Today being Sunday we decided to take a local train and look at the Bangkok the tourists do not normally see. The day was again very warm and humid finishing in the electrical storm that we are now getting used to.
There are a few differences of opinion between "Queenie" the tour guide and myself.Thailand is naturally beautiful particularly around its coastline.In my view some of the areas behind the large towns shows a massive difference in the standards of living.The cultural bit is impressive,the hi tech bit is very impressive,what is not in my view impressive is the lack of basic standards and hygiene afforded to the obviously very poor people. Thailand is no longer cheap and the Russians have pushed up the prices of almost everything.I would guess the money is not filtering down to the poorer people,nor on poorer infrastructures.There is a massive imbalance,and people in the U.K. should be thankful for what they have.
There are people here living in shacks amid rubbish a few feet from the railway,and children and dogs wandering on the tracks,its incredible,at the other end of the scale the shopping centres in the main towns are splendid by any standards. As usual, the religious buildings are outstanding,but one rusted tin roof is very much like another,my view is that Thailand may suffer in the future without a different plan.I will include some different pictures of Thailand for you to look at,the ones that do not come from the tourist offices.
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