Bangkok is a huge city. Every time we went downtown we were amazed at the number of skyscrapers on every side. The traffic was continually like rush hour at every hour of the day. It is very densely populated–about 15 million people, a figure we question since it must be impossible to count all the people living in little shacks of corrugated metal which line the railroad tracks. It is obvious that business is good in Bangkok; there are business from around the world there and construction was evident everywhere. Despite the booming economy there were so many very poor people living in deplorable conditions. Following are some photos I took, some from the windows of the train, which should give some idea of “a drive through Bangkok.”
Pictures of the recently deceased king are everywhere as well as pictures of other members of the royal family. The black and white bunting shown above is draped everywhere throughout the city–even out where we were–who knows how many miles of this have been hung. He passed away in October and there will be a year of mourning. The Thais love their royal family.
I loved these Thai “Fuller Brush men”
Our transportation of choice downtown—a tuktuk.
Eateries line the streets–some just food wagons and some with a few tables like these.
Buddha Store
Life along the railroad tracks:
Of the 3,272 pictures we took while in Bangkok, I have shared with you a little of all that we saw and experienced on this amazing visit. We feel very lucky to have been able to see all these things and hope that we were able to make a little contribution to the mission here. I think we received more than we gave.
Sa Wat Dee Ka,
Bonnie