Lone Rider
Blokes Who Can
Sometime last year I got information that there were plans to re-open some of the border crossings between Thailand and Myanmar, notably the two crossings on the north of Chiang Dao (khio Pha Wok) and north-east of Fang (north of Ban San Ton Du on Rd 1089). This trip was basically to check if the report was true. Set of early in the morning as along the way I would have time to see some of the sights and other things.
Shadows of the early morning sun on Doi Suthep
Just past Chiang Dao I took Rd 1178 which goes to Arunothai. First stop along the way was Wat San Khet Taram (N19.45516 E98.96497) at Ban Muang Ngai which has spent quite a bit of resources on sprucing up its front yard with large stone Buddha Statues, etc..
Next stop was the King Naresuan Monument at bit further along the road to the north (N19.46335 E98.96162).The locals built the stupa to mark the stay of King Naresuan the Great before he led his troops to invade Angwa in Myanmar in 1604. For those of you who want to learn more about the King please look at the piece written by Sjon Houser - Naresuan the Great, Thailand's venerated warrior king
I was intrigued by the large number of roosters standing everywhere which seem to be put up there (and at most other Naresuan shrines and memorials) by the devotees. On 25th January, people from as far afield as Chiang Mai town bring their cocks to the memorial to take part in the cock fighting contests. This takes place not merely because of the fighting cocks symbolic association with the battle and warrior kings, but especially since a legendary cock fight was a crucial event in Naresuan’s early life.
The replica of the Camp of King Naresuan
Again a bit further to the north I made a small detour to the west to see Wat Phrathat Doi Mon Ching (N19.54545 E98.97034). While the wat is not very spectacular, the views from the temple make up for that.
Wat Phrathat Doi Mon Ching
Views to the south with Doi Ciang Dao hiding in the clouds
Not sure what they are going to build here but looking at the size of the vertical column foundation they may put a stupa on a rock on the concrete structure as shown on the sign.
Finally time to check if the news about the re-opening of the border crossings was true or not. Does not look like so as even a call to his commander by the guy manning the check-point (N19.76438 E98.95278)did not result in the opening of the barrier to the main border gate (N19.76874 E98.94989). The guys were being helped by three nice black dogs who were clearly not used to traffic as I had to get out of the car to move them off the road.
No sign of an Open Border Crossing
While in Arunothai I had a look at the School of Hope (N19.74458 E98.96737) at Wat Arunothai which is a kind of orphanage for Shan children who have fled Myanmar and who get here an education.
Doing homework
Preparing luch for the 50 kids who stay at the School of Hope
Children watching TV at Wat Arunothai
Children decorating the walls of the Arunothai Witthayakhom School where most of the children of the School of Hope get their main education. After school hours they study English and the Shan language at the School of Hope.
(To be continued)
Shadows of the early morning sun on Doi Suthep
Just past Chiang Dao I took Rd 1178 which goes to Arunothai. First stop along the way was Wat San Khet Taram (N19.45516 E98.96497) at Ban Muang Ngai which has spent quite a bit of resources on sprucing up its front yard with large stone Buddha Statues, etc..
Next stop was the King Naresuan Monument at bit further along the road to the north (N19.46335 E98.96162).The locals built the stupa to mark the stay of King Naresuan the Great before he led his troops to invade Angwa in Myanmar in 1604. For those of you who want to learn more about the King please look at the piece written by Sjon Houser - Naresuan the Great, Thailand's venerated warrior king
I was intrigued by the large number of roosters standing everywhere which seem to be put up there (and at most other Naresuan shrines and memorials) by the devotees. On 25th January, people from as far afield as Chiang Mai town bring their cocks to the memorial to take part in the cock fighting contests. This takes place not merely because of the fighting cocks symbolic association with the battle and warrior kings, but especially since a legendary cock fight was a crucial event in Naresuan’s early life.
The replica of the Camp of King Naresuan
Again a bit further to the north I made a small detour to the west to see Wat Phrathat Doi Mon Ching (N19.54545 E98.97034). While the wat is not very spectacular, the views from the temple make up for that.
Wat Phrathat Doi Mon Ching
Views to the south with Doi Ciang Dao hiding in the clouds
Not sure what they are going to build here but looking at the size of the vertical column foundation they may put a stupa on a rock on the concrete structure as shown on the sign.
Finally time to check if the news about the re-opening of the border crossings was true or not. Does not look like so as even a call to his commander by the guy manning the check-point (N19.76438 E98.95278)did not result in the opening of the barrier to the main border gate (N19.76874 E98.94989). The guys were being helped by three nice black dogs who were clearly not used to traffic as I had to get out of the car to move them off the road.
No sign of an Open Border Crossing
While in Arunothai I had a look at the School of Hope (N19.74458 E98.96737) at Wat Arunothai which is a kind of orphanage for Shan children who have fled Myanmar and who get here an education.
Doing homework
Preparing luch for the 50 kids who stay at the School of Hope
Children watching TV at Wat Arunothai
Children decorating the walls of the Arunothai Witthayakhom School where most of the children of the School of Hope get their main education. After school hours they study English and the Shan language at the School of Hope.
(To be continued)
x many! People can be so cruel!
