Five days before Loy Krathong, Noi, the family guy, Dae and myself were sitting at Jomtien beach discussing what to do for Loy Krathong. Noi wanted to celebrate at Jomtien, Dae at Bali Hai Pier and the 3rd option was Wat Chai. Of course they said, “Up to you.”
I pondered that this evening was for family or a special friend, for hopes for the future and to strengthen bonds. Being a current butterfly, none of these reasons applied to me in Pattaya. It became clear to me where Loy Krathong should be celebrated.
The next morning I reserved the Beast for three days from 2Guys and began planning the trip. I asked Noi if he wanted to go and, because the evening was for families, I, in weakness of mind, suggested that his wife and Terrible Tom might like to join us and sure, why not mama and Neung as well. No more will be said about Gun and Tom for reliving the memories would hurt.
I also asked my platonic roommate, Dae the Doubtful. He was strictly a city boy, splitting his time between Bangkok and Pattaya and the thought of rural Thailand seemed more frightening to him than it is to farangs. It wasn’t until 2 hours before leaving that he decided to fill the last space in the Beast. He promptly went out and bought new white shoes and 2 outfits that would show the rural hicks he was “hi so”. The shoes weren’t white for long but he worked very hard to maintain his “hi so” and in doing so entertained all of us.
In the 3 days we were stopped 6 times by the police. Once we gave up 100 baht because we were accused of driving in the passing lane too much. Another time Noi gave up 100 baht before the officer had time to state the crime. After Noi whispered, “Police mafia”. And once we had to follow the police to a temporary desk along the road and paid 300 baht because Dae forgot to use his seatbelt – at least here we got an official receipt.
Despite the above setbacks, I enjoyed my visit with Jame and the commune immensely. The phone number we had been given had been written down wrong therefore our arrival was a surprise. Jame was at school when he saw the Beast go by and was out the door before the teacher knew he was gone. Many of the commune were harvesting rice but word spread fast that the beer truck had arrived.
Jame was especially excited and begged me to take him shopping not just at the local market but in Chum Phae, a 40 minute drive away. As it turned out, 5 local villages combine for Loy Krathong with a parade to a beautiful park by a reservoir where games, food, fireworks and Issan dancing were some of the attractions. In the parade each village had a float, a loud music truck, costumed marchers/dancers and their local katoeys. Pupils from Jame’s school were part of their contingent as long as they were wearing matching, traditional Thai costumes as there was a prize for the best village entry. Jame’s couldn’t afford the costume therefore couldn’t march in the parade until I arrived. Fate can be wonderful. He was over himself with excitement.
Too much writing. The following is a photo collage with short comments depicting the highlights of the trip.
1st Night Stayed at Noi's Family Home
Bungalows near Phu Pha Man - 300 Baht/night
View From Bungalow
Swimming Hole
Dae felt the water and declined.
Bat Cave Revisited
Dae was wonderful acting as a big brother for Neung who latched on to him the entire trip.
The Parade
Jame in his costume
Loy Krathong in the park
Jame and Neung - BFF, best friends forever.
Still Friends
"What can we do with a balloon and a lighter"
When returning about 40 kms from Pattaya the Beast blew a tire. What a 3 Stooges act we were. A search for the tools. Where to place the jack. How to get the spare down. All these and more had Noi and me under the truck with little results. Dae the Doubter simply stood like a Merekat, head swinging from side to side searching the skys for help. Help did come from two friendly truckers who showed us that we miss one of the vital tools and they proceeded to change the tire. They refused compensation but I stuffed 200 baht into one of their pockets.
All and all another great trip.
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