With UDD redshirts commandeering military trains, setting up checkpoints on expressways, and conducting armed searches in hospitals, people are beginning to ask if a state of anarchy can be far behind? And if it is, will full martial law be the only effective way to stop it. This past week, United Front for Democracy (UDD) […]
Read the rest of this entry »Archive for the 'By Subject' Category
Nut’s Story: How much can a Bangkok bargirl make and spend?
Nut is a hostess outside a bar on Bangkok’s Soi Cowboy, where she makes 7,000 baht (roughly $200 USD) per week. Dancers there make 10,000 baht per week. Nut left her previous club on Sukhumvit Soi 4, where she made 1,500 baht as a hostess. She’s 32 years old, and has been in the business since […]
Read the rest of this entry »Shopping for Antiquities in Phuket
Given its significant number of yearly visitors, it’s not really surprising that Thailand’s island of Phuket has a number of good stores dealing in antiquities. As is the case in the rest of Thailand, much of the best that you’ll find in these shops in Burmese in origin. With the exception of the Soul of Asia […]
Read the rest of this entry »Touring the untraveled Wat Phu Champasak in Western Laos
The temple of Wat Phu Champasak is located on an unspoiled hillside setting, and its original structures date from approximately the 7th century ACE. Arranged on three levels, Champasak’s upper-level sanctuary provides a stunning view of the countryside, including the remaining baray (pond). Wat Phu Champasak boasts wonderful lintel carvings, bas-relief apsaras (dancers), and is […]
Read the rest of this entry »WoWasis Recommended books on Laos: The Lao Bookshelf
Laos is as under-reported in literature as it is in the Press, so there are relatively few books particular to the country, compared to those pertaining to its neighbors in Thailand and Vietnam. Here are a few that we at WoWasis recommend as worthy of your attention. Non-Fiction Kay Danes’ prose is a bit twisted […]
Read the rest of this entry »Top 5 travel sites in Laos
Tour Luang Prabang or tour Vientiane now! The ancient kingdom of Lan Xang is transforming itself into a country that has increasing amenities for the traveler, yet boasts delights that are still relatively untraveled. Although increasingly popular, the royal capital of Luang Prabang remains one of the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia, and an […]
Read the rest of this entry »Spas in Laos: Discovering Laos’ Extraordinary Health Experiences
Laos has been a bit slow on the spa uptake, with fewer choices than neighboring Cambodia. Spas are beginning to appear, limited at this time to Day Spas in Vientiane and Resort/Hotel Spas in Luang Prabang. Here’s what we’ve found: Resort/hotel spas in Luang Prabang Angsana Spa at Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel Rue Chao Fa Ngum […]
Read the rest of this entry »6 things to consider when selecting a breast augmentation provider
Cosmetic surgery is a large part of the medical tourism scene in Bangkok, and breast augmentation surgery is an increasingly popular reason for coming to Thailand. Here are some things to consider as you select a procedure and surgeon that works for you. • Will the doctor remove the implants free of charge if you […]
Read the rest of this entry »Troops enter Bangkok under cover as crackdown begins
The rumored Thai military crackdown against red-shirted UDD dissidents began this afternoon in a pitched battle north of Victory Monument and south of Don Muang airport. Reportedly, Thai troops are using live rounds, and Red shirt UDD fighters have commandeered gas stations and fuel trucks. Earlier today, troop numbers in Bangkok were surreptitiously increased by deploying them from […]
Read the rest of this entry »In praise of the Thai Toilet Hose (what’s that thing attached to my toilet, and how do I use it?)
First time travelers to Thailand are soon confronted with an element of plumbing not generally associated with western toilets: the Thai bathroom hose (“fahk bua”). Used to the western convention of toilet paper, travelers tend to eschew this remarkable device, which, in fact, keeps one cleaner after ablutions than does t.p. (Thais generally use paper […]
Read the rest of this entry »
