BACK IN SIAM - ONCE AGAIN

On a rainy Monday morning, 18 December 2017 (exactly a month after entering Malaysia) I left the country via the river bridge from Rantau Panjang to Sungai Kolok in Thailand.

As is often the case, people on both sides of a country border are fairly similar regarding their culture. In this case, this region of Thailand is very Muslem (the rest of Thailand is very Buddhist). The Thai police patrol the roads in order to quell any Muslim uprising (there were bombs in Bangkok and HuaHin about a year ago). Apparently these people want a separate Muslem state from Thailand. It was raining all the time on the road here, as in Malaysia. The police escorted me for some time, to protect me from Islam I guess. (The police even gave me water and juice, and took pics of me, etc). Late PM my escort was lax, chatting to their mates at a check point, and I ducked into a mosque where I stayed comfortably for the night.

On another evening I was looking out for an overnight spot, and I saw something. I turned in there and that "something" turned out to be where all the police were camping. Building work was still in progress, but it seems the place is intended to be some sort of livestock loading facility. Fine, these guys were very friendly. I already had my own dinner, but they gave me breakfast (different sections were competing to see who could cook the best breakfast).

Then I got to Hat Yai on 21 December. I wanted to take the train that day because I had promised Pannee I would be back on the farm in Ubon by Xmas. After riding in the rain and smelling like a rat, I arrived at the Hat Yai train station about one hour before departure. I had to settle for 3rd class bench to Bangkok (20 hr), and another 3rd class onward to Ubon Ratchathani (12 hr). And then cycle to the farm close to Ban Trakan village in Ubon province, where I would re-unite with Pannee. Yes, it was a happy re-union for about one day. I had misgivings about going back, although Pannee did not know about that. But unfortunately I had to end this relationship, and I did. Reasons? Unfair to her that I could not support her and her children while she was on unpaid leave to be with me at the farm every time - I cannot properly support myself, even just on the bike!. I still love her, so this separation was hard for me to do. Pannee also did not accept it easily - anyway, I will spare you all the drama.

Distances cycled since crossing from Malaysia back to Thailand have been:- Sai Buri 113 km; Pattani 83 km; Village Watt 74 km; Hat Yai 35 km; (2 days train via Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani); Ban Trakan (Pannee Farm) 55 km. Total cycled thus far is 150 798 km.

On Xmas day, 25 December 2017, I was back on the road again. I was in very low spirits, and did not cycle very far each day for the next few days. Then I realised that I may actually feel better if I DO put in a bit more effort!

The road was very busy (New Year), and even the fancy truck drivers would rather create an exhibit than to sit in that traffic.

So I was on the road between Xmas and New Year. Thailand is Buddhist, so why all the Xmas rush?!! Also, Thai New Year is only in a couple of months?!! Anyway, Thai people like any kind of festival or celebration I guess.

This is one of the temples where they did not want me to stay. The "boss" monk was away, and above all, there were "female monks" (or Nuns?). I had come up a very steep hill on my "broken" bike after a long day, and I camped outside the Watt gate (I could still get water, and use toilet inside!!?). Later a superior did come apologise and invite me inside, but no point to move then).

So I made it to Leana's condo in Pattaya. Ok, Jomtien suburb if you do not like the name "Pattaya". Very nice place, and I am having a nice rest. Leana is not home - still on her way back from taking a client on a tour to Malaysia. My bike is a mess, and again my sister Olga has offered to sponsor the things I need most desperately (actually everything!).

Therefore, more daily distances since leaving Pannee in Ubon. Not much to start with due to low spirits, etc. Here we go:- Lao Sua Kok (where I had a bad accident in Sept 2016); 40 km; Ubon village 59 km; Ban Nong Kok 39 km; Samrong Thap 65 km; Surin 57 km; Prakhon Chai 84 km; Choc Chai 103 km; Thai Samakki 75 km; Phanom Sarakham 95 km; Nho Samet 71 km; Khao Mai Kaeo 86 km; and Jomtien (Pattaya) 39 km. Total distance cycled to this point is 151 611 km.