I realised, sometime during my 3 hour budget flight to Chiang Mai, that this was my 3rd trip to Thailand in the space of 12 months.
The new Siam isn't really the Land of Smiles in my book. Its not that the people are unfriendly or anything (on the contrary!). Rather, I think 'Smiles' should be replaced by 'Ironies' instead. Because just below the overtly Buddhist veneer, lies an economy well oiled by the skin-trade, dodgy massage parlours and girlie bars. The current Junta-installed government would surely be up in arms over this, but lets face it, sex sells. And its doing a roaring business in Thailand, when coupled with the other Tourist activities, this country blessed with beautiful islands, rugged mountains and ancient temples has to offer.
For a couple of years, when the Tourism Board used the tagline 'Amazing Thailand' in its promotional material, it was sort of ironic for me as well. By day, the
Wats come alive with the saffron splendor of the Dharma. But at night, the A go-go Bars take-over with equally gaudy aplomp. Such seamless symbiosis must surely make a case for curious amazement.
And so I thought to myself, as TR 122 came in for a touchdown, maybe there is this latent, warped, appreciation for all things ironic that keeps me coming back. Seeing this country first putting one holy bare foot forward, and then a sexy stilettoed ankle the next. Perhaps the Land of Ironies' allure lies precisely in its two faces.
But after collecting our backpacks from the turnstiles, there wasn't much time for such useless pondering. Because we had barely a 48 hour sojourn in this 2nd most important city after Bangkok. Where the Northerners are still justifiably proud of its somewhat more cultured disposition.
And penchant for the finer things in life.
Labels: Travel