I began Chiang Mai on a strange note. Shortly after checking into my hostel, I was cleaning out my inbox when I found a disturbing blurb in the Council on Foreign Relations: THAILAND: Thai police shut down a meeting hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand to discuss abuses (AP) against Rohingya Muslims by … Continue reading Thailand Part III: Navigating Perception and Reality in Chiang Mai
Hostels
Thailand Part II: Koh Phangan’s Balancing Act
Jay’s suggestion to visit Koh Phangan was a curious one given the island’s reputation. Rough Guides describes Koh Phangan’s famed Full Moon Party as “Apocalypse Now but without the war.” The party traces its origins to a small group of hippies that descended on Haad Rin Beach in the early 60s to escape a ravenous … Continue reading Thailand Part II: Koh Phangan’s Balancing Act
Thailand Part I: Among Bangkok’s Backpackers and Bustle
On my first night in Thailand, I drank a Chang beer inside of a loud, top 40s dance club along Khao San Road surrounded by westerners. I had discarded my plastic 7-Eleven poncho on a chair as I took shelter from the rain. Despite the torrential downpour, I couldn’t help but smile as I gazed … Continue reading Thailand Part I: Among Bangkok’s Backpackers and Bustle
Separate Points 