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Thais from top to toe - all for one
Dear Editor,
As a frequent visitor to Thailand, I think of it as a
second, or is it third home? I’m British, but resident in China, so I
prick up my ears when I hear any news about Thailand or Britain.
The picture we get overseas, of events, is of course
different to reality. Many ‘farangs’ hearing of the recent troubles in
Southern Thailand will no doubt have mental images of a war zone, or perhaps
something like Northern Ireland in ‘the bad old days’ of the 70s and
80s. The news just made me a little sad, and made me remember a personal
experience I had in Chiang Mai, which paint what I believe is an accurate
picture of Thailand as a nation of people.
Earlier this year, in Chiang Mai, on the day I was due to
return to China, I found my wallet was missing. I left my rucksack in the
hotel, and retraced my route on the bicycle, checking the road, but no
wallet.
I had my return tickets, so I could get back to Hong
Kong, but it was going to be 24 hours with no food or drink, as I had only
about 20 baht in coins. Since the wallet had my credit card and ID card in
it, I decided to report it lost to the police. The police were very friendly
and sent out to the city hall for an interpreter, from whence two young
ladies soon arrived. After taking all the details, the officer asked me if I
had any money. I said no, but I had got my ticket back to China, and without
further ado, he took out 100 baht and gave it to me and the young ladies did
the same. I asked them for their address so I could return the money, but
they said there was no need to return it, but finally one lady gave me her
name.
I went back to collect my rucksack and when I picked it
up - my wallet was underneath. I was able to repay the policeman and the
ladies.
Something similar happened to me in the South and even
though 2000 kilometres separates these events, and people from the North and
South, they share the same honesty and support for their fellows –
including foolish foreigners like me. I am not naive, or young, and I have
been battered and robbed in my life, but I would be very surprised if
Northerners and Southerners don’t look after each other as they have
looked after me. I just hope the world sees the same image as I do.
Farang John
Kudos to the Body and Mind Detoxification at McCormick Hospital
The Editor,
I want to bring something special to the attention of
your readers: The Body and Mind Detoxification at the McCormick Hospital
which I attended as the only foreign patient. The kindness of the staff of
the McCormick Hospital overwhelmed me. All are still in the same way so
nice, helpful, kind and very polite as I came to know the Thai people more
than 40 years ago.
Not only that you will learn a lot about Qigong, Ascetic,
Meditation, healthy food, Yoga, Kirlian Photographie and Water Crystal
Experiments, you also receive treatments of acupuncture, Thai and oil
massages. Although there were such a lot of treatments, we had enough time
to relax in our single rooms, with scented candles, flowers that made it
cozy and more relaxing. We also got a nature-sponge and a mixture of
“Makham”, “Kamin” (Tamarind, Turmeric) and honey to scrub our skin
and massage our body when taking a shower.
Because of the healthy food, the exercises and the daily
enema we all lost weight and we felt light and fresh on body and mind!
And of course - English spoken is too at McCormick!
Merry Christmas to everybody,
Anchalee Potrz-Frempong
Peace on Earth...
Editor;
Here’s wishing:
The management and staff at the Chiangmai Mail, and all who read this
very fine publication have a Very Happy Christmas and for us all a Peaceful
and Caring 2005 and beyond.
That the elected and appointed leaders of the various
nations around the world get their heads together, and lead us all along the
path of Peace, Love, Harmony and Goodwill.
With the hand of friendship extended to you all,
Brian E Haffenden
Perth,
Western Australia
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