Thai tradition?
This news report at the BBC got me thinking about Bangkok. In short, a theatre over 100 years old is due to be closed to make space for a shopping mall. The battle of tradition vs. commercialism is not a new one; however this story has a sad edge to it. The theatre is host to Thailand’s only remaining puppet troupe, meaning its destruction will bring an end to one of the country’s most exquisite customs.
In the report, the romanticism of the story is dealt with realistically, stating that the troupe does rely heavily on foreign tourists to keep it going. Nevertheless, it is a perplexing dichotomy as the two worlds collide.
Needless to say such traditions are part of the lure that makes Thailand such a popular destination. And a web search uncovered this entry on learning some basic Thai at HubPages. I say basic but it does include the phrases required for a spot of flirting, forgoing the usual ‘where is the post office?’
Also discovered were two posts by Boxing Girl on Flixya who has been discovering Thailand. One on The Siam Tulip Festival of Chaiyaphum which basically looks as beautiful as it sounds and the other on the Hua Hin Jazz Festival, beach based music for the hip, my thoughts on that - chan yak pai.
Despite the conflict of old and new that is happening in Thailand, it is, and will be for a long time to come, a country that should be on any travellers ‘to go’ to list.
