June 22nd, 2007 — Food
Yummy and nutritious, fried insects are widely available at various spots around Bangkok. This delicacy is very popular with people from North Eastern region. Known in academic circles as “microlivestock”, insects are high in protein and could be an inexpensive substitute for meat, although probably still not suitable for vegetarian diet. Continue reading →
June 17th, 2007 — Bangkok
Amulets are sold everywhere in Bangkok, next to mobile phones at Fortune Town mall, in grocery stores, at street stalls all over the city, but the main source for religious amulets, charms, talismans, and traditional medicine is the huge amulet market located next to Wat Mahathat between Maharat Road and Chao Phraya river. If you are ever in need of a wooden penis of any size this is the place to go. Continue reading →
June 15th, 2007 — Bangkok
The sign says “No Garbage Dumping. Fine 5,000 baht”. There is usually a small to medium pile of garbage under the sign.
June 12th, 2007 — Tattoos
This is how real Thai tattoos are made. A proper tattoo should be made in a temple by a monk, but this demonstration is the next closest thing.
Thais believe tattoos rendered by monks hold mystical powers, rendering the bearer invulnerable to illness, evil spirits - even bullets, an animist legend that dates back to 9th-century Khmer culture when superstitious soldiers tattooed their torsos as a form of drawn-on battle armour to guard against enemy swords. Continue reading →
June 11th, 2007 — Bangkok
Near Wat Mahatat and amulet market this monk can be found whispering in little monkey’s ear and, most likely, getting winning lottery numbers from her. The monkey is wearing gold earrings and a diaper.
June 10th, 2007 — Tattoos
This is the most beautiful tattoo I’ve seen on the streets of Bangkok. Someone posted a comment on my Flickr page that it says “Mother and Father”. Continue reading →
