Thailand: Unlocking The Secrets Of The Land Of Smiles

By Owen Jones

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a country that effortlessly weaves together a tapestry of tradition, modernity, and natural beauty. Having explored its vibrant streets, tasted its delectable cuisine, and absorbed the warmth of its people, I invite you to embark on a journey through the enchanting Kingdom of Thailand.
In 'Thailand: Unlocking the Secrets of The Land of Smiles”, I'll guide you through the hidden gems and well-trodden paths, offering insights that only an intimate knowledge of this land can provide. Every page is an invitation to experience the country as if you were strolling its vibrant streets.
As a seasoned traveller with roots in Thailand, I'll share the stories, traditions, and quirks that make this nation truly unique. We'll delve into the rich tapestry of Thai culture, uncovering the customs that shape everyday life. Through these pages, you'll come to understand the profound influence of Buddhism, witness the exuberance of festivals, and savour the flavours of Thai cuisine - a tantalizing fusion of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
So, whether you're planning your first visit or seeking a deeper understanding of a country that holds a special place in your heart, ”Thailand - Unlocking the Secrets of The Land of Smiles” promises to be your trusted companion. Let's embark on this journey together, as we uncover the magic that defines the Land of Smiles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tektime
• Release date: Jan 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9788835461425

Owen Jones

Author Owen Jones, from Barry, South Wales, came to writing novels relatively recently, although he has been writing all his adult life. He has lived and worked in several countries and travelled in many, many more. He speaks, or has spoken, seven languages fluently and is currently learning Thai, since he lived in Thailand with his Thai wife of ten years. "It has never taken me long to learn a language," he says, "but Thai bears no relationship to any other language I have ever studied before." When asked about his style of writing, he said, "I'm a Celt, and we are Romantic. I believe in reincarnation and lots more besides in that vein. Those beliefs, like 'Do unto another...', and 'What goes round comes around', Fate and Karma are central to my life, so they are reflected in my work'. His first novel, 'Daddy's Hobby' from the series 'Behind The Smile: The Story of Lek, a Bar Girl in Pattaya' has become the classic novel on Pattaya bar girls and has been followed by six sequels. However, his largest collection is 'The Megan Series', twenty-three novelettes on the psychic development of a young teenage girl, the subtitle of which, 'A Spirit Guide, A Ghost Tiger and One Scary Mother!' sums them up nicely. After fifteen years of travelling, Owen and his wife are now back in his home town. He sums up his style as: "I write about what I see... or think I see... or dream... and in the end, it's all the same really..."

Book preview

Table of Contents

Copyright

Table of Contents

Are Asian Bars Any Different to Our Own?

Death in a Thai Buddhist Village

Further Education, Marriage or the Sex Industry?

Going to Vientiane in Laos

Is There Any Jealousy Towards Me In Thailand?

My Early Years in Thailand

Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand

Nightlife in Pattaya, Thailand

My Thai Wife’s Family and Me

My Social Relationships in Thailand

The Status of Foreigners in Thailand

The Problems of Thai Women Married to Foreigners

Things That Bite in Thailand

Toilets in Thailand

Would You Let Your Daughter Go on the Game to Get a Better Education?

Koh Samui: Where Tradition Meets Tranquillity

The Problem with Having a Beard in Thailand

Buddhist Prayer Wheels

Sport in Traditional Thai Villages

Sepak Takraw

Laos for a Thai Visa

‘Behind The Smile’ - A Review

Travelling in Thailand

The Heartache of Visa Refusal

Our Village Barber

Christmas in Wales

Our Village Monkey Died

When The Oldest Profession Is The Only One Available

My Last Visa Experience in Laos

My NearBomb Experience

Manners on Buses

Author Bio

Useful Links

Contact Details

Thailand

Unlocking the Secrets of

The Land of Smiles

Volume One

by

Owen Jones

Copyright

Published by

Megan Publishing Services

https://meganthemisconception.com

Copyright Owen Jones 2024 ©

Hello and thank you for your interest in this book called ‘Thailand: Unlocking the Secrets of The Land of Smiles" Volume One

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a country that effortlessly weaves together a tapestry of tradition, modernity, and natural beauty. Having explored its vibrant streets, tasted its delectable cuisine, and absorbed the warmth of its people, I invite you to embark on a journey through the enchanting Kingdom of Thailand.

In ‘Thailand: Unlocking the Secrets of The Land of Smiles", I’ll guide you through the hidden gems and well-trodden paths, offering insights that only an intimate knowledge of this land can provide. Every page is an invitation to experience the country as if you were strolling its vibrant streets.

As a seasoned traveller with roots in Thailand, I’ll share the stories, traditions, and quirks that make this nation truly unique. We’ll delve into the rich tapestry of Thai culture, uncovering the customs that shape everyday life. Through these pages, you’ll come to understand the profound influence of Buddhism, witness the exuberance of festivals, and savour the flavours of Thai cuisine - a tantalizing fusion of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

So, whether you’re planning your first visit or seeking a deeper understanding of a country that holds a special place in your heart, "Thailand - Unlocking the Secrets of The Land of Smiles" promises to be your trusted companion. Let’s embark on this journey together, as we uncover the magic that defines the Land of Smiles.

If you have any feedback, please leave it with the company you  bought this book from.

Thanks again for your interest in this book,

Regards,

Owen Jones

PS: If I have gotten any details wrong in the chapters below, they are honest mistakes, as the articles represent my genuine feelings, beliefs and experiences at the time of writing them – a time that spans twenty years

So, I apologise wholeheartedly, if necessary.

PPS: Acknowledgement to Hey Jai Studio and Canva for the cover image.

OCJ

Table of Contents

Are Asian Bars Any Different to Our Own?

Death in a Thai Buddhist Village

Further Education, Marriage or the Sex Industry?

Going to Vientiane in Laos

Is There Any Jealousy Towards Me in Thailand?

My Early Years in Thailand

Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand

Nightlife in Pattaya, Thailand

My Thai Wife’s Family and Me

My Social Relationships in Thailand

The Status of Foreigners in Thailand

The Problems of Thai Women Married to Foreigners

Things That Bite in Thailand

Toilets in Thailand

Would You Let Your Daughter Go On

the Game to Get a Better Education?

Koh Samui: Where Tradition Meets Tranquillity

The Problem With Having a Beard In Thailand

Buddhist Prayer Wheels

Sport in Traditional Thai Villages

Sepak Takraw

Laos for a Thai Visa

‘Behind The Smile’ - A Review

Travelling in Thailand

The Heartache of Visa Refusal

Our Village Barber

Christmas in Wales for a Thai

Our Village Monkey Died

When the Oldest Profession is the

Only One Available

My Last Visa Experience in Laos

My NearBomb Experience

Manners on Buses

Author Bio

Useful Links

Contact Details

Are Asian Bars Any Different to Our Own?

The first time that someone from Europe or America goes to a bar area in an Asian city that is intended to be part of the tourist industry, they will be struck by the amount of noise. These bar areas are set aside in some cities, a little like a ‘Red Light District’ in the West, but it is not intended to be a Red Light District, it is just too noisy to be in a residential area.

There are also cities that have been built up as one big pleasure zone and then the whole city centre might be full of bars, and residents will live in the suburbs. In Thailand, Chiang Mai is in the first category and Pattaya falls into the latter category. I am told that it is similar in most other Asian countries.

Many, but certainly not all, Asian bars have ‘resident’ bar girls who have certain jobs or ‘privileges’. An expression used in some areas is working ‘inside the bar’ and working ‘outside the bar’.

Those who work ‘inside the bar’ area are there to serve drinks and food, clean glasses and tables.