In 2008, Loy Krathong will be celebrated on November 13th.  If you search on the Internet, you may find the date listed as the 12th, 24th, or even the 27th.  From everywhere I searched, the consensus is the 13th of November.  You may also find different spellings with different phonetics – like Loi Kratong. Loy […]

While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar […]

Speaking Thai will get you lots of smiles and better deals while on your holiday in the Land of Smiles.  But, you can get by knowing just a few words. The traditional greeting in Thailand is Sawasdee (pronounced Sa-wat-dee) and a polite article is added to the end.  For women, ka is added.  For men, […]

When in Rome, do as the Romans.  When in Thailand, do as the Thaïs do.   Nothing will endear you more to the local people in Thailand is knowing how to eat like they do. This is something very simple but goes a long way in making friends in a foreign country.  And since eating is […]

The first time I went to Thailand was back in 1973.  I was a young soldier in the United States Army and Bangkok was my first duty station.  I was there for 18 months and my first meal back in America was a Big Mac, fries and a Coke. Times have changed and fast food […]