Good afternoon from Bangkok everyone! Earlier today, I went out to the airport to pick up some Canadian friends who are travelling here for the very first time. Their heads are already popping in the best way possible. Do you remember your first trip to Thailand? What sort of feelings did you have? We ALL remember that first trip, that’s for sure. Anyways, hope you have a great week ahead and enjoy Volume 62!
British Expat Walks 1050 KM’s Across Thailand For Charity
James Lee Valentine, a British expat here in Thailand just completed a 1050 KM walk all the way from Pattaya to Phuket to raise funds for ‘Take Care Kids’, a children's foundation based in Chonburi. Accompanied by the ‘Hash House Harriers’ running group, he completed the 48-day journey on June 6th and raised a total of 200,000 baht. This is not the first time Valentine has embarked on a long-distance walk for a charitable cause. He initially undertook a similar endeavour back in the UK alongside his older brother in ‘96 and more recently, raised 71,000 baht by completing a 33 KM walk from Pattaya to Jomtien Beach on Valentine's Day.
Our Take
This was a really cool story to read, but beyond that… a crazy accomplishment. Of course the charitable side of things is epic, but what’s especially wild is the fact that James persevered and spent 48-days WALKING over 1000 kilometres through the Thai heat. Beyond impressive in all regards and a big shout out to James.
High Speed Rail To Launch In 2026
The Thai government just announced that the first phase of the high-speed rail line connecting Bangkok and Kunming (a city in Southern China) will be complete and ready to go by 2026. This first phase will be 251 KM long and will include key stops at Don Mueang, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, and Pak Chong… all strategic locations offering convenient access and connectivity to a slew of secondary regions within Thailand. Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri emphasized the positive impact the rail link is expected to have on Thailand's tourism industry and overall economy. The government says that the collaboration with China will bring valuable expertise in high-speed railway construction while also signifying a milestone in Thailand's infrastructure development.
Our Take
Although I love the idea of Thailand being a country with a fully developed high speed rail system, it seems likely that this is all part China’s greater ‘Belt and Road’ initiative as far as commanding influence in the region (and beyond) goes. To have China leading the charge on the build-out will ensure that things happen quickly (as their some of the best high speed rail builders in the world), but it likely also comes with other repercussions. We shall see how this plays out.
Thailand Travel Tip - The Perfect 1-Hour Walk In Central Bangkok
Bangkok is known for its skyscrapers, skytrains, and sky bars, but one of my favourite things to do is actually at ground level… a good old fashioned walk. More specifically, a walk on the Green Mile… a well-maintained pathway that links Benjakitti Park, Benjakitti Central Forest, and Lumphini Park. To access it, you enter through the main gate of Benjakitti and head to the top left corner where you’ll find the entrance to the 1.6 KM long pathway. I know that’s probably a bit confusing for those that are from out of town, so I’ve left a Google Map link here. If you’re start and end point is Terminal 21, it’s the perfect 1-hour walk as it offers up a little bit of nature and a little bit of cityscape in a single package. If it’s something that you decide to tackle the next time you’re here, reach out to me by email and let me know what you think. I love using it as the perfect loop to get my steps in.
Thailand Reports 500% Increase In Dengue Fever
The Thailand dengue fever situation in 2023 continues to raise concerns with the Department of Disease Control (DDC) releasing a recent update on the situation. As of June 7th, a total of 19,503 cases have been reported, marking an increase of 475% compared to the same period in 2022 where 3,386 cases were recorded. Officials highlight that Dengue Fever has reached its highest levels in the past three years and is particularly concerning in the provinces of Bangkok, Trat, Nan, Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Mae Hong Son. The Ministry of Health predicts that the trend will continue on through rainy season before gradually declining in September. For those that don’t know, dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites. The incubation period can last up to two weeks, and the illness typically resolves itself within a week. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, as well as minor bleeding. Severe cases of dengue may lead to complications such as uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage), severe low blood pressure (shock), and organ failure.
Our Take
I wonder WHY there has been a five fold increase in dengue fever? I looked online to get a better idea on the situation in Thailand specifically, but wasn't able find much. I wish this is something that the source article highlighted instead of leaving us all guessing?
Only In Thailand 🇹🇭
Well, locals in Kanchanaburi Province certainly have an interesting way of summoning rain as El Niño limits rainfall in agricultural communities… The solution? Have a ritual with a giant, 600 KG wooden penis. 45 year old Thai man, Khun Manote, explained to Channel 3 that the majority of locals in the area rely on agricultural activities to make a living and that the lack of rain has been causing difficulties for them. He explained that they had to perform the ritual to request rainfall…
“We wanted the Devas in heaven to pay attention to us and realised that we needed rain, so we crafted the huge wooden penis to make the Devas clearly notice it.”
You can watch the full video here and crazy enough… it DID rain after the ritual so who knows, maybe they’re on to something! Only in Thailand 🇹🇭