Passage from Mandalay

By James Orr

Richard gets involved in the forced prostitution and people trafficking that exists on the borders of Thailand and Burma. He discovers corruption on both sides of the border. Yet, he finds time to fall in love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9781471715235

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Passage from Mandalay

Passage from Mandalay

By James Orr

Published by James Orr at Lulu.com

Copyright 2012 James Orr

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.

A Novel

by James Orr

Book design by Sabaijai Designs

For Sam

Chapter 1

Richard sat in the empty corridor and listened to the sound of distant voices. Several people passed in front of him and smiled as they went about their business. The old wooden chair he sat on began to get uncomfortable and he constantly fidgeted. A door along the corridor opened and the bespectacled secretary stepped out, looked along at Richard, smiled then went back inside her office. She was wearing a miniskirt with a shawl around her shoulders and had looked unsteady on her thin legs, probably from the height of her shoes.

He checked his watch; it was nine thirty, only fifteen more minutes to wait. Two minutes later the same door opened and the girl came towards him as she tottered on high heels. In her hand she carried a small tray and as she came closer he heard the cup and saucer rattle as she walked. Some of the contents had already spilled onto the saucer. This was caused by her trying to balance on extremely high heels and the cup being too full.

Would you like coffee? she asked as she peered over her glasses that were suspended on the end of her nose.

That would be nice, Richard replied.

She handed Richard the cup and slipped two sugar sachets into his other hand.

I am sorry your appointment is late, she added.

No problem, Richard replied.

He watched her retreat to her office walking unsteadily and clicking loudly on the highly polished tiled floors.

As he sipped his coffee his mind wandered back to the time he received the letter asking him to attend the interview. When he opened it he secretly thought it was going to be a rejection. The paper felt crisp and expensive as he unfolded the one page. The first thing he spotted was the elegant logo of the Chiappol University in Chiang Mai.

Dear Mr Richard the letter began.

His eyes wandered down the page taking in the words slowly. It was a request to attend an interview in two weeks. The University would arrange flight tickets and hotel accommodation for three nights in Chiang Mai plus any extra expenses such as taxis and meals. If he wanted to stay in Bangkok on his return to England then he should advise them but the accommodation would be down to him. His heart beat faster with excitement as he absorbed the facts. He thought it was promising at the time; after all they must be keen to fly him all the way from England.

Closing the letter he had brought with him, he put it back into his file.

The greyness of the day outside matched the atmosphere in the corridor. Grey light diffused by the slightly opaque windows. At the end of the corridor he saw a cleaning lady approach him. In her hand she carried a mop and a small duster. Her gait seemed unsteady and several times she held on to the wall. Suddenly she collapsed and dropped the mop which made a clattering sound as it bounced off the floor. Richard got onto his feet quickly, dropping the file and headed to where the woman lay. By the time he reached her she was in the throes of a fit. He was certain she was epileptic and was in the middle of an episode. As he pulled her away from the wall, the door opened and the young woman who had brought him the coffee stood shocked and unable to move.

Epileptic, Richard called out.

The secretary ran back inside and quickly picked up a telephone as Richard gently held on to the fitting woman ensuring she didn’t hurt herself on any of the chairs and tables. He knew from his nursing days that it was better to let the fit run its natural course. He simply held her head to allow a clear airway.

The secretary returned to her position at her door unable to bring herself to cross the threshold. As she stood on sentry duty Richard heard running footsteps behind him and he turned to look. He saw a Thai nurse in a crisp white uniform and white shoes followed by a man wearing green cotton pants and T-shirt. Richard quickly explained in Thai what had happened as the fitting woman started to calm down as the fit subsided.

Do you have a blanket? Richard called to the shaking secretary.

She nodded, then ran back inside her office and returned moments later with a pale blue cotton sheet. Richard rolled it up and gently placed it under the woman’s head as she opened her eyes then immediately fell asleep. The woman was sleeping calmly, utterly exhausted.

She Tai Yai, the secretary said.

Richard knew what Tai Yai meant; she was from a shared border between Shan State in Burma and Chiang Mai and made the Northern Province one of the most accessible areas for Tai Yai people to seek work outside Burma.

The Shan had a strong presence in Chiang Rai, Lampang, Mae Sariang and in Chiang Mai City where in some areas they made up the majority of the population.

The Shan were members of the Tai family, known in Thai as Tai Yai or ‘Great Tai’ and represent the western branch of the Tai family of peoples, having migrated from China with the Lao and Khon Muang.

Most of them did not have ID cards and were in Thailand illegally. Finding work was difficult, especially when you did not have papers. They lived in constant fear of being found out by the authorities and returned to Burma.

The man in green disappeared and returned with a wheelchair. Richard guessed he was from the on campus clinic.

After a few minutes the cleaner woman started to stir and stretched out from her foetal position. They all helped her into the wheelchair and Richard covered her drained body in the sheet.

Thank you, the Nurse said as she wai’d to Richard.

The Thai greeting consisted of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. The higher the hands were held in relation to the face and the lower the bow, the more respect or reverence the giver of the wai was showing. The wai was also common as a way to thank someone or apologise. Richard returned the wai then lifted up the mop and rested it against the wall and returned to his seat. She turned around and followed the green man as he wheeled the woman away down the corridor.

He sipped the coffee only to find it was cold so he drank it down in two gulps.

He picked up his file and looked out of the slightly opaque windows. He watched the silhouette shapes of the palms that swayed in the gentle breeze. From an open window he saw a Jackfruit Tree. The evergreen tree had grown to around 15 meters tall. It was full of extremely large and heavy fruit with a rough, ‘pebbled’ skin. The yellow flesh segments within were aromatic and very popular for eating. On the other hand, the young fruit's skin could be peeled and cooked as a curry with northern style taste.

People also used the timber to build musical instruments and furniture. Small Oriental White-eye birds hopped from branch to branch.

Mr Richard, the Dean will see you now.

Richard jumped slightly when he heard the secretary’s voice. He hadn’t seen or heard her approach. He stood up, straightened his tie and followed the clicking heels. He looked down and noticed that the shoes were patent leather, ankle straps and with diamante bows on the back. Totally unsuitable for office work he thought. The noise got louder as they climbed the stairs to the next floor.

Outside the large window he saw students sitting on the freshly cut grass under shady trees. Some were reading, others on their mobiles and several eating. He was led into an office then through an open door.

Behind a large wooden desk sat the Dean. He was a spritely Chinese-Thai, black hair slicked back with gel, probably late fifties and wearing a dark blue suit with a spotted tie. He shuffled numerous piles of papers around his desk. By placing one heap on top of another, it made it look neater, even if the workload remained the same.

Next to him sat a lady dressed in black with immaculately coiffed hair that was heavily backcombed and lacquered. Richard assumed she was dressed as she was every day and night in a shimmery lilac silk suit, stiff blouse and a flowing scarf coloured various shades of grey.

My name is Miss Thawanya, I am the Head of Human Resources and this is the Dean of the University, Mr Banyat. she said.

Richard shook hands with both of them.

Please have a seat. she added.

He backed onto an upright chair that had been placed in front of the desk.

Welcome to Chiang Mai and to Thailand. She said.

Thank you, Richard replied.

Is the hotel to your satisfaction Mr Richard? she asked.

It’s very comfortable," he answered.

As they studied the paperwork laid out on the desk, Richard’s eyes scanned the items on the top.

There were silver framed photographs of family members, several files and a selection of pens, six keys on a fancy key ring, a cup of green tea and a walking stick. Richard thought it a strange item to have on a desk. He looked closely to see it was made from black mahogany with a metal tip. The head of the stick was fashioned into the shape of a lotus flower. He thought it was beautiful and had never seen anything like it.

The interview began properly and Richard handed over the originals of his degree, his teaching diploma and three references. The Dean and Miss Thawanya looked at them intently and talked quickly in hushed tones.

Do you speak Thai Mr Richard? asked the Dean.

Yes, I speak quite a bit but I can’t read it, Richard replied.

What are your views on the politics of Thailand? asked Miss Thawanya.

I know there was some unrest in 2009 and 2010 when political protests took place in Bangkok between the red and the yellow shirt movement spilling over into violence. However, since then peace has been restored. I don’t fully understand the differences between the two parties but I never get involved in politics. he answered.

"What about the economy of Thailand? The Dean asked.

"Like most Asian countries, driven by export-led growth and large foreign investments, Thailand is enjoying a period of sustained growth that has seen incomes and standards of living levels shoot up. Thailand’s economy is one of the healthiest and has grown 9.1% over the last year.

When I talk with my Thai friends it is clear that the reality of daily life in Thailand has not been affected, even in the short term, by the political protests. The fast expanding country’s growing number of universities feed business-trained graduates into the economy and investor confidence is high." Richard answered.

Do you think Thailand’s banking sector could have the same problems as these in the United Kingdom, Miss Thawanya.

The fundamental strength of the banking sector is a key contributor towards Thailand having been able to resist the global financial storm. The controls, the measures and the infrastructure that the Bank of Thailand has put around the banks are strong and solid and they have strict regulations. Richard replied.

Thank you, you seem to know a lot about Thailand. The Dean said.

I have visited Thailand many times and I have got to know the people really well when I lived in Pattaya for two years.

What are your views on Education in Thailand? asked the Dean.

The qualifications that employees can bring to companies in Thailand involve 15% of the country’s graduates. Teaching methods are up to the international standards and the numbers of foreign multinationals are growing every year. Thailand has to prepare graduates to work with new technologies and it must ensure that the capabilities are adequate to work in this new scenario.

How is Thailand seen from the outside? Miss Thawanya asked.

This is one of the country’s biggest challenges as its image suffered by the negative news reporting of 2010. Europeans think Thailand is far away but the media doesn’t do enough to tell the whole story of the country’s achievements. It is best if they come to Thailand, to see for themselves and to talk to the people. Richard ended.

There was a palpable change of mood in the interview room. Richard could sense the sudden, intangible buzz of excitement. The interview itself drew to a close and Richard shook hands with both of them. As he reached the door he stopped when he heard the Dean speak.

Thank you for what you did for Miss Jan, he said.

Miss Jan? Richard asked.

The cleaner woman you helped. The Dean replied.

Never mind, I was glad to help, replied Richard.

The secretary was waiting outside the office to escort Richard to the main gate. Whilst walking he wondered in his mind if he had answered correctly, was it what they wanted to hear? As he handed over his temporary pass at the gate, she wai’d, smiled and said, I hope to see you again.

I hope so too,

His watch said twenty minutes to four and he hadn’t eaten since breakfast so he walked into a trendy coffee shop opposite the main entrance of the campus. Sitting near the window he looked out at the various students arriving and leaving the University. He would love to be part of it but guessed he would have to wait for that day’s outcome. Maybe he wouldn’t hear until he got back to England.

The waitress arrived to take his order of crab fishcakes and a spicy Tom Yam soup.

He opened the map of the University he had been given earlier and studied it while he waited for his meal to arrive. When he got back to the hotel he lay on top of the bed watching BBC news when his phone rang.

Hello. he said. Mr Richard? the voice asked.

Yes, Mr Richard speaking.

This is Miss Thawanya from the University, we met today.

Of course, how are you?

I am very well, thank you; we would like to offer you the position at the University teaching English and Psychology.

Richard paused to answer as he took in the words. Really, I would be delighted to accept.

Good, I will email you all the details and a contract. When can you start?

Richard was giddy with excitement and without thinking said, Two weeks?

That will be fine, if there is anything you are not sure of then email me. You can confirm your travel date when you get back to England.

Yes, I will, thank you, Richard said as he replaced the receiver. He lay back on the bed and ran the conversation through his head once more. Yes, he shouted out aloud almost spilling the drink he was holding, I’ve done it. His whole body shook with excitement. He was getting to be where he wanted to be, back in Thailand.

His contract meant he worked four days a week. He would have the weekends off, which meant he could go to Bangkok or visit places near Chiang Mai.

The money was excellent and he’d have plenty to live on without touching any of his savings in England

His mind became a mass of thoughts with lists being drawn up, questions to ask, where he would live, in an apartment or a house, should he buy a car. The contract was for three years and could be extended if both parties agreed. He was tired of the long, damp English winters. He missed the hot and humid tropical weather of the Far East.

What should he do now? He wanted to celebrate. He sent a text to Maureen to tell her the good news. Maureen lived in Chiang Mai and worked for organisations that helped Burmese refugees. She was on holiday in Singapore seeing her son so he couldn’t meet up with her. She was larger than life, dyed blonde hair, slightly overweight with a large bosom, possibly over fifty, Richard never knew her exact age but she had a heart of gold. He really wanted to talk to her but that could wait. Never mind, he would get changed and go and see a show.

Chapter 2

He summoned a tuk-tuk from outside the hotel and thankfully the driver knew where he wanted to go to as he squeezed his tall body into the back. The Gay Bar Richard planned to visit was called ‘New My Way’. It was located on Hatsadisawee Road in the Chang Phuak area of the city and known simply as ‘My Way’.

It was a typical dull looking unattractive shop house, three storeys high, in a dark and dingy narrow soi. There was a shop area underneath, which was the bar and accommodation above. Unless you knew it was there you would easily pass it as it was off the primary road, despite the innumerable motorbikes parked outside.

It was surrounded by clandestine one storey houses complete with bamboo and prickly pear ramparts along with barking dogs. Towering over these houses, and on both sides of the street, were several mundane dark weather-stained concrete clad one-roomed apartment blocks that were occupied by anonymous inhabitants.

To the right of the entrance was a large grandiose spirit house. It was a shrine to animist spirits. Most houses and businesses had a spirit house placed in an auspicious spot, most often in a corner of the property. The location was often chosen after consultation with a Brahmin priest. This spirit house was in the form of a miniature temple and was mounted on a dais. The house was intended to provide a shelter for spirits which could cause problems for the owner of the property if they were not appeased.

Offerings were left at the house to propitiate the spirits. Burning joss sticks with their overpowering fragrance smoked in the damp air and colourful twinkling fairy lights illuminated the dark corner.

Inside, rows of low disagreeable armless two seater sofas were covered in a bright and distinctive orange and black moquette material.

Insignificant black metal tables, with a floating piece of black glass making them impossible to see, were placed in front of the seats.

At the rear and near the entrance, the DJ sat with his music and lights console. Most of the time, this was covered in a towel with an ice bucket on top to catch the ever dripping water that came from the ceiling above. Several times during the evening he would have to empty the rapidly filling bucket.

There were two captains, who tried to keep things running smoothly and a manager. Both the captains had severe drink problems. They would probably be classed as alcoholic as were most of the staff.

Num drank all day and all night, usually the local Thai whisky. If a customer opened a large bottle of whisky, Num was there. He did have an American customer who regularly sent him money. He also had various women customers who deposited money every month into his bank account. Most evenings after work Num would hold an impromptu drinks party. Many of the boys would go there after the bar closed and drink until six or seven in the morning. There would be a selection of women attending too.

Bee had a Japanese customer who unknowingly helped to support his girlfriend and their child. Apart from the drink problems the boys also took various recreational drugs, gambled on anything that moved or didn‘t move, usually playing poker until their money ran out.   

To the right was a large bar area. The cashier and sometimes one or two assistants worked there. The cashier, not a handsome man by anyone’s imagination, was usually drunk by 10 o’clock. Not too drunk to be able to fiddle the books. The drunker he got, the more outrageous he became, constantly flirting with the boys. His hair had lost its lustre and his face had grown florid and was lined with broken veins, as though years of heavy drinking had taken its toll.

Above the bar was a walkway from which the boys entered when the show started. They descended a narrow winding staircase which ended up on the bar top. They then had to climb down precarious looking wooden steps to reach the floor, before making their way to the stage at the front. Only if you happened to be sitting in the last two rows of seats could you see this performance.

To the right of the bar there was a podium in the corner. This was where the shower show took place. Tinkling water music played while a naked boy would sit on a stool behind the podium and slowly pour water down his body, using a sponge and a bucket of cold water.

At the rear of the stage was a cramped area for the boys and kathoeys or ladyboys as they were often known, to change into their costumes. The toilet was small. When the door opened to the bar it was possible to see people standing at the urinals. The room was long and narrow but it was made to appear bigger using full length mirrors. Without the use of these mirrored walls, you would miss most of the action. The lighting was always kept low to disguise the state of the decoration, the chandeliers had many bulbs out, and the paint work was peeling from the walls. The whole place desperately needed modernising.

The owner Gong always stood outside, welcoming guests as well as the boys. He was a thin underweight individual, lacking in character, looks and poise. He did, however, speak very good English and the last time Richard had visited they talked for quite a while.

A show was held every night at ten o’clock according to the advertising. It never started on time, usually around a quarter past ten. It was entertaining, fast moving, with elaborate costumes worn by the lady boys. These consisted of an abundance of feathers and tight fitting frocks, revealing lots of legs and bosoms. They mimed to songs from various countries providing a certain amount of professionalism to a somewhat seedy environment.

The boys working there were dressed in everyday casual clothes, usually jeans with rips in them and a formal shirt. They also wore a thin tie casually tied around the neck. Some of the boys had great difficulty in fixing their ties, often ending in knots.

This was a change to the bars in Bangkok where the boys simply wore shorts or their underwear. The boys usually participated in the show, appearing naked with erections. Using various props they danced around the stage titillating the audience using anything from umbrellas to a swinging hammock.

Each boy had his own number, proudly worn pinned to their waist. Of the forty or so boys working there, only seven were from Thailand. The rest were Thai Yai or Shan.

More than half of Chiang Mai's male sex workers were of Thai Yai origin.

The captains often needed to negotiate on behalf of Shan, Burmese, Isaan and hill tribe sex workers who weren't proficient in the languages of their clients.

Richard squeezed himself from the tuk-tuk when it screeched to a halt outside the building.

Welcome back, Gong said as he wai’d Richard.

Hello, you’ve made some changes, Richard said as he noticed the front of the building. New decking had been laid and a large trough installed with several fish swimming around. Lighting had been upgraded and a new sign put up.

Do you like? Gong asked.

It looks great, Richard answered.

The main door opened and Nom came out. He smiled broadly when he saw Richard and came running down the steps to greet him.

When did you come back? he asked.

Yesterday, Richard replied.

How long you stay? Nom enquired.

I leave on Thursday, but I will be back soon. I have a new job at the University.

You will stay in Chiang Mai a long time?

I hope so.

Come, have a drink, Nom said as he grabbed Richard’s arm and pulled him towards the door.

Inside nothing had changed at all. It was still the dark dingy interior.

Sit here, Vodka Sprite? Nom pointed to an empty sofa.

You remembered,

It was almost ten o’clock and the show would be starting soon. He looked around at the various boys standing near the bar and recognised some of the faces but saw that there were several new