Bangkok Dangerous - Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. It is located in the historic center of Bangkok. Getting there is easy. I didn't took their tuk-tuk (tuk tuk is only for the locals, if a foreigner hitches a ride it will be way expensive) or taxi there. I took public boat from Sathorn pier. At first the taxi driver brought us to a private boat trip tour that charged us 1200 baht per person. For those who are going to visit Bangkok, beware of taxi drivers that make pact with the local tour agents.

Not falling to their trap, we decided to look for ourselves the public boat. We manage to get local directions. The one day unlimited boat trip along the Chao Phraya river is just 120 baht! The original price was 150 baht but because of the recent strike that ruin the tourism sector, they reduce it by 30 baht. Not a bad timing to visit Bangkok though. We were concerned before we go to Thailand that there might be another strike this time by the red team (Thaksin supporters). I told Han Ching, no yellow and no red shirts for the whole 3D 2N tour.

A majestic guardian figure guarding an exit to Grand Palace. You can find this figure almost in every temples. To be frank, this figure can be quite scary at night. Just imagine this figure turn to life and fight with Ultraman. Sure Ultraman will lose.

They even employed "Kwan Kung" as the second line in defence of the temple. Who knows Ultraman might win the first battle jsut in case? Sometimes, you do find it weird that you can actually see some Chinese ancient deities blended into their Buddhism religion.

Architecture wise, it has its own uniqueness. Wondering what engineering standard or code they used to come up with this structure? A little bit of Buddhism effect, gem, gold, cement and concrete and walla... A wonderful structure that withstood the test of time and also the threat of thieves. If you mange to cart away with one of the column or door, I'm sure you can buy a new Ferrari by selling the gem itself.

I guessed I am lucky to visit Bangkok at this time of the year. Source says the best time to come to Bangkok is early of the year. The morning is cool and windy. Although in the afternoon the weather is warm but it certainly not like the hot and humid weather in Malaysia where you will certainly lose gallons of sweat. Having said so, that does not mean you can get away from bringing along your cap and drinking bottle. Because you are moving around in the city, the air is tend to be filled with exhaust gas from cars.

Talking about car, Thais love to use truck more than passenger car. You see all those 4WD trucks to hit the road so often that you might thought what sort of heavy equipments they bring everyday. Thais are very innovative and creative. They basically convert their truck into a multi-purpose killing machine cash earning vehicle. You will notice truck turned mini public bus everywhere. They put a hood on the back of their truck and install cushioned seats. Don't be surprise if you see 10-15 peoples crammed up the places at the back of the truck. One taxi driver told me that Japanese dislikes the Thais because the people here basically turn their luxurious Toyota and Nissan into some cheapskate four wheel vehicle.

During my stay here, I noticed they even have this motorbike taxi. Just imagine you are 5 minutes from being late for your job interview in the city because of traffic jam. The car won't even move an inch. Your taxi driver is honking and honking but to no avail. Your destination is still 2km away and judging from the thick makeup and mascara you painted on the face, you are actually of no difference of looking like a daytime zombie if you decided to embark on sweaty marathon dash. Or worse for sweaty guys, the interviewer might thought you broke their office toilet water tap. How you wish there's a motorcyclist that knock on your windows and told you:

"Don't worry ma'am , I will drop you to the destination for 20 baht."

You can reach on time and no need to mess up your hair by wearing any helmets. Sounds great? Yup, there is this service available in Thailand. I'm sure if this service are being implemented in Malaysia, there is sure a way for the Mat Rempits to turn over new leaf.

Who wouldn't pay a cheap RM2 for a 4-5km ride from LRT to their house right? Business opportunity. Modal is low and demand is high.

I'm a Buddhist and I have to shamefully admit that I'm not that religious in the sense that I go to temple during Chinese New Year. In Thailand, the people here have strong believe in Buddhism.

Go to any store in the vicinity of this Wat Phra Kaew, you will notice thousands or millions of effigy or figure or amulet of Buddha in any sizes, colors and materials.

I have people that collects Coca-Cola can, soccer trading card, stamps and postcards. How about effigy of Buddha for a change?

Even though, you might see that the youngsters here are Westernised, yet they are all very polite. They look polite behave polite. Not like us. We look impolite but actually very polite.

I guess that is even better than look polite but actually impolite. Hmm.. sounds like our politician right? Perhaps, that is why they are called politician (POLITE-ONLY-IN-ELECTION).