"Its beautiful!" they said. "Like paradise" they said. "Watch out for ladyboys" is also something they said. So, off to Thailand I trotted with an open mind. I had a wonderful time and was repeatedly swept off my feet by how kind, friendly, and helpful everyone who didn't drive a tuqtuq was towards us.
However, with the exception of the wonderful service, if I'm truthful, I found myself frequently wondering what all the fuss was about.
The beaches, jungle, rock formations are all quite nice, but if you're looking for breathtaking tropical paradise you might be disappointed.
I can certainly see the appeal of the safe, wallet-friendly, accessible packet of land that is Thailand. And it is entirely likely that I am spoiled by Cape Town. I'm also sure that Thailand was a very different place 15 years ago than it is now. But the fact there is still a constant stream of people returning claiming it to be THE most beautiful place ever bemuses me. Garbage blights every populated part from the smallest villages to the towns. Even the supposed unspoilt 'paradise' islands have bays polluted by the crap pumped out by 100s of passing long boats, turning the water grey and soupy, plastic debris washes up on the beaches every morning and is cleaned by hand. Now, I actually don't consider any of these things deal breakers, I'm pretty realistic about the ramifications of so many people clamouring to visit one rapidly developing corner of the planet at the same time.
However what we haven't mentioned is the flattery and sex trade that Thailand boasts.
A distinctly rough looking paradise where men are made to feel like kings gets regaled as the most wonderful place in the world. Coincidence? Possibly. Elephant in the Thai Tourist Board room? Definitely.
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