Thailand: The Lotus Kingdom

In Bangkok, saffron-robed monks pad barefoot through the streets on their early morning alms round, while the last of the nightclub revellers stagger home through traffic already building up under a purple dawn sky pierced by temple spires and tv aerials. In Haat Yai a pavement vendor begins barbecuing snakes for office workers’ breakfasts. In Korat, subsistence level farmers drive out their water buffalo to the paddy fields while in Mai Sae, a caravan of mules laden with raw opium picks its way carefully along a mountain track driven by tribespeople adorned with heavy silver jewellery and Kalashnikovs. Another day begins in Thailand, land of contradictions, hub of Americasia.
Publishers: John Murray
Published in UK