How can you go to Thailand and not immediately think of that song? I went to Bangkok last week and had those lyrics running through my head, at least the few lines I remember: One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble, and something with despair and ecstasy. It goes well with the madness of the place. I just wikipediad it and the lyrics are actually quite bizar. It’s from a concept album about two chess players and the sordid love triangle they end up in with their female manager. Who knew ?
I don’t see you guys rating
The kind of mate I’m contemplating
I’d let you watch, I would invite you
But the queens we use would not excite you
And no, there’s no double entendre there. But I digress. What I wanted to talk about is not the usual mix of backpackers, fried cockroaches and the way prostitutes work the clubs in packs, always a ‘brother’ present. Maybe I’ll get to that later. I wanted to say something about the wonderful world of Muay Thai or Thai Boxing.
Given the name it’s not surprising that it’s Thailand’s national sport. I saw some matches last Sunday and it’s a fascinating thing. First the fighters come out and perform various ritual prayers, greetings and signs of respect, bowing down deeply. Then they kick the shit out of each other. They do so for 5 rounds at the end of which it’s an utter mystery who won.
Points are awarded for correct and dominating Thai boxing style. I guessed the outcome wrong half the time. You’d think that the guy who was beaten to a bloody pulp for 15 minutes or so is the loser, but you could well be wrong. Points are awarded for defensive style too. It’s confusing. Watch the video below and it seems to be just as confusing to the participants. Can’t tell from their reactions who won.
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October 30, 2009 at 3:05 am
Nong Bangkok Hotels
I can’t deny that you have very good idea. By the way, from my experience of Bangkok trip. I think that looking for accommodation around Sukhumvit are is the good idea because Sukhunvit is in the heart of the shopping district, both in terms of large department stores and the various stalls lining both sides of the road. The various side-streets provide a proliferation of nightlife venues. For the renowned and well-known spots, you will need to walk onwards past the Asok crossroads to Sukhumvit Soi 21 or Soi Cowboy. This area also offers a wide selection of cuisine to choose from, both in terms of air-conditioned high-end restaurants and open air restaurants offering quite reasonable prices.