonderful massages, great shopping, outdoor markets, what do we need computers for?

[gholmes1936]

Originally Posted by sylvia1065

I do , although I'm afraid they've lost their "Land of Smile" title, at least here in Pattaya .
When was last time you came here, Gunner?
Sylvia

Yeah the latest political news isn't all that great is it. The lsst time I was there was in 1968 as a Gunner (B52's)

[skipatk]

I agree. the Thai people are really great. Like Gunner it's been awhile since I was there (1969) when I was stationed there during the Vietnam war.

Looking forward to some of your pictures, even if they are taken with your husband's camera.

[gholmes1936]

Originally Posted by gholmes1936

Yeah the latest political news isn't all that great is it. The lsst time I was there was in 1968 as a Gunner (B52's)

Our crew was the first B52 to land in Thailand at U-Tapao Royal Thai Airbase on the gulf of Siam. Well, not actually on the gulf........Next to it ya'know?

[sylvia1065]

I bet neither of you would recognize Thailand the way it is now. It's overdeveloped in a lot of places and unfortunately, tourism changes the lifestyle of the people, not always for the best.

The problems with Thais are not so much due to the political troubles as their general attitude toward foreigners. I think they're getting pretty fed up with the tourists, at least here in Pattaya, and tend to lose their temper pretty easily nowadays. And when they do, it turns sour pretty quick. I just hope it's only here... . I've been told they're much nicer away from touristic places.
Nevertheless, Thailand is still a great place to spend the winter.

I'll try to post some pictures when I get a better Internet connection.

Sylvia

[skipatk]

Sorry to hear about the Thai's attitude change. Hopefully it is just in the tourist areas. My time was in a rural area of Thailand and was very nice. And, your correct, it was some time ago since I was there. The only real developed place then was Bangkok.

[gholmes1936]

That's to bad. Tourists, american GI's, etc can have a devastating effect on local economies also. The first time I was there the Baht busses cost "one man, one Baht, go now!" The second time I was there, one man, two baht, go now!"

At that time the exchange rate was one Baht = 5 cents. In one years time that was an indicator of 100% inflation, at least in that industry and most rural families would get by on $20.00 p/year. Families would include Grandma, Grandpa, Uncles, etc.

[Repairman]

That brings back memories! As a backpacker, 30 years ago, I went to a little island called Ko Samui. The trip involved a bus from Bangkok, switch to open top truck, open boat, HiLux van (which we pushed through mud most of the way! and finally to a beach hut which cost 50p per night (75cents). Bliss. Even though the Viet Nam war had ended some time before then, there were still subtle reminders of the US influence brought by R&R personnel. Interesting times.