I would advise you to read my previous post regarding my Thailand trip as this is a continuation from the previous two.

Day 1: Expected the Unexpected
Day 2: Tradition Live On Too..

Before going on with all the good words of the magnificient Thailand, here is a bad one. Exactly one month after the nostalgic moment, a dramatic event happened. Anti-government protesters in Bangkok blockaded Suvarnabhumi, one of Asia’s busiest airports since 25th November, Tuesday night. Seeking to oust Thai Prime Minister in the latest escalation in a long-running political crisis.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, One Month before Closure

Now that all flights are cancelled, stranded tourists.. it will be a big impact to the tourist industry as this is the time when Thailand will be expecting more tourists. Thailand is no longer Amazing, as the dangerous place reputation to do business and travel has been worsened. According to Thai media reports, some 100,000 tourists are stranded, and schedules of airlines around the world have been disrupted. The situation got worsened as today 51 protesters were wounded in several explosions.

Well, I am lucky to be in Bangkok at the right time. It’s a beautiful country, too bad this is happening! Still and all, this event doesn’t affect my perception to Thailand. It is still amazing to me and worth visiting.. not during this time of course. Day 3 had instilled this mindset.

After breakfast in Asia Pattaya Hotel, we strolled around the garden and beach. Serene atmosphere and fresh sea breeze… it was the perfect antidote to the uncompromisingly massive structure.

Admiring the White Orchid at Asia Pattaya Hotel

We are supposed to be in Choral Island, but due to my sea-proofed family, we decided to skip and go somewhere else. On top of that, I’ve been to Krabi… why waste for the same activities! Sea is part of my work location anyway. Thus, we ended with the “Wonders” of the world. Mini Siam at Pattaya, a place which contains miniature replicas of many sacred places and important historical sites around Thailand. Ranging from The Arc De Triomphe and the Sydney Opera house to  Tien Tan Temple, Eiffel Tower, Colloseum, The Statue of Liberty and etc. All of these I have had the honour of seeing in real life. Of course the miniatures..

Beijing Temple of heaven, T'Ien Tan

Not forgetting to mention the historical sights of Thailand such as Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Democracy Monument, Buddha’s Footprint and etc.

Trying to shoot as if it is in big real scale

The statues of Goddesses and King of Snakes, Ananta

We spent hours gasping here and there, and I was shooting here and there like nobody’s business. It’s a small world after all. In the afternoon, a jaw dropper event awaited our arrival. It was the fascinating Thai Culture and traditional dance show at Nong Nooch Village, Pattaya. Now look at the shots, the eye catching dance under the gleaming lights.

Thai Cultural Dance, 1000 Hands Style

Thai Cultural Dance and Costume

It was extremely challenging to get a clear shot in the low light situation and far from the stage. Luckily, i brought my tripod, sitting up quite tall to avoid audience head shots.. an indian audience behind gave me an earful, claiming that I was blocking his sight. Who cares! I already got my best shots and I’m proud of them.

Ladyboy, main attention on Stage

Throughout the dance, one question keep swirling in my mind.. “Who is who? Which one is a lady, which one is “katoy”?” I asked myself. In Thailand, there are an estimated 10,000 katoys. It’s an ambiguous term, spanning full male-to-female transsexuals who have had their pen*s removed, breast implants and an artificial vagina inserted, to men who have had breast implants but have kept their pen*s. In addition, there are also transvestites who work in the cabaret circuit and male actors who dress as women for television. Eunuchs have been part of Thai society for centuries. So, as soon as this lady came out (photo above), I am sure she was a he!

End of the Show

More shots, visit “Amazing Thailand” album in my Flickr. That is why I called Amazing Thailand, a country rich with culture and architecture. The best part of our magical journey indeed! From cultural dance to religious ceremonies and martial arts, we then moved to the Elephant shows. This time I was impressed again watching elephants with special skills in playing football, dancing, and even interacting with tourists. Look at how they tease the audience!

Elephant Tease

Our day ended with a two-hour Thai massage. All in all, I would conclude Day 3 as an eye opening day into the rich culture of Thailand. Now I can see why Thailand has a lot to brag about itself and its appealingness to tourists from all over the world.

Next coming post: The Magical Journey Never Ends (Day 4 & 5)..

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 30th, 2008 at 6:42 pm and is filed under Photography, Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.