THAISiDE|PRAJUMSOOK.COM

The mass red shirt rallies organized to topple the Thai government have now started. Today, red shirts from provinces surrounding Bangkok took part in mini rallies in their local areas. Tomorrow, they will march into Bangkok to be joined by countless thousands of red shirts from every region of Thailand for the big rally starting on Sunday.

One of the most important events in the Thai Buddhist calendar is Makha Bucha Day (sometimes spelled Magha Puja). It takes place on the full moon day of the third lunar month which is usually late February or early March. This year it was today, 28th February 2010. Like many Thai people, I was up early this morning before the sun rose to go and visit my local temple.

Jack at 5 yrs old swims across the black-tiled kiddie pool at Amanpuri In the Background is Pansea Beach Phuket, Thailand February 2005 Yes, just after the tsunami-- the People of Phuket, and especially Aman Resorts, encouraged Thailand lovers to come back-- with a personal plea in hand from the staff, we came to contribute and pay respect. The beach in the background was a disaster zone, as were the buildings and the very pool we were playing in...we did what we could...

Chuoy Duoy, the Thai word for “help me”, a voice so squeaky and soft we heard while dining by the road side. Me car parked alongside up ahead, the street lights never maintained and broken, the pavement for pedestrians so dark. As she ran weakly her body so petite, she screamed but sounded like she was more of talking “Chouy Duoy, Chouy Duoy…..”. The diners all stood up and moved over to watch the commotion as ran alongside traffic chasing the invisible man we did not see.

My friend here in Ubon Ratchathani has been off to Laos for various reasons and he is writing about his adventures over at his blog, Life in Rural Thailand. He had an interesting trip and is putting pictures up. Laos is a beautiful country; even though many are poor the people are amazing

Last week we headed to the annual Red Cross New Years Festival, it is held every year at the government offices here in Ubon Ratchathani. This year it is running from the 29th until the 7th. There are games, rides and of course many different things to buy. All shoes were 100Baht

At times I read things that the NLA (National Legislative Assembly) of Thailand do, and I cannot help but to get so angry and want to beat the living shit out of each and every member on the panel. This is mainly the rape laws that pertain to minors aged 13 – 15 years of age. (more on this in a moment, please bare with me) And then other times I think they are a normal, well educated and completely rationale functioning assembly

The other Saturday, our smaller students had their sport day. Just like their bigger counterparts they too dress up and have a small parade along the main road of Ubon Ratchathani. The following are pictures of kindergarten and primary 1 – 3 students. Here some of the kids are beneath the large Christmas tree set-up outside Ubon’s most luxurious hotel

I had ventured down to N-Joy ( I am going to blog on N-Joy soon) the other weekend to meet a few friends I hadn’t seen for a little while. While I was there, Lance the publican asked if I knew about the upcoming Remembrance Day. I didn’t.

On the 13th, two days ago. I got up a little late and then started painting all the trims of the house to finish the lounge room. I hadn’t been painting long when my phone rang and a lady on the other end said, ‘Mr

Every year in October there is a big temple fair in Samut Prakan. It is the most important annual tradition for the people in our province. It is called the “Phra Samut Chedi Fair” and lasts for 12 days and 12 nights. It is an event that we all look forward to as there are many stalls with things to eat as well as games to play

The Temple Fair in Samut Prakan has now reached its fourth day. Today is the 8th day of the waning moon of the 11th lunar month. On this day every year, the local people from Phra Samut Chedi District come together to compete in various traditional games. The event was presided over by Mr.

don't seem to notice that everybody wares long pants and shirts around them, they still think they're on the Pattaya Beach, probably. Thais are extremely tolerant people but though they still smile and interact with these naked morons, it doesn't mean that they really like or respect them. Try to learn a little about the people you're going to visit and don't embarrass yourself.

One of my favourite festivals in Thailand is the Rap Bua Festival in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan. I usually go every year now. In English, the festival translates as “Lotus Receiving Festival”

Top tennis stars Gilles Simon of France, John Isner of USA and Robby Ginepri of USA got some hands (and legs) on experience with Thai martial arts at the PTT Thailand Open 2009 tennis tournament yesterday. The three players were treated to an up close demonstration of sword fighting and Muay Thai before donning their boxing shorts and getting amongst the action themselves. The three received lessons in the Thai kick-boxing from Olympic champion Somjit Jongjorhor, much to the delight of the local crowd