Thailand:
Thailand is a favorite port visit for Marines and Sailors, both
because of liberty at Pattaya Beach and field training in Rayong
Province.
Liberty in
Thailand: Pattaya Beach is an international beach resort
frequented by Australians, Japanese and Europeans. Many Marines and
Sailors relish Thailand for the opportunities presented for
female companionship and also for the infamous massage parlors seemingly found on every
street corner in Thailand's very sexually-permissive society.
But not everyone in Thailand is looking for female
companionship. Planeloads of European men arrive daily with the
intent of finding companionship with underage Thai boys. And
transvestites are everywhere, reportedly because of a number of
sex-change clinics based in Thailand. In fact, transvestites
follow Marines in the field, hoping to "score" with a U.S.
Marine. Other things to be cautious about in Thailand include Tuk-Tuk (trike) drivers who will take their passengers into the
darkest parts of Bangkok, and then demand extra money for the
ride out of there. (A sternly worded warning of brutal force to
the driver will usually solve this problem, unless he has
buddies at the ready. Then its best to take off running and find
a cab for a quick getaway.)
Images
Top left: Pattaya Beach is beautiful, though, many Marines and
Sailors travel to nearby Bangkok. Elephants and Cobra snake
charmers can be found on the streets of Thailand.
Middle left: Thai kickboxing can be found at many clubs and
bars. Sometimes, a U.S. serviceman will be invited for a fight.
But no matter how tough the serviceman, he usually ends up
looking silly because of the unique fighting characteristics of
Thai kickboxing that involves both punching and kicking.
Bottom left: Marines and Sailors take a launch from ship to
shore.
Field
training: Thai people are very friendly and will often
interact with Marines during training exercises.
Thailand is an exotic land. Buddhist monks and ancient temples
are frequently seen during training exercises.
One Marine killed a Cobra. He put it on his sleeping buddy's
chest. When he awoke, we heard his bloodcurdling scream from
over a click away!
Thai
Houses Many people in rural Thailand are not rich, but they're not
poor either. They seem to be very happy and content with their
lives. Many households have a television and a moped or
motorcycle for transportation. Shrines (image left) can be found
outside of many houses. Pets include monkeys and really big
lizards. Fast food includes Coca-Cola served in plastic baggies
(so the vendor can keep the bottle) and ice cream served on hot
dog buns.
MEUSOC
