October 7, 1997
Written by: Areeya (Pop)
Design: Putt

There is one strong pet-peeve of mine about this place though. I'm driving around and up pops these glowing neon signs, The Beverly Hills, The White House, The Swiss Chalet, Aloha, on and on and on. Am in the wrong country? I've been to California, and haven't seen Americans putting up signs in front of their hotels - The Koh Samaui. I've also been in Switzerland and Hawaii and nope, no huge glowing name signs of anything remotely Thai.

The owners I have talked to said they wanted something international and accrediable. Okay. Fine. I can understand that. I can see that if you want to attract foreign tourists you want to have a foreign name that is easy to remember, but The White House, The Beverly Hills? It doesn't have any meaning here because it states out in an indirect way that We Thais are either unimaginative or have a strong inferior complex, because surely we are not the original White House or Beverly Hills, we are only the imitator, the fake, the second-rate copy of the original. This is not just a Koh Samui fashion statement either, it's been going on for a while and all over this country ever since our beloved King Chulalongkorn brought in European fashion, art, arciticture and education back with him. Those things are fine and good, and it did open up the world to us Thais. We have embraced everything that is foreign to mean the of Best Quality, while anything Thai as inferior or just plain boring. True, somethings Western are better and different and have enriched our lives like the English language, songs, piano, technology (like computer and air conditioning) and of course my personal favorites Levis jeans and mint-chocolate-chip ice cream. But there should be a limit. Western style Greek column clad homes in a tropical climate country like ours is pretty strange to me.

But then, HOLD EVERYTHING! Can this be? As I was travelling along on this bummy road I saw a resort that caught me eyes. A really beautiful Thai-styled high ceiling teak-wood in Really Classic Thai and artistic setting building.: Thai flowers and jasmine scented aura, not roses from the Netherland filled the lobby, Thai hand-stiched fabric framed in more teak wood not Michealangelo's painting on the wall, and Thai instruments playing soft Thai songs not a tape of The Spice Girls. It was so homey I had to stop and walk in only to realize that it is an American-owned resort. Figures. Only an outsider can appreciate what we insiders overlook. Sort of a Jim Thompson complex, a foreigners who in 20 years of his stay here made Thai silk internationally expensive and fashionable.

An old local Thai resort owner just laughed when I pointed this theory of Thai people not realizing the value we have right in front of us until the farangs came to appreciate it, just like the farmer and his beach front land. What he said pretty much sums it up, " Give a diamond to a monkey and it thinks it's a rock."

- Areeya

dear mam areeya, its nice to to read about your article about great tourist spots in you country THAILAND., im never been in thailand but im quite interested in visiting your country, i read & know a little bit of thailand like its unforgettable beaches. here in philippines some beaches are okay but wonderful is in thailand. just only update your article even twice a week. I know u maam when ur are a representative of your country thailand in the 1994 miss universe beauty contest, and your a journalist and a beauty queen. and I admire your accomplishment congratulation in your web site. from here in the philippines. M A B U H A Y (long live and Good luck!!!!) amory "alvin" a๑onuevo email add: cnl_harrier@yahoo.com

amory elvin a. a๑onuevo cnl_harrier@yahoo.com from 203.177.15.137 on Monday, March 20, 2000 at 16:25:24

Is this article praising foreigners for appreciating Thai culture more than Thais do (re the real natural Thai resort) or condemning them at a sweep for bringing commercialisation to the islands. A few pointers: a/ You don't have to build resorts just because people like beaches so don't blame falang for this. Perhaps the greedy or simply ambitiously business-minded have made a mint at everyone else's expense. We appreciated the beauty but it was the Thais who destroyed it (the laws of business exclude anyone but Americans from having a business of their own apart from Thais of course and exclude anyone non-Thai from owning land in the country). Perhaps it is the greedy Thai businessman you should be blaming - since it is not a requirement to build a resort but a choice - instead of laying all the blame with falang. Since we realised that the diamond was there - as you pointed out - it is a shame that what we valued has now been virtually destroyed. 2/ It's not a crime to like/enjoy something which is not Thai, and if Thais want to appreciate Michelangelo or Persian carpets are you going to act as a censor not allowing them to do so? By whose authority? Perhaps there is a place and a time eg Museums, for such a purpose but again blame the greedy Thai businessmen for making such places, not the falang for having their own valuable, enjoyable, artistic, creative, imaginative cultures. We are not responsible for all the woes of Thai society after all prostitution existed long before Westerners came - and will continue to exist throughout the country long after they are gone. Isn't it time that a maturing country such as Thailand stood up to take responsibility for the problems of its own making instead of looking to blame outsiders who merely come to visit and are given virtually no rights at all?

thiravada@yahoo.com from p53-parrot-gui.tch.virgin.net on Sunday, December 12, 1999 at 01:22:59

hi my name is Anne and i am a thai student who grew up in australia. i was very impressed by your site. its extremely intelligent and thought provoking. i was on the net reseaching thai sites and came across yours via a link. i am coming to thailand at the end of the year and was wondering what to do and where to go. if anyone lives in thailand and can give me some good ideas can you email me at the above address. thanks ski bunnie :)

ajthanud@acs.itd.uts.edu.au from oslab9.ee.uts.edu.au on Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 02:02:39

This is a beautifly written site. Samui is a wonderful place, and as I'm half Thai, I am fortunate enough to own land there. The story about the beach land and farmers was great. That land nowadays is worth millions, and the Thai's never did see the value in those properties. On th eother hand, the Thai's are fortunate to reside in such an amazing country.

llopatka@mail.pris.bc.ca from 1port36.pris.bc.ca on Wednesday, August 18, 1999 at 07:21:11

Your article raises timley questions releveny to all people in all cultures .The global economy threatens to homogenize us into one giant gullable consumer it's goals and methods are largly A moral focusing on financial gain and little else.It is ironick to experence the beauty and dignity of the thai culture and still sence thai,s feel some inferiority compared to the so called culture of the west.As a westerner and frequent visitor to Thailand I beleave Thai culture exibits qualities the western world is fast loosing and are miseriblev for it.People are important levi,s &coke are not.Be yourself Thailand I will return.

rps@optusnet.com.au from dialup-sdc20516.mpx.com.au on Saturday, July 10, 1999 at 21:55:03

i really enjoyed this article...it makes me want to go back to visit, maybe one of these days...P'areeya is an amazing and opened writer/person...keep up the good work..=*)

LaDieTaya@yahoo.com from spider-wd051.proxy.aol.com on Sunday, April 18, 1999 at 01:32:18

I like the article very much. Seems as though there's a beautiful writer in her. Now I miss home twice as much even though I've never been there. Weird isn't it? O well....Keep up the good work, P'Chaiy or P'Sao...Either one is OK right? =*)

SiLLi501@aol.com from spider-th011.proxy.aol.com on Wednesday, April 14, 1999 at 09:43:22

hi, it seems you have a great following :) please enjoy your sun and sand its snowing like hell here heheh dylan

dylan@windsor.quik.com from ip001.windsor.quik.com on Friday, March 26, 1999 at 10:23:45

Sawadee Areeya; I read your article and loved it. It reminded me of many of the places that I visited from 1970-1973 when I was stationed in your lovely country. The Thailand that I remember surely has changed but the Thai people seem to go on forever. Hopefully this will be the year when I return, this time with my wife and child. I want them to visit the lovely land that I have so many fond memories of. I recall reading somewhere that we never miss what we have until it is gone. Some farseening people, such as you, try to prevent this from happening. Good luck. Paul Garner The Old Sarge

pegarner@rocketmail.com from 33.9.115.18 on Friday, March 12, 1999 at 00:14:54

You hit the nail on the head. Smart, articulate and well written. Now I going to stimulate my mind and watch the "simpsons" :)

chrisexpo@alltel.net from wapa4pp50.alltel.net on Saturday, February 20, 1999 at 09:33:54

Hey ! Khun Pop I did not try to flatter you on what you are doing . Your idea is reasonable as the others. But the globalization make everything in the world looks the same and more similar increasingly everyday. It is not so easy to turn Thais who disregard their values to see our meaning , May until they loose it and that day they may feel disappointed what they had been done before. Thai food, cooking and beaches had been appreciated by all world citizen. If we do something grateful to it and use it in the creative way. We don't have to crazy on life of Mars from abroad anymore. Talk to you later Chanchai

clong4@liverpool.ac.uk from webcache1.liv.ac.uk on Thursday, February 11, 1999 at 21:01:30

I admire what you've done.Please continue.If you have more time please promote other province as well.What about Narathiwat where you've visited last year.

jee/jirapong@cscoms.com from nwt1-7.dial.cscoms.com on Sunday, January 31, 1999 at 20:51:29

I have never been to Kor Samui before.But I extremely agree with your idea.Thank you

pinpan@hotmail.com from 203.146.57.194 on Monday, January 25, 1999 at 15:01:33

Great story, Koh Samui is a beautiful place... apart from Chaweng where the go-go bars dominate the main road. Its sad to see. The Beaches are beautiful, the food is excellent... "Will Wait" food chain is excellent and inexpensive, the people are lovely I just loved the week I spent on Koh Samui, I didnt want to leave!

artuo@ozemail.com.au from slgos51p48.ozemail.com.au on Sunday, January 10, 1999 at 19:55:09

Dear Pop, I am one of the older Thai lady who has been in the United States for more than 20 years. I always admire your intelligence, your courage and your beauty. I think you are a great role model for today young Thai generations. I have a daughter who is now 9 years old, and I raised her to be a well mannerd young Thai lady. I agree with you that most Thai people should preserve and present our beautiful resources to foreigners the Thai ways. I blamed this on Thai education and parents who do not see how important it is to teach Thai children to maintain Thai way of living. I believe that one of the reasons that the local business people who try to copy western civilization is because of money, nothing else. Have you ever heard of the old Thai saying "When it's the high tide, you have to hurry to get the water". They want to attract the tourists without thinking deeply that it's not what they (tourists)really want to see. May be the Thai tourist industry ought to go around and educate the local business people more in this regard. I have said enough I wish you and your family the happiest and the healthiest New Year 1999. By the way I am the cousin of The Jiropas family. Keep up the good work dear.

ying@gis.com from ppp31-246.gis.net on Tuesday, January 05, 1999 at 01:24:59

Is farang supposed to have negative connotations? I just read the comments by Pang/Tripp and now I wonder. My Thai friends tell me farang simply means "a white person" yet somehow it seems to be used in a negative manner by many Thai people. I'm white and don't want to be party to my own humiliation! Anyway as to your column I'm not sure things would be all that much better if the tourist trade were entirely Thai run. Disregard for the poor and the environment are not solely "farang" issues and rich business "suits" from BKK would likely show little more regard for these than wealthy foreigners... If they cared soooo much why hasn't the government or Thai business acted yet? The first priority of Chuan Leek-Pai ought to be cleaning up his government, then prostitution and the exploitation of the poor. Only then should he be turning his attention to making the Thai rich richer still!

Vic from ppp10106.qc.bellglobal.com on Monday, November 16, 1998 at 15:41:37

I found your page very interesting and the comments of most people were valet. Except at blaming farangs or Europeans about the distuction of \Thia culture and heratage. Well it is happening all over the world. The goble economy is shaping this world in to a consumerism they want us the people of the world to us up our natural resources so that their bank accounts can get larger. With new GATT mandates it will be ilegal for coutries to protect culture It is considered racism. Only business will be allowed to promote culture. Which means we all have to dance to their tune and script. It is not inteviual nationallities it is the multi national imperialistic corperations that we should distrust. I am a person who believes that heritage hase to be preserved or else we will have no history. Gerald from Canada

sports@sentex.net from p8.clorine.sentex.ca on Saturday, November 07, 1998 at 22:49:16

Areeya, Let me first congratulate you on the fine web page you have put up, a great effort indeed and interestingly detailed too. The impression that you have prjected across as a Thai lady came across strongly that not only that the Thais are multi-facet in respect of personality but also the intrinsic strength underlying the very charming exterior as only a Buddhist culture could result in. Regretfully there are still many stereotyped people out there who think that all Thai women are of the ill repute type, what pity as they are the ones who failed to see the external and internal beauty that the Thai history and culture can produce. Once again Areeya, this page has given some of the discernable few a taste of the real complete women that the Thai female can achieve. Can't leave without mentioning that as a male, your feminine impact has not been lost but felt only too strongly.

Loo E P/looep@yahoo.com from 202.187.88.210 on Tuesday, October 27, 1998 at 14:15:11

I too have traveled from Chiangmai to Hatyai and I think Thailand is a nice place to live if permitted to. People like you help a lot. Maybe I will run into you someday. i wish you all the very best from Chicago, USA.

hobchi@mci2000.com from usr30-dialup57.mix1.willowsprings.cw.net on Saturday, October 17, 1998 at 06:12:48

First of all I like your pretty face and figure. It's just perfect. Secondly, it's your writing. I like your writing in NJ column very much. It makes me wanna improved my English skill up to your level. Thank you very much. I really apreciate it.

g_chat2@hotmail.com from hlr-42-136.tm.net.my on Monday, October 12, 1998 at 10:37:07

Hello! My name is Christina and I'm Thai too! I was Born and raised in Maui, but never lived in Thailand except visited there.Anyway, I had just recently been in Thailand on a vacation, and I saw you on T.V. I just wanted to say that you are very pretty,and I wanted to say "Hi!"

christina.kachornsrichol@gte.net from 1cust207.tnt1.wailuku.hi.gt.uu.net on Tuesday, September 15, 1998 at 08:46:57

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. STAY PRETTY, YOU ARE A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR ALL THAI WOMEN....LIKE YOUR DIMPLE...SEE YA.

mike.kachornsrichol@gte.net from 1cust112.tnt1.wailuku.hi.gt.uu.net on Sunday, September 13, 1998 at 12:07:02

just dropping in to say something nice about you and your country. i've been to many places in your country and let me say this 'there's no place like thailand'

seefu24@hotmail.com from 202.188.80.118 on Friday, September 11, 1998 at 15:28:10

24/m Japanese in Australia just love Thailand regardless of where i go. From Chiangmai to Koh Samui to Koh Phi phi, everything is so different and so much things to see and enjoy thought of acquiring citizenship though. and hope to see such a lovely guide like Areeya.

Kisho Shinohara, shinohara1@yahoo.com from ppp124.vicnet.net.au on Monday, September 07, 1998 at 06:29:55

You are my satisfactory woman. Koh Samui is a beautiful place for me too.

saimon@crisscross.com from cf-pri.itjit.ad.jp on Thursday, September 03, 1998 at 15:23:08

Dear Pop, First of all I have mention that before reading your Web. I was not in a good mood, but after playing with the Internet. I knew you have your own Web Page. I read about your Web Page. I enjoyed and had fun so much. I also mailed your URL to my friends including my Singapore, Indian, Chinese friends. I hope they will like your Home Page. Pam.

ppoonpoo@hornet.liunet.edu from utopia.poly.edu on Sunday, August 30, 1998 at 20:48:16

At first, I intend to open this webpage for pictures and interesting sites of Thailand by not knowing that t was your creation!! I am very impressed that you appreciate the beauty of our country and that you can get focus from lots of Thai groups. So keep it up!!

Papassapa/410067@ptt.or.th from 203.154.53.171 on Thursday, August 20, 1998 at 11:30:48

Hi P'POP, i really like u a lot. u r my model, i want to be a smart girl like u. now i am in USA, i'm planning to go back to Thailand next summer. i have a ver bad memory and difficulty when i'm studying, could u tell me some ideas to help me improving it? please reply my mail and i'll write u back later. Thank you very much Neung

Neung/Kamtan@hotmail.com from 207-172-53-20.s20.tnt4.brd.erols.com on Monday, August 17, 1998 at 11:28:46

Now that was an interesting point of view about Thai people. Sometimes I wonder why some people just can't appreciate our traditional values, and yet happily accept the Western ideas as though they were testaments. I have seen many things over the past years...Be it supperficiality of all models needing to be the *Luk-Klung* (half thai half farang), or the expensive designer fashion that everyone seems to be ABLE to afford (?) ...(we are of course not talking about the wonderful technological development that they introduce). One thing they should consider is nothing is perfect...technology has flaws. Nobody is perfect, asians, caucasians, africans,etc. OK, fine as you said, technology IS a good thing, but what comes with it seems to be creating too much materialism in the country like I had never seen before. There has to be a compromise somewhere.

npa@iweb.net.au from proxy2.iweb.net.au on Saturday, August 15, 1998 at 22:10:35

I am planning a trip to Thailand. I am very excited about it. It's nice to to get an insider's view of the country. I would like to know what Americans can do to be more welcomed in Thailand I would like to make a good impression for the short time I am there Also any travel tips? It's nice to see a pretty girl with a brain I love your web page, keep up the good work. John from Seattle, Washington USA "Peace"

houserj@hotmail.com from proxy062.ctc.edu on Thursday, August 13, 1998 at 02:01:30

Sawadde Krub...P POP P Pop is a smart woman that I like. U are my exeample for many good thing that U did for Thai people. I'm nice to mail to U since I knew your homepage. Thank for your parents that born U. I think they are very proud to U. And the last CONGRATULATION for your duty in the army

Tee/pongpithak@hotmail.com from proxy.loxinfo.co.th on Sunday, August 09, 1998 at 13:40:05

Kukuikukid pheang mak mak ka khun Areeya . I am a little student don't have a lot of money to buy your book (tae kho hai mama buy hai tan ka) . I think it"s expensive book because the pap si nam rup kartoon and thick pound paper.But I think it WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!.I want to A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN same you .I like 'NIRAMITH'' . But I didn't like to watch it because khun pud mai chat .bye bye

chontida@bkk.loxinfo.co.th from sp9-ppp12.loxinfo.co.th on Thursday, August 06, 1998 at 20:11:04

Hi Pee Pop, I am a native koh samui. I have been there for 25 years. I knew all of changing but who made this island change - the farangs or Thai people. However I agree with your opinion and I would like to see my beloved island still very beutiful as today. I love your idea.

ann/insight@loxinfo.co.th from sp11-ppp8.loxinfo.co.th on Thursday, July 30, 1998 at 15:19:38

Dear Areeya A lot of beatiful places in Thailand that I've never been before. The end of next month(August 98) I'm going to Phuket. I'll tell you later when I come back

nick-ky@mailexcite.com from cache1.nectec.or.th on Wednesday, July 29, 1998 at 17:02:10

Hello !!!Pee Pop I'm a student at Prince of Songkla university. I found your homepage from siamweb,I'm surprise about you. I don't know, you mind or not if I wnnna talk with you about how to study abroad? and I want you to be my grammar checker. I want to know more about you and I hope that I'll get your letter.

826-milk@bob.psu.ac.th from yotaga.psu.ac.th on Tuesday, July 28, 1998 at 18:07:27

คุณเป็นผู้หญิงเก่งมากครับผมทึ่งในความสามารถของน้องป๊อปหวังว่าคงได้ คุยกันเกี่ยวกับปัญหาสังคมและการทหารเช่นกันคงมีสาระความคิดที่คล้ายๆ กันผมแอบชื่นชมผู้หญิงไทยเช่นคุณมากๆ สุดท้ายนี้ผมอยากถามว่าคุณ เหนื่อยในการตอบปัญหาของชาวไทยมากหรือปล่าวครับ ดูแลสุขภาพมากๆหน่อยนะครับ For You

Chantasit@hotmail.com from truppp941.inet.co.th on Tuesday, July 28, 1998 at 13:10:21

Goodmorning p.pop you know I love you so much like my sister. pang follow your book "kukui kukid"and"boot camb" your book is good and important for me it have joke story and down the level of my series.I want to meet you so much and I hope oneday I have a nice day to meet you. I love you so much p.pop. and you know I want to clever beautiful lovely and everything in you I want to be but it impossible myself should to be myself.and your own idea is a woman shouldn't go searching for a man to love her she should learn to love herself. I'm agree. If I have a bare time I'll write to me again. sure. I really love you so much

Pang from 203.155.54.21 on Tuesday, July 28, 1998 at 11:42:31

hi areeya i think this one article i already read in women today! glad that you stop promoting that silly comedian now,he should be punished for making a joke with his word"katanyukatawetiteen"! and as a famous idol you are,you can point out for teens to whom they should respect and follow my name is istyle

style of i from ts2_117.asiaaccess.net.th on Saturday, June 27, 1998 at 00:56:19

Samui's one of my favorite places, go whenever I can. I agree, some of the hotel names should be changed (like the Beverly Hills!); in case you're interested, land prices should be coming down now that the economy is getting hammered. . . but I think there are better deals on less spoiled (?) islands. Had you known that Samui has its own version of a Komodo Dragon? Ciao

kha10drf@samart.co.th from dialup2-217.samart.co.th on Friday, June 26, 1998 at 20:25:58

อ่านเรื่องราวที่พี่ป๊อปเขียนแล้วสนุกมากๆเลยค่ะ รู้สึกว่าเมืองไทยมีสิ่งดีๆ ....เวทิดา

vaytida@thaimail.com from 203.154.177.10 on Monday, April 27, 1998 at 12:10:06

Hi! Areeya, Really interesting to read your escapade in your own area. Anymore new places. Pleasa guide me ..'cos been thingking of going down there myself! What's the right time...any season..during the "sungkraan"..the water festival..thousand apologies if the thai word was wrongly spelt..or maybe there's double meaning to it..no intention though!! Thanks a lot for those valuable info Hopefully can catch up with you in another place then. Chao for now!

sany / sany9@yahoo.com from klj-18-150.tm.net.my on Friday, March 20, 1998 at 03:52:18

Eventhough you came across only tiny parts of Samui, you expressed your impression that Samui touched you on many sides. I would like the others to express such opinions to other tourist attractions, i.e. Krabi. I live in Krabi, someday if you would like to pay a visit to a small, quiet town, in order to enjoy yourselves with all kind of nature's preservation, i.e. rock climbing (my favourite sport), scuba diving, moutain bike to visit caves, waterfalls, canoeing, etc. For rock climbing, most people thought that it is dangerous and risk of falling down but it actually is like playing tennis on the flat ground or like when you climb the wall during military training. It is challenging and help you to be able to concentrate, reienforcing your mental and physical strength. JUST CHECK IT OUT!!

kittiwat@phuket.cscoms.com from proxy.cscoms.com on Saturday, February 28, 1998 at 10:15:22

I LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE Y AT KRABI....SOMEDAY Y 'LL LOVE IT......... &THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT Y DID IN Y'SHOMEPAGE

kittiwat@phuket.cscoms.com from proxy.cscoms.com on Friday, February 27, 1998 at 23:15:31

Koh Samui I would like to comment and make some suggestion the ideas about "KOH SAMUI" First of all. I was native born on Koh Samui. All of my family are there. Only me that live abroad. Recently I read articles that you wrote about the facts of "KOH SAMUI" On the other hand I do not think,We sould blame all changes on the western civilization.I highly believe we should forcus on ourselves. The issue that I will bring up is that things have changed since the richer Thais from other areas are moving in ( about year after 1988)and squeezing the price of the property on the island. I do not believe and agree that the westerner had changed much about the island. I think that many Thais are doing something sleazy to the local people.Many local people have to sell the property and move out somewhere either like mainland to start farming again. Local Thais people in general are very simple ,friendly and easy. We grow coconut ,rice and fish and mainly all of Samui people were very happy the way they were, suddenly something new happened.It is not German or American or any westerner.Some real buiness from Bangkok or somewhere else try to move to Koh Samui to start fancy hotel etc. I remember that the first time I saw the westerner when I was 7-8 years old. They were OK. They like US. But the people who change on Koh Samui are not westerners I think If you were born on Samui, you will understand better like I do. All of my family and friends ,include my Grand-mother can not afford to live there anymore. Today Koh Samui is not Koh Samui that it used to be. Not for Local Samui people just for some hungry business man. Thai people from more populated areas of the country have moved to Koh Samui bringing their customs & attitude and all but eliminating the life style of the local people.Their business and social pratices including price-gauging,high pressure sales and all prostitution have effected people who live there and people who were forced to leave their homes Hopefully I will hear all of your comment etc

chaiya@juno.com from dial5-async04.dial.net.nyu.edu on Thursday, February 12, 1998 at 01:48:41

Areeya, Not only are you humorous but very reflective. Your materials are fun and informative. I can only hope it will conjure and invoke pride among your Thai readers. It did me! A little dosage of relativity and positively are always welcomed. About the resort, sad but true, the root of foreign commercialism had arrived. Cry as we may, we can never get it back. Powerful tag-team lawyers, corrupt politicians, economically well-off but culturally deprive locals, cronies and more cronies. The beaches are gone, gone too are history and folklore, the tides come in and the tides go out. Often time, during travel within my own country, I feel that my treatment and accommodation are afforded less attention than if I were a farang. Why is that? This reminds me of a period in time in the US where segregation was an acceptable act. Why am I treated any less than my equal? See me with my black hair and brown eyes, hard earned Thai Bath in hand, worth any less than foreigners with Dollars? What will you do when the foreigner stop coming? Beach front property available only for the coconut groves and the locals have priority! Love Khun Thai first. Gosh, I can't wait to visit Koh Samui, early morning stroll on the beach, watching the sun rise, listening to the wave as it crest beyond the reefs and come crashing into the shore. The silent breeze, whispering the sound of the sea ever so softly against my un-assuming ear drums, tell me more!!!

Attapong from 149.25.69.36 on Thursday, January 22, 1998 at 05:11:01

I admire u for what you've done , what you think and what you be

from 203.144.248.61 on Monday, January 19, 1998 at 01:36:15

Areeya (Minister of Something to Do),i 'm think you are work than real minister of some country._:-)

mk_@yahoo.com from 203.144.248.152 on Sunday, January 18, 1998 at 07:31:09

very interesting subject 7 enjoyable to read,never spend enough time in thailand since away for almost 30 yrs.wish you luck&keep up with good writing i'll follow your article again/loong tao,lake mary,florida

vapissukh@AOL from 173-123-138.ipt.aol.com on Friday, December 26, 1997 at 12:48:02

Areeya, Congratulations for job well done on your home page. As a Thai who lives abroad for long period of time and with all the bad publiciies aboout Thailand. I admire your sense of humors and positive thinking. I hope you'll continue your creative writings and portraits to the world that most Thais arenot the monkey with a diamond!!!!!

Watchara@worldnet.att.com from 25.los-angeles-18.ca.dial-access.att.net on Thursday, December 25, 1997 at 13:09:49

I agree with your opinion very much , that will make the true vision of AMAZING THAILAND 1998-1999. I hope the foreign tourist to think so.

new1982@loxinfo.co.th from sp5-ppp5.loxinfo.co.th on Thursday, December 18, 1997 at 01:39:57

I LIKE YOU VERY MUCH.IN "NI RA MITH" YOU ARE VERY LOVELY .

JU s7044022@kmitl.ac.th from chaokhun.kmitl.ac.th on Tuesday, December 16, 1997 at 12:29:04

You just made me mad! Michigan is rocking me right now! Cool page! ;)

Big: tnapawan@oakland.edu from ppp-pm03-dy-2.opr.oakland.edu on Tuesday, December 16, 1997 at 09:07:35

It's very good articles that you wrote.If Samui is beautiful like you,I'll come visit soon,I never come back to Thailand for a long time and never been to Samui too!!!

peenoi@earthlink.net from 1cust59.tnt5.santa-monica.ca.da.uu.net on Saturday, December 13, 1997 at 05:14:52

Nifty sis. You're traveling the world while your brother is rotting in school. =) What's up with that?! Just kidding. Nice page.

Don Chumsai/ chumsaid@acm.msu.edu from ppp-pm03-dy-12.opr.oakland.edu on Saturday, December 06, 1997 at 06:09:09

I love Koh Samui. I have been here for 1 year.

pkitta@samart.co.th from dialup2-91.samart.co.th on Wednesday, December 03, 1997 at 02:05:05

I ever go to Samui Island. It's Beautiful.

worawitn@loxinfo.co.th from loxppp7-rayong1.mid-east.loxinfo.net on Monday, December 01, 1997 at 22:15:21

Hi Areeya, I found this webpage about koh samui to be a very intersting, because of the way you inform it. Making Thai peoples realizes how vauble things they have is very important, not letting all the farang "foreigners" taking the nature and beauty of the island by destroying it and making it into a tourists place. Just because the "the farangs" wanna make some bucks$$$$ and not worrying how it will ruined the nice and beautiful place of koh sumai. I totally agree with you of how you think about how Tha i people today don't realize how beautiful their country is and they would do just about anything to get the $$$$! Well I'm looking forward to see more of your works and hope u keep up doing this Thai tourist Travel. Alisa

AzNgirl760@hotmail.com from ww-tf02.proxy.aol.com on Saturday, November 29, 1997 at 12:39:18

It was a pleasant experience to hear your comments. Thais need to learn to appreciate their own values and culture. I hope we learn to stop imitating western values and culture. I would love to be back to enjoy Thailand again soon. Thais should learn to appreciate and to preserve natural resources. Thanks for sharing your thought.

Wim Chulindra/DeKanArchs@AOL.com from ww-tj05.proxy.aol.com on Sunday, November 23, 1997 at 10:19:47

I liked your site very much,and I am travelling in Thailand to see this land for myself.I have heard a lot about its beauties, and if the girls are just half as beautiful as you are,I guess I'm gonna like the place.By the way,could you send me a little bit more stuff abaout your country?Please. Thank, Ernie

dozsa@matav.hu from line-210-148.dial.matav.net on Sunday, November 23, 1997 at 05:32:32

I love Thailand and I loveyou,Areeya

George/modstp@hotmail.com from l128ppp172.ksc.net.th on Wednesday, November 19, 1997 at 10:06:33

hello there areeya i found your page very interesting. Its great to have a thai persons perspective on traveling to samui I just hope that i can make it there before it becomes just another major tourist destination. can we have some more write ups of your trips in thailand best wishes Harun

harun <harun.rahman@usa.net > from th-eng07-062.pool.dircon.co.uk on Monday, November 17, 1997 at 05:38:21

sent your information for me

b3966169@kkucc1.kku.ac.th from 203.150.110.121 on Tuesday, November 04, 1997 at 14:59:32

Hey baby ... I miss you lots ... =) ... wish i wuz there kissin ya ... =)

Michael Fischer michael@gisd.com from norcal56k148.netwiz.net on Friday, October 31, 1997 at 17:59:42

I think it vary good

wisut@www.loginfo.th from netaccess.loxinfo.co.th on Wednesday, October 29, 1997 at 09:17:19

I think the street sign is kind of cute. It shows the sense of humor of who ever puts it on. But the Eiffel Tower in the middle of a rice field hopefully does not ruin the natural beauty of the beach or landscape.

Pomjuk from cbpxy2.att.com on Thursday, October 16, 1997 at 21:12:10

Hi!Areeya,This is my first time reading your home page. I'm very proud to see Thai's story, tell tourist about Thai's interesting place. I hope you will continue this program forever.

nai97@hotmail.com from bryant2-ha.bryant.edu on Thursday, October 16, 1997 at 04:55:28

Hmm..Well, as the article goes. I would like to share some of my thoghts. Frankly , I haven't been to Samui , but my girlfriend has ans she told me about the wonderful place which she wanted me to go there with her to. Lot of issues had be raished here. I agree with you about the signs and way thai ppl overlook thier own culture and the natural way of life. It's a problem that no gov. has ever looked at. Thailand is growing without a captain. Lot of things has been develope using local creative and close vision of globalization. The Gov. has to monitor and control these factor in the same way. Extremely worried about the poor. What a pity gov.

kkitipan@chula.edu from lox2.loxinfo.co.th on Saturday, October 11, 1997 at 21:12:25

As we all know, our country is going bursted. Another way that a well-respected person in your position to help out is to promote the concept of "BUY THAI, EAT THAI, TRAVEL THAI, and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE." People will listen more to you than to the MPs. Don't you think the word "farangs" sounds a little offensive. My colleague from Belgium does not, but I do. It is somehow ironic when I read the Bangkok post and find some foreigners address themselves as "farangs".

Pang/tripp@asiaaccess.com from 203.145.0.16 on Friday, October 10, 1997 at 23:46:20

ไม่เคยไปสมุยเลย ได้ยินมานานแล้วว่าสวยมาก เท่าที่อ่านดูแล้ว รู้สึกเสียใจ ที่คนไทยไม่รักวัฒนธรรมของไทยเอง ผิดกลับคนต่างชาติที่มองเห็นคุณค่าและ ความงาม นี่ถ้าเมืองไทยเป็นแบบที่อเมริกา คิดดูสิ นักท่องเที่ยวจะเดินทางมาทำไมให้เมื่อย นอนอยู่บ้านตัวองไม่ดีกว่าหรือ?

เที่ยวละไม from comppatt03.ce.kmitl.ac.th on Thursday, October 09, 1997 at 14:48:22

Hi Areeya, first of all...let me commend u on a very nice piece of travelogue. I have never been to Koh Samui but I have heard some nice things about it. A good friend of mine pointed me to your site. He is the 1st guy who wrote to u. :) (Mr Chan). I t hought your article is rather thought provoking and very well written. I enjoyed reading it very much. Hope to see more of your work here...:)

Hui Chee Wah/ cheewah@pacific.net.sg from palo1.pacific.net.sg on Tuesday, October 07, 1997 at 17:01:01

I love your story about the coconuts, beach and least favourite son. Fate has such a way of playing tricks with us. Sometimes, it takes quite a bit of extraordinary foresight to see the value of what we already have. I think that in many ways, the Thai people are very fortunate. Still, there are many urgent issues that need to be addressed. Koh Samui is full of tropical pleasures and treasures, but the average resident cannot afford to lie in a hammock and sip beer all day.

Chan Joon Yee rinpoche@pacific.net.sg from palo6.pacific.net.sg on Tuesday, October 07, 1997 at 13:16:24