Bangkok bounces back
PRIOR to the pandemic, Thailand was very popular with tourists. In 2019, around 40 million tourists visited the country, with many enthralled by the scenic tourists spots and pristine beaches.
Unfortunately, like most countries, the pandemic affected Thailand’s tourism sector in 2020 and 2021. But when the country finally announced it was reopening to international tourists, I took the opportunity to spend five days in its capital, Bangkok.
The city is now a hive of activity just like it was before the pandemic. I visited the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, more than an hour’s drive from the city centre. The floating markets are a unique experience for tourists looking to sample local culture. The vendors here sell food, fresh produce, souvenirs and sweets from their motorised boats.
One tourist attraction I have always wanted to visit in Thailand is the “Bridge on the River Kwai” in Kanchanaburi, located two hours’ drive from the city. Constructed during the Japanese occupation, this railway was built with the aim of cutting across Burma (now Myanmar) to aid the Japanese invasion of India. I checked out the workmanship of the bridge while walking along the stretch of the railway across the River Kwai.
Stretching more than 400km, the railway was formerly called the Thailand-Burma Railway and earned the nickname “Death Railway” because over 100,000 people – prisoners of war, labourers and civilians – died during its 16-month construction between 1942 and 1943.
Adjacent to the bridge is the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, where you can find 6,982 graves of British, Australian and Dutch soldiers and prisoners.
While walking along this well-maintained cemetery, I noticed that most of the soldiers were in their 20s and early 30s. It must have been heart-breaking for the families of these soldiers to know that their sons, brothers and fathers perished in a war thousands of miles away from home.
Back in Bangkok, I went to the Traimit Witthayaram Temple where I saw the largest Golden Buddha in the world, which is made from pure gold. I noticed that tourists also prayed in this temple in front of the statue.
Later, as I was passing the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, I saw that it was filled with Thai Buddhists making offerings and praying. Upon entering the temple, I asked a Thai woman about this, and she said that it is quite common to see Thai Buddhists praying at the Hindu temple.
Seeing this was indeed moving as it reflected exemplary religious harmony. Such kinds of venerations bring out the best in humanity and these believers tower over those who are narrow-minded and bigoted.
Despite being a Buddhist majority nation, Thailand is steeped in Hindu influences and a large number of Thais have Indian-origin names. Their kings have been called Rama IV, Rama XI, Prem, Anand and Supatra. In 2019, Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn’s coronation ceremony was laced with Hindu and Buddhist rituals.
Besides its scenic tourist spots and delicious cuisine, Thailand offers wonderful shopping experiences too. There are dozens of tailoring shops in the Sukhumvit area in Bangkok where customers can get suits and dresses done in just 24 hours. Nearly all the tailor shops here are owned by Indians, some of whom are third- and fourth-generation Thai citizens.
What makes so Thailand attractive to tourists? Considered the most popular tourist destination in South-East Asia, Thailand offers a variety of attractions, including beautiful islands, beaches and other natural surroundings, tasty food, and cheap beer! Really, there is always something in Thailand that suits every interest and budget.
The views expressed are entirely the reader’s own.