CATS: Thailand June 2009

Mahatma Gandhi once said that a nation may be judged by the way it treats its animals. These cats and kittens were all found within temple grounds in Thailand. Despite the relative poverty, the cats seemed carefree and relatively well looked after. They shouldn't end up in anybody's cooking pots anytime soon.

Ginger stripes at Wat Arun, Bangkok.

Black beauty at Wat Arun, Bangkok.

Friendly half-Siamese at the

"Floating Nun" Temple 

(Wat Tham Mongkhon Thong),

outside Kanachanburi.

Ginger "tiger" at Jeath War Museum,

Kanchanaburi.

Cat family at Jeath War Museum, Kanchanaburi

which was founded by a Buddhist monk.

Pair of black kittens at the

Jeath War Museum, Kanchanaburi.

THAILAND, 2-7 June 2009

OK, I'll admit to committing the cardinal sin of missing most of the Grand Finals of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition 2009 by hopping off to Thailand. Here is the damning evidence - the photographs.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok

Wat Pra Keo, Bangkok

Sad-looking demon holding up the golden stupa at Wat Pra Keo.

Wat Pho, Bangkok

Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn
along the Chao Phraya River

Snake handling at the Queen Saovabha Institute (Snake Farm). Notice how the Girl Guides are looking at the snake-handler rather than the reticulated python.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Devotee making offerings at Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom. ("Dear Buddhas, how do I get a butt as slim as yours?")

Bridge Over the River Kwai Yai

The "Death Railway" between Tham Kra Sae and Wang Sing.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, ancient city of Ayutthaya.

Floating Pavilion at Bang Pa In, summer palace of the Royal Family.