Thailand the “Land of Lifestyle”
By Barry Trewin
Again, I have had the pleasure to visit Thailand, the land of smiling faces.
I had two reasons for my visit, one was to meet a lady who is now very special to me and the other was to visit some old friends. Since my last visit I have expressed a great admiration towards my Thai friends
who had previously showed me hospitality that I would never forget.
Sonu at Tna's Property
I boarded the Thai International flight in Melbourne on Thursday 13th October as I headed
off on a 10 day experience of a life time. I am convinced that Thailand is not only a beautiful
country, but the lifestyle is something that cannot be put into words. I suggest and encourage,
people from around the world to experience this for themselves,
they can feel free to contact me for any queries they might have.
The heat is very different to the cold and windy Ballarat where I reside, but coming
originally from the drier Mallee region in Victoria, I was actually enjoying every minute of
the warmer conditions.
I again spent time in Bangkok, this time in the Bangrak district, also visiting Rayong,
Chon Buri and Pattaya. I spent the first few days with my friend Sonu Lama and I still
cannot believe how lucky I am to have met this lady. I visited the Patporn market and many
other sites on Friday and Saturday, after which I had the opportunity on the Sunday night to
meet Sornthep Gomutputra, Vice Chairman of the Thai Racing Pigeon Federation.
I had previously only corresponded with Sornthep via email after he had sent an article for
our website, regarding a handicap system for pigeon racing. This subject has always intrigued
me, especially given that only two months earlier, I had written a very similar article on the
same subject. I eagerly made contact with Sornthep and we discussed our articles, and on meeting
him in Bangkok, I was amazed that the two of us, from different parts of the world, had the very
same thoughts and that both of us had been making efforts to encourage other fanciers to open
their minds to new possibilities which can enhance pigeon racing and attract new members to
the sport.
Barry and Sornthep
Over a very nice meal, we talked and discussed many ideas regarding pigeon racing in both
Australia and Thailand. As a result of our discussions about reciprocal arrangements between
Thailand and Australia, I will be obtaining more articles from Sornthep in the future, which
will be an asset to have on our website and the soon to be released internet pigeon magazine.
These articles should be for all pigeon fanciers from around the world to read, to get a better
insight into pigeon racing in Thailand.
On Monday, Sonu and myself headed towards Rayong to meet my good friend Tna Dharmajiva, who
conducts the Thai International One Loft Event on his property. We discussed the viability of
the Mallee Classic becoming involved in the Thai International event. Tna’s property is like a
tropical paradise, beautiful palms, trees and scenery with views of the nearby lake and
surrounding pineapple plantations. In the middle of the property, is the magnificent loft for housing the International birds
for the one loft event. Facilities are excellent and with the acreage around the property,
this is an ideal place to conduct an International One Loft Event! Over the next four days, Tna and I had many discussions regarding the management of the event
and the involvement of the Mallee Classic with the Thai event, including the “Friendship Cup”
which is part the Australian Mallee Classic.
We were also able to meet up with Chan Chailertvanitkul on Tuesday night for another night out.
Chan is another Thai fancier whom I had previously met. Once again, I enjoyed discussing
different aspects of pigeon racing with him. On the Wednesday we returned to Bangkok with Tna and later that day we had the pleasure of
visiting the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. After a fantastic meal I was encouraged to play guitar
and sing a few songs for the patrons. Having previously been a professional musician, I haven’t played seriously for close to ten
years, but I still love to play the guitar and sing a few songs. I was having a very enjoyable
time there, but the night was not yet over! After leaving the Royal Bangkok Sporting Club, Tna suggested we visit another club, The Tami
Club in the Japanese district in Bangkok, only this time I was to spend a couple of hours with
the band. The Thai people are a very joyful, they love to live life and this shows by their
participation when there is music playing.
Chan, Tna and Families - Tna, Barry and Chan
After a fantastic night, I got to experience the Bangkok traffic first hand as a driver,
unfortunately for me I took a couple of wrong exits and what should have been a two hour
drive turned into three, so what an eventful night for all. Close to Tna’s property is the
Dok Krai Lakeside Resort, which overlooks the magnificent Haui Dok Krai Lake. They have quite
comfortable facilities there, where visiting fanciers from around the world can stay and only
a short distance from the Thai International Loft.
Dok Krai Lakeside Resort
The next night we were able to catch up with an old acquaintance, Willi Netzer, whom I originally
met via the internet and on my previous visit to Thailand.We had an outstanding meal at Anton’s German Restaurant in Pattaya; this was one of the best
restaurants that I have been to in Thailand, a credit to the owner and staff and well worth the
visit if anyone is visiting that area. It was good to discuss many different things since we had last met. Willi has a horse trail
riding business for tourists and visitors alike. We found that we had quite a few common
interests in other facets of life and business, so it was good to sit and talk with Willi and
others to catch up on different points of view.
Barry, Sonu and Willi - Tna and Willi (Anton's Restaurant)
The following day we experienced even more great hospitality from our fine host Tna Dharmajiva
at his house with more friends visiting, another great meal and fantastic conversation. In the
afternoon Sonu and I headed back to Bangkok where we met up with Sonu’s friend Tina. After dining
on even more of the superb Thai fare in Bangkok, we again headed back to the Tami club, for I had
not had enough of the music of a couple of nights previously. I do miss the music scene, so this was another most enjoyable night singing and playing guitar
with the band Thai-jin. These guys could play most music that I would regard as the old classic’s
(from my era anyway) Rolling Stones, Status Quo and the Eagles. I thank these guys for their time
and music ability while I was with them and I look forward to spending more time in Thailand and
perhaps doing quite a bit of playing and singing with these guys in the future.
Fanciers at the Bangkok Racing Pigeon Club
Saturday saw us visiting the big markets again, bargains were everywhere! That evening we
attended the Bangkok Racing Pigeon Club and had the chance to discuss more pigeon topics. I
was able to see their transporter, clock room, and meet the various fanciers in attendance.
I wanted to also catch up with another top fancier Teerapol Techavichian from the famous Lookgrok
Lofts, but unfortunately we missed each other, but we have made definite plans to catch up with
each other early next year in March, when I visit Thailand again. After the Club visit, Sornthep invited us out to a Chinese restaurant to join some of the Thai
fanciers, which was another good night spent discussing many topics and not just pigeons.I thank Sornthep Gomutputra for his time and hospitality while I was in Bangkok.
Sunday was my
last day in Thailand and I really did not wish to leave, spending the day with Sonu before flying
out on the Sunday evening. I had a chance to phone my various hosts before leaving, to thank them
for their hospitality.
At the Chinese Restaurant
The lifestyle in this country of paradise is outstanding, and I am very happy to be involved in
some major developments for pigeon racing which will give me a further chance to make new friends
and contacts from all around the world.
I was most impressed with the phenomenal development of industry and commerce since my last visit.
The country is moving forward in many ways that other countries should learn from. I am pleased to
be now more involved in the promotion of this wonderful country, people and pigeon racing, and I
am thankful that I have made so many good friends.
If anybody has any queries about the Thai International One Loft Event or about pigeon racing
in Thailand, please feel free to contact me via my
email.