When I call my Doc and ask to update my prescription for Malarone, I know that some departure date is fast approaching. And so it is.
I leave Seattle on March 13th, bound for Bangkok and then, after a day in the Big Mango, winging far South of the Tourist Trail. I will be flying into Hat Yai, near the Thai-Malaysia border. From there I will work my way West and North along the coast, hiding out in such places as Ko Tarutao and Trang.
The far south of Thailand has had its share of trouble over the years as tension between the local Muslim population and the Buddhist government has flared into violence. In the past, this violence has not been directed at foreigners, but the area remains on the "no-go" list for US Embassy personnel. There are numerous travel alerts on the US State Dept. website and the same warnings are found on the sites for British and European travelers as well. So why go?
Why indeed. Because the far South is an area rich in local culture, a predominantly Muslim portion of Thailand that is seldom visited by westerners. As I journey North, there will be more and more farang to interact with. By the time I link up with my friend in Krabi Province, I will be in the heart of the fairyland of the Andaman Coast, where producers go to film "The Beach" and other fantasies about Thailand, concocted for Western consumption. I am going to need some solid culture to sustain me as I head into the resorts, and that is why I am starting where I am starting.
I am sure there will be more to say about this later on. Right now, it is all conjecture as I have not set a foot to the soil. First will be Bangkok, which is fast becoming Mi Barrio. I am more comfortable there than in any other city in the world besides Seattle and Portland. After that, we shall see.
This is the first blog post, the one I send to friends and family so that, if they wish, they can follow along on the latest journey. I welcome you to do so if you feel so inclined.
Khob kun krap
Marco
