The 13th of October is a public holiday in Thailand marking the death anniversary of the late His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty, Thailand. My previous visit to the Saphan Hin area of Phuket was probably during the preparations for his funeral towards the end of 2017 (yes, we had … Continue reading Long Walk to Saphan Hin, Phuket
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Thainess Part 3: King, Nationalism & Religion
The Monarchy Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, and the royal family is revered throughout the country. The previous King -- Bhumibol Adulyadej, better known in the West as Rama IX -- was especially beloved for his six decades of public service and humble demeanor. Following his death in October 2016, his son Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama … Continue reading Thainess Part 3: King, Nationalism & Religion
Muang Phuket Local Post: New Issue — 180 Years of Thai-American Friendship, 11 December 2013
In 1818, a merchant ship from the very young United States of America first arrived in the ancient Kingdom of Siam in the first recorded contact between the two nations. The ship carried a letter of greeting from U.S. President James Monroe. Christian missionaries soon arrived, becoming the first Americans to settle in the … Continue reading Muang Phuket Local Post: New Issue — 180 Years of Thai-American Friendship, 11 December 2013
Mark Joseph Jochim 