All Over Thailand

Hey Joël,

I’m not nostalgic because I don’t know the country—I’m going to discover it through your photos and story! 😊

From afar, we’ve explored quite a few horizons—and animals—together. Thanks for your friendly visit!

When those who swear only by the islands have had enough, rest assured: Thailand has over 3,000 km of coastline that doesn’t disappoint.

You really need to know the country, spot billboards, get tipped off about a "great deal," or explore a region to stumble upon a great restaurant tucked away in a lush, bucolic setting.

Over time, you’ll have a few pleasant surprises like this that leave lasting memories.

Depending on the dishes you choose, prices aren’t necessarily higher than elsewhere. It’s true, though, that you mostly see foreigners or middle-to-upper-class Thais there.

The most striking thing? The peace and quiet.

The bright side:



The flip side:

Pineapple field.

In just a few years, cafés have sprung up like mushrooms across the country. A sign of modernization and adapting to tourist demand.

They range from tiny prefab shacks to small landscaped complexes, including trendy cafés with quality Wi-Fi and stylish decor.

A great reason to take a break in the countryside during a long trip.

Sometimes it's tough to choose your next resort in Thailand.

After a very long lull following the Covid episodes, business has picked up again in the Kingdom of Siam. Tourists are returning, new expats too apparently, and in some places, they're clearing land, excavating, and digging—even as just a few steps away, many ongoing projects remain stalled, neglected, or abandoned.

With the prospect of new local millionaires who will spend big to import their Mercedes or Porsche from abroad. And just as many bankruptcies because the project didn’t meet expectations, financial forecasts were rushed, or due to a financial setback.



It’s not uncommon for a truck to deliver goods on a Saturday night at 10 PM. As for Sunday, it doesn’t exist the way we know it. Some give the impression they’re working non-stop. A laborer’s wage is around 400 baht per day, which isn’t much by our standards. So everyone tries to work as much as possible—back home, we’d call that "putting butter on the spinach." One day, you realize that a huge number of Thais work every day of the week, all year round, and sometimes until the end of their lives. That’s because retirement and social security are only a rough sketch of what they offer in some Western countries.

Many workers aren’t specialized. There are mostly "jacks-of-all-trades," and the results show it. The first thing that surprises you is the practice of building the boundary walls before the house. They have professional equipment, more or less suited, simply because of the cost and because development didn’t happen at the same pace as in Western countries. Work is often done the old-fashioned way and with a bit of improvisation. Sometimes, there’s ingenuity in their resourcefulness. Anyone building a house has every reason to check in very regularly.

Termite treatment is forgotten or done poorly, walls aren’t straight, the ceiling isn’t insulated in the right place or with the right material, one day the pool mysteriously leaks, and during the rainy season, water seeps up through the walls. The most noticeable thing for passersby is the finishes. The concept of a clean finish still needs to be conquered in these latitudes. It seems painters don’t have rags to wipe up the drips staining walls and floors. If you’re renovating a house, it’s essential to think about removing lamps, furniture, and plants—otherwise, they’ll get a partial makeover too.

It’s quite a sight (and sound) to hear workers at their jobs. All you hear are exclamations, calls, laughter, and giggles. Authentic, guaranteed. Beyond that, conversations suggest they’re improvising to fix what wasn’t carefully planned beforehand.

I remember a conversation with a hotel owner in Bang Saphan 11 years ago. He’d built a lovely little resort with houses like the ones back in England: nice roofing, thick walls, efficient glazing. He told me that several locals had commented it wasn’t necessary to go to so much trouble—that you could build faster and cheaper. When it breaks, just repair it. While it’s true you can build at a low cost, you can also expect to have to repair things regularly. The result is that you end up with buildings that require constant maintenance. That is, if the maintenance actually gets done.

Staff availability is unpredictable, and that goes for all trades. Scolding an employee or explaining how to do things differently and better can sometimes mean they won’t come back the next day. Too much work, a job that’s too stressful, or another offer from someone else can have the same effect. Note that employees might feel stressed when three customers show up at once when they’re used to only one at a time.

Thais aren’t the only ones who love plants, but when they love them, they *really* love them. Decorative greenery often spills over onto the sidewalk or even the street.



So, it’s no surprise to see horticulturists just about everywhere, even deep in the countryside.



The most surprising part? The prices. Compared to back home, it’s a steal.

When those who swear only by the islands have had enough, rest assured: Thailand has over 3,000 km of coastline that holds its own.



Hi,

My favorite spot—I’ve been coming here for 12 years. It’s ideal for spending the winter.

Pretty much the same for me, though I prefer the Chiang Mai area. Some people just don’t know what they’re missing. Last time I was there, we went for a nice little hotel way out on the west side of town—just 7 or 8 bungalows. But the pool was 24 meters by 12! Too bad I didn’t take any photos.

wouldn’t it be around Pakmeng?

oh no, not at all

Proof you wouldn’t want to be in the chicken’s place, even if it’s drizzled with honey....

Over the millennia, the physiology of Thais has adapted to the climate. Yet, I’m still amazed to see them wearing sweaters or long pants almost year-round, while all we’d want is to ditch our shorts and shirts.

Many tourists do just that, without considering that the country’s society remains quite modest and mindful of respecting others. Given the UV exposure, the coverage of such clothing provides protection, especially for those who work outdoors. Among them, you’ll spot some who stand out with their worker hoods.

Thais can even feel a bit cold in December and January, even in provinces where daytime temperatures drop below 30°C (86°F) and nights can go below 20°C (68°F).

When we step outside, we sometimes think some people are just badly dressed. But abroad, it can feel like fashion has frozen in the 1950s or 60s.



In Thailand, there’s a love for extravagant creativity.



Instead of swimming fully clothed, Thais are gradually adopting swimsuits—still quite modest and oddly stylish.

A sample of the latest kids' fashion:





That said, no matter what they’re wearing, some people are just adorable:

Hello. I just read your message, which only talks about dogs and very little else about Thailand. The first time I went there was in 1987, then again in 1988. There were mangy dogs everywhere, and it was pretty rough. Since then, they’ve eliminated a large number of them. I returned in 2007 with a one-year visa, and it wasn’t dogs that were overrunning the place anymore—it was tourists. The islands where we used to go with fishermen were gone, replaced by packed boats. 2008 was the same, and then until 2019, I traveled all over Asia—Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, 13 months in Indonesia—long story short. In 2019, I went back to Thailand and rented a car for five months to explore the North/Northeast. It was magnificent. To wrap things up, we got stuck in the country because of Covid. It was amazing—no one around. I rented a motorbike, and it felt like a return to 1987-88. Shops, goods in abundance, fruit vendors in the streets. And no dogs trying to nip at our calves. Wishing you great future travels. For us now, it’s Europe in a camper van. We got a taste for it in Australia—we bought a Hilux camper 4x4 and traveled around for two years and four months. It was incredible. Cheers, Monique

Hi there,

It only took you a month and a half to discover the first post in this travel journal. You should realize in less than a month that there are others below, covering different topics.

February is a transitional month in many regions of Thailand, with weather somewhere between summer and the scorching heat.

While passing through, I ordered some ice cubes for my next sodas.

The provincial electricity office is full of ideas for recycling equipment.

Interesting to hear your take on this captivating country!

Have a great day!

Thanks for your reaction! I’m really into travel journals and the joy they bring to those who love flipping through them.

This isn’t just about feelings—it’s more about realities. People might see these things differently based on their mindset or experiences, but everything I say is accurate, except when I exaggerate a bit with my sense of humor....

It’s true that visiting a country multiple times helps you understand its reality better!

You still have to be interested and understand certain things. Nothing beats the knowledge of those who have been living there for a long time, if they're willing to share what they know.

Many people must be asking themselves a lot of questions about the incredible wave of decriminalization or legalization of cannabis around the world.

Thailand has followed this trend. Until recently, it was strictly prohibited, and possession could lead to severe legal penalties even for small quantities. However, since June 9, 2022, cannabis is no longer classified as a narcotic, and its cultivation and consumption are no longer banned. The turnaround was impressive.

Naturally, dedicated shops have sprung up like mushrooms overnight.



Currently in Thailand, while some are protesting against cannabis, others are demonstrating in favor of it.

It’s worth noting that not everyone is suited to using this plant, and some tourists have had major setbacks after trying it for the first time—often consuming too much of a product that, over the decades, has become quite potent due to its THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient) levels.

I was particularly thinking of those tourists who ended up in the hospital in Thailand over the past two years. There have been all kinds of cases: those who were sold it without being told exactly what it was, those who were sold it without being warned about the dosage limit, and those who expected a milder effect... Some tourists may have consumed several times the recommended amount.

This product, aside from making people laugh—or even burst into laughter—relaxes, calms, and helps put things into perspective. It also pairs well with music. The big difference from alcohol is that you retain self-control and it doesn’t make you aggressive. There are other characteristics that decency prevents me from mentioning. On the other hand, it’s not great for ambition, studies, or professional activities. Though, it really depends on the person.



The truth is, for people who smoke cannabis, the problem isn’t where the general public might think. The real issue is that joints contain a mix of tobacco and cannabis, and since you roll them yourself, there’s no filter. A joint is equivalent to at least half a pack of cigarettes. It’s also important to know that this product significantly affects brain development until it’s fully formed, meaning before the age of 20. Finally, it should be noted that for people with mental health imbalances, the risk of psychosis is heightened.

For reference, there are currently around 4 million users in France, across all layers of society.

In Thailand, one key factor in the debate is, of course, money.

The money for those at the top who benefit from the windfall, the money for the small business owners who set up shops after the law changed, and the money for the farmers.

Once it became clear that things had gone too far in one direction (absolute prohibition), people now realize they may have gone too far in the other (uncontrolled legalization).

Ultimately, they’re now trying to find a balanced solution—if one exists. The goal is to ensure that sensitive noses in cities aren’t bothered by that distinctive, lingering smell, and that prudish eyes don’t see too many people completely out of it. It’s true that some people don’t know how to behave.

And let’s face it: with a sudden ban, there would be some unintended consequences, including new unemployment.

The winning party in the last elections would like to ban the product again but can’t because they formed a coalition with a party that opposes the ban.

The new bill tries to please everyone—it bans without banning and allows without allowing. The planned upheaval for January 1, 2025, didn’t happen.

Going forward, it’s expected that cannabis will still be allowed for medical use, as before, and recreational use won’t be banned but will be permitted under certain conditions. At first, it seems like no one understands where they’re going with this, but on reflection, maybe they’re trying to refine the legislation and find some middle ground.

Only time will tell how this will all play out in the end.

What a journey for this little plant with such pretty leaves: it helped our civilization conquer the world thanks to hemp, which was used for ship ropes; it’s used to make strong, natural clothing; and it relieves pain for patients with cancer or glaucoma.

Market day. Still need to unload.

Climbing plant on a downhill slope?

At the post office, the clerk is wearing cute hair clips. Even though she’s looking down, you can tell someone’s there.

Some restaurants really stand out thanks to their decorative concept. Well done—it’s great when aesthetics have their place too.

If the owner is French and also the chef, the menu is Franco-Thai, which is even better for variety in choices.

The rise of restaurants with a "natural" concept is worth noting, and we can't complain about it. Sometimes it feels like you're paying for the decor given the bill, but that's not always the case. The good news is that the menu is quite varied.

The challenge is finding them, though. They're often located in the outskirts or even far from towns.













The menu shown costs 960 baht.

Psychologically, is it better to face the sea to really enjoy the fish and seafood?

Electrical wiring in Thailand is quite an art. Twists, knots, and loops—it doesn’t matter as long as the current flows.

Sometimes everything in the house fries when lightning strikes elsewhere, there are mysterious voltage drops that make electrical appliances run in slow motion, groaning over their lost vitality, and cable replacements might leave you without power for over half a day without any warning...





Yet, what an art the Thais have for blending technology into nature, creating a fusion of the electricity fairy and the tropical elf!

Pre- or post-monsoon clouds, fluffy at will or as threatening as can be. Sometimes, the predicted apocalypse fizzles out.

Electrical wiring in Thailand is quite an art. Twists, knots, and loops—it doesn’t matter as long as the current flows.

Sometimes everything in the house burns out when lightning strikes elsewhere, there are puzzling voltage drops that make electrical appliances run sluggishly, groaning from their lost vitality, and cable replacements might cut your power for over half a day without any warning...





Yet, what an art the Thais have for blending technology with nature, creating a fusion of the electricity fairy and the tropical elf!



Hello, Those are fiber optic cables with remnants of copper cables (in the first photo) that are being phased out across nearly all of Thailand. Worth noting are the new electrical standards, including the introduction of grounded outlets, walls, and appliances, the phasing out of US-style (flat) plugs, and residual-current circuit breakers, which will significantly reduce the many electrocutions. Best regards.

Sometimes, one massage parlor or another wants to avoid misunderstandings.

If you ever decide to do the loop in the northwest of the country, you’ll pass through Mae Hong Son. Just a few kilometers from this town, the Fern Resort stands out with its eco-friendly concept. No TV or phone in the rooms, and a very eco-conscious soap.

It’s probably one of the best-designed places in Thailand. There are plenty of trees and plants selected to provide food for local wildlife, a stream runs through the entire property, and there are two pools—one overlooking small rice paddies—and further on, ponds with Muscovy ducks. Wherever you look, there’s nothing but nature, a slightly tamed jungle. The bungalows blend seamlessly into this lush environment.

The resort has been around since roughly the 90s and has received government subsidies because it employs non-professional staff—meaning locals from nearby villages, including Karen and Shan minorities. From the most junior staff to the manager, everyone is incredibly friendly and focused on guest comfort. Of course, that’s often the case in Thailand, but here the bar is set high. It’s also worth noting that the restaurant offers a great variety of quality dishes at reasonable prices, which isn’t common in Thai hotels. There are a few cocktails on the menu, and you can enjoy high-quality coffees/cappuccinos at any time.

Good to know: The property borders a national park, and a staircase within the resort leads to its entrance. You can take a 4-hour loop trail featuring three waterfalls and several remarkable trees. The resort’s adorable dogs are even used to hiking the loop with guests, helping them navigate tricky junctions.

You’ll see photos at the reception with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt—they stayed here when she was adopting her children.

Thais are incredibly resourceful, partly because they have to make do with what’s available.

Here, in a hotel, the handle of a sliding door to access the bathroom. Built by a mason?

Off the beaten track, it’s not necessarily a tourist wasteland, but there are destinations that are worth the effort and require a bit of personal research.

For example, in Singburi Province, within a very small area, you can discover a memorial commemorating a historic battle, a large and fascinating temple packed with details—including one of Thailand’s biggest reclining Buddhas—a guesthouse run by a Frenchman offering comfortable beds and a large pool, and a charming little set of ruins featuring a prang (tower) in pretty good condition.

Thailand, the land of blue drinks and black burgers?

Hi Arnaud, Where exactly is this amazing beach, please? I’m leaving in mid-November for a month—Bangkok for 4 nights, then Trang, Koh Mook, Koh Tradan, Railay (next to Ao Nang), Nopparat Thara (on the other side of Ao Nang), Khao Lak, Ao Khanom, and maybe Koh Samui... I’m mainly looking for spots that aren’t overrun by mass tourism. Do you have any suggestions or tips to share? Thanks in advance, and enjoy your trip! Jacques

I’ve already mentioned dogs in Thailand. But you might ask: what about the cats? Well, some of them aren’t doing too badly.

Some traditional vehicles. Theme: red-orange.

A classic.

Outside a temple in the north. Buddha is big and we are small.

A nod to the just-finished Tour de France: the broom wagon.

In a country that’s also modernizing at its own pace, small trades barely make ends meet for some but add a touch of exoticism for tourists. Price-wise, no contest: they’re the cheapest.

A preserved traditional dwelling, somewhere in Chiang Rai. Often made of teak, sometimes on stilts due to the monsoon, with openings here and there so the air can circulate and the heat doesn’t linger.

A little nod to the ongoing series about the countryside, made by our friend Songsam. Yeah! [:P]

But good grief, what on earth do they put in pesticides there—it's a miracle we're still alive!

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, they're trying to ease the city's congestion by building new elevated roads.





The more the city risks sinking, the more they build tall buildings.





A young woman from the hi-so crowd in a frilly miniskirt steps out of a shopping mall, at the foot of which an elderly, disabled, and apparently homeless woman wakes up.

Despite strict regulations from the authorities, you’ve got to be either persistent or patient to get a taxi to use the meter instead of a flat rate. With a flat rate, the price can double or even quadruple. It’s true that on some streets, a ride can take forever. But why do people born in the heat always feel the need to crank the air conditioning to the max in vehicles?

Prices double in the capital—it’s the price you pay for feeling and living the city’s energy. The smells of the sewers compete with those of heavily perfumed passersby. However, the dominant scent is that of food: this city and this country definitely whet your appetite.