The Clock Tower, Lumphini Park, Bangok

The Clock Tower, Lumphini Park, Bangok, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Another photo of Lumphini Park. The Chinese style clock tower was built in 1925 for a trade fair. It rings every hour and can be heard quite some distance away.

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Waiting for a Fare

 

In some parts of Thailand, samlors as the three wheeled bicycle taxis are known are still quite common. You never see them in Bangkok anymore, but venture a little further afield and there are plenty around, although I have to say, that the drivers tend to be old, so it could be, that they are a dyeing breed. They are not particularly used by tourists but by the locals. Indeed, in Samut Sakhon where this picture was taken, we were the only foreigners around.

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Skytrain Approaching Chit Lom Station

Skytrain Approaching Chit Lom Station, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

The Skytrain in Bangkok has been open since 1999. A 2 stop extension over the Chao Phraya river to Wong Wian Yai has recently opened and work is under way to extend the line from On Nut towards Samut Prakan. Originally, little used, it is now packed both during the week in the rush hours and also by shoppers at weekends. This HDR shot was taken from Chit Lom Station.

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Bangkok Tuk Tuks

Bangkok Tuk Tuks, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

This picture was shot in Thonburi which is West Bangkok, near to Wong Wian Yai railway station. Tuk tuks are an icon of Bangkok andI have quite a few photos of them as they do make for a photogenic subject. There do not seem to be as many of them as there were a few years ago but are still relatively plentiful.

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Bangkok Mosque

Bangkok Mosque, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

I know the name of this mosque but it just escapes me at this precise second. About the same distance away behind my back as I took this photo is a catholic church which has been built in Thai wat style. There always seems to be religious harmony in Bangkok which I guess is down to the predominantly Buddhist population. This is so contrary to the sad events in the south of the country.

A Monk in Thought

A Monk in Thought, originally uploaded by HellonEarth2006.

Living in Thailand, one becomes accustomed to seeing amber clad monks about the place. As well as in the wats (temples), they are often seen early morning collecting alms (food mainly). They can also be seen somewhat surprisingly, browsing the electrical and computer stores in Bangkok (Pantip Plaza is a famous computer mall where they are often seen).

This particular gentleman was spotted in a small village outside of Chiang Rai in the north of Thailand. He was with a group of other monks who all arrived in the back of a pickup truck. He just looked a little sad and preoccupied, not even noticing I was taking his photo.