late October/early November

late October/early November—in Pattaya.

My plans were (though they have changed several times this year) were to by now to be in central Thailand, exploring the small and quiet provinces which lie between the bustle of Bangkok and the provincial grandeur of the northern Thai city of Chang Mai, however ... in 2011 (2554 in the Buddhist Era) Thailand has been afflicted with severe floods, first in the south of the country, now in the north. Thus, I am still in the resort city of Pattaya. Not a hardship, but it can be a little wearying for a travelling man.

As at the 28th of October there is no major sign of distress in Pattaya, however, there is little if any bottled water to be purchased in the city. Road transport is being hampered by the floods. Also, there has been an influx of (wealthier) Thais into the city, comfortables refugees from Bangkok. Apart from this, things go on as before in the City on the Bay.

My plan now is to remain here until the end of November, and to then reassess. If I can I will travel north for a few weeks before returning to Australia for year end.

Best wishes for the people of Thailand.

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