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Over the past 40 years since I have been in Thailand, I've had this recurring nightmare that I am still in the Air Force and I can't get out. However, on a few occasions, I dream that I am back in Thailand and the feeling is completely different. I am no longer wanting it to be over, but hoping that it is actually real. I always wake up.
I am sure that a large part of my pleasant memories are enhanced by my being young and unencumbered. But also, this was my first experience in a different and very exotic culture. Also, the military experience was completely different from stateside. Here, the work was easy and the after-hours partying was strongly encouraged.
Read about my first Blissful Moment in Thailand.
Skip to all of the pics.
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The first base I went to was Takhli, A on the map. After only 3 months there, the whole base packed up and drove to the US Airbase in Korat. B on the map.
Learn more about the long history of Korat Air Force Base |
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Young Thai cutie I met at this family Thai park. |
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Takhli was a very small village where the local bars dominated the main street. I wish this was picture was clearer, but it shows the main drag through town and several locals making a living. |
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Do NOT go near the monkeys |
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The Takhli Villa, the very popular bar on the strip. |
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After being there about 3 months, the entire airbase packed up and moved to Korat by chartered bus. |
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On base in Korat, the mail flag over the post office means that the mail is in the slots. I got mail from home maybe once a week. No phone calls, no email, no other communication. Learn more about the long history of Korat Air Force Base. |
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| Me, about 21 yrs. old, and having the time of my life. |
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Sandy, the beautiful young woman who showed me Thailand. I will be forever grateful. Also raise our son Steve. Read all about it. |
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Local contractors building the bungalo that would be come ours. |
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Almost all bungalos had a place like these outside of their house for the spirits to live, instead of in the family home. |
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Hanging out with a couple monks in the local Buddahist Wat down the street. Kids sign up for a couple year stint as a monk for the benefit of their families. |
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The street where I lived downtown. For most of the monsoon season, this road is so muddy it can't really be walked without getting really dirty. Buses like these would go up and down the back streets. |
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This is a bike that I bought and rode to work for about 6 months. I was stolen from me at knife point while I was riding to work in the dark of the morning. I guess they needed it more than me. |
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Sandy once arranged a trip for myself and some friends to the Waterfalls and to the big Buddha on the hill - a popular destination about an hour away. PS: She also accompanied me to Bangkok for my 21st birthday. I lost the picture album long ago. |
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The driver and maybe six of us took a nice trip to a local waterfall The guy with the striped shirt, Jay North, was my boss for most of the time I was there. He had a big influence on my work ethic while I was there. He and I were midshift, from midnight to 8 am when the 'lifers' would show. All they wanted was coffee in the morning. |