Tourist to Thailand left with lingering memories

by Elmo Leonard

The aftermath of Thailand's bloodless coup d'etat of end-September could but add to tourism interest for this South East Asian nation. For, Thailand, and its people, with what is on offer, have over the years, left lingering memories in the minds of many millions of tourists. Added, Bangkok is a hub for airline travel to near and not-so-near destination cities. Besides, Thailand poses one of the strongest economies for an ASEAN country.

The Thai people often liken the shape of their country to an elephant's head. To mention one facet, southwards, a narrow strip of 800 kilometres stretches like an elephant's trunk, down into the Malay peninsular, they contend.

But, the Thai people, who are of Chinese origin, have only their black hair as a resemblance to the elephant. They are medium in build, and convey Olive coloured skin. Thai women are petite and pretty and their dance is swan-like tranquil.

Bangkok, its capital, is also its pre-eminent port. Bangkok is a commercial and tourist centre, with rivers carrying human and cargo traffic. The roads of Bangkok teem with motorcycles and cars and pollution is part of the city's chemistry, at high traffic tide. There are palaces and pagodas. But, think of Bangkok, or even Thailand, and people associate the locale with sin.

While not all tourists to Thailand would blink an eyelid, in reverence of iniquity, the fact is that it is on the Thai tourism portfolio, unofficially. On arrival at an airport, the visitor may be asked whether he wants the company of a girl. If disinterest is shown, the question could be: `You like boys?' But, if the visitor says girls, there are other preferences to be named, while this is not the place for pornography.

Humorous though such nonsense may seem, every iota of human behaviour has an explanation and a root to it.

It was in 1939 that Thailand took on its present name, in favour of the old, Siam. Cultural anthropologists have said that in Siam, it was considered very meritorious for a young girl to work in the vicinity of a temple and sell herself. The money went to the temple and the young men were happy and contented. Perhaps, it ruled out crime. After a year, the girl went back to her village, and to normal life.

For the span of her days, she was held in much esteem, and her fleshy sacrifice, revered. And, before the Spaniards first arrived in the Caribbean islands, there was no transfer of degenerative diseases, consequent to mankind drinking of a common chalice. This makes it more the easier, to understand, the permissiveness of Thai culture to communal human alliance, up to a few centuries ago.

Today, anthropologists, may say that the same patterns of culture repeat itself. But alas, this is not the pre-Columbus era, and such cultures are frowned upon, fuelled by the existence of socially transmitted viruses.

Thailand, is vastly Buddhist. Most young men become monks for a time, and more good is wrought unto Thailand, by it, than the world knows, being a mention of good coming forth from the Thai Buddhist temple.

Into the skyline, the mix of Chinese and Thai architecture, and pagodas are enchanting. There is also a Malay populace in the south, who comply with Islam.

When in Bangkok, visit Swissotel, Nai Lert Park, Sunday Observer was told, when we lodged at Swissotel, Beijing, recently.

Visitors coming in from Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport will appreciate the relative ease of access to the hotel, we were told. This hospitality unit, nestles amidst a luxuriant, sprawling garden estate and is managed by Raffles International Hotels and Resorts. Located in the very heart of Bangkok's central business and diplomatic district, this unique hotel is warmly welcoming, they say.

The interiors echo the natural majesty and beauty of the lush outdoors. Vibrant blossoms tumble down the walls, while colourful koi swim lazily in abundance in the gently flowing indoor stream. Here, at Swissotel Nai Lert Park, all rooms come with a private balcony.

There are 338 guest rooms, including 37 suites each with private balcony. And, catering to Bangkok's business prominence, fully equipped business centre offers secretarial services, high-speed internet access and video conferencing. Then, there is an executive club floor; six function rooms and a grand ballroom that seats up to 900 people. There is an ideal setting for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, banquets, wedding receptions and parties. Then, there are spas and fitness centres with squash court and tennis court.

For dining, guests may choose to sup on some of the varied cuisines enjoyed in Bangkok.

The ISO Restaurant with panoramic views of lush gardens and the pool, is a venue for breakfast. At lunch and dinner the hotel's a la carte menu offers the East and the West - cuisines from both hemispheres with authentic flavours, it is claimed.

Ma Maison restaurant, bids new French cuisine complemented by unobtrusive service and contemporary decor.

The Genji restaurant, they say, serves all the classic elements of Japanese cuisine in modern surrounds. It also provides a teppanyaki bar and sushi bar, as well as private tatami rooms. Noble House offers dim sum lunches and Cantonese a la carte specialities.

Gormandises, Cafe, offers fresh pastries and light meals throughout the day.

There is a Pool Bar, for alfresco drinks and poolside cuisine.

Syn Bar, during the day the lounge provides a good rendezvous. In the evening until late, wicked drinks, chilled sounds are featured in this sophisticated fashionable bar.