The Siamese Puzzle Box

the siamese time machine: a novel

Jan 14, 2026

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“The Siamese Time Machine” is a novel that will take you into the world of Buddhist and Hindu mysticism. The setting is rural, northern Thailand.

Finding Ancient Siam: A Journey to Lopburi

Jun 17, 2025

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in The Siamese Puzzle Box

In Lopburi you will find the ancient city of Lavo, where Siamese culture sprouted.

Thailand Culture, Overview, Insights

Mar 21, 2023

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in The Siamese Puzzle Box

Insights and tips about Thai culture, society and travel. Perfect for first time visitors to Thailand.

Thailand, Marijuana & You

Jun 25, 2022

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in The Siamese Puzzle Box

Thailand has just decriminalized marijuana. What does that mean? Can you smoke it on your Thai vacation?

Whether through luck, chance or fate, I have been a vagabond to Isaan. For many years now, I’ve traveled to this flat, parched, often remote area of Thailand on both business and adventure. Business because Isaan is where Thai pillows are made for my export business. Adventure because Isaan is where you find Angkor temple…

In The News: Lopburi Monkey Gangs

Mar 19, 2020

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in The Siamese Puzzle Box

Lopburi Monkey Madness There are monkey gangs in Thailand. Recently they’ve made news all over the world with their big brawl in Lopburi that freaked out even the local people. Thank god there was no poo flinging! The ancient town of Lopburi, located about 150 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, has a population of 3-4 thousand…

A Siam Puzzle Box: Bangkok Rocks

Oct 14, 2019

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in The Siamese Puzzle Box

Gawd, but we don’t need another blog post about Bangkok. Like the top ten tourist traps to visit; or the top ten restaurants that you’ll never find, let alone eat at; or you gotta see Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. Enough! So I wrote a poem instead. Enjoy. bangkok dazzle frazzle, baffle boggle rabid…

Driving a Motor Scooter in Thailand: A Warning

Jun 11, 2019

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in Thai Culture Wars, The Siamese Puzzle Box

This post was updated on October 14, 2019. Dying To Have Fun: Scooters in Thailand What could be more fun than riding a motor scooter in Thailand. Exciting, romantic, adventurous, daring, cheap, convenient, and above all else cool. I couldn’t agree more. But allow me to add one more breathless adjective-lethal. Statistics Do Kill If…

My Heart Belongs to Sukhothai

Jun 1, 2019

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in The Siamese Puzzle Box

My heart belongs to old Sukhothai. Whenever I’m asked where to visit in Thailand, I always say Sukhothai. Quiet. Ancient. Pastoral. Historic. Soulful. Far from the madding crowds and very Thai. The perfect place. I was last here 20 years ago and worried that Sukhothai would no longer be the peaceful place I remembered. What…

Mekhong “Thai Whiskey”: Ladyboy In A Bottle

May 7, 2019

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in Thai Culture Wars, Thai Food My Food, The Siamese Puzzle Box

I climbed up on a rickety stool in a Bangkok dive bar. In the wee hours of the night, the place was mostly empty-just a few ex-pats staring forlornly into their drinks. The bartender looked in my direction. “Whiskey. Mekhong.” I said. A pretty little thing in an all too short, too tight dress brought…

Bangkok’s Mosquito Bar: Best Sailor Bar in the World

Oct 30, 2018

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in The Siamese Puzzle Box

Along Bangkok’s original waterfront at Klong Toey, stood the Mosquito Bar-the most infamous, roudiest sailor bar in the world. Com’on in and have a shot of Mekong Thai whisky.

The Elephants of Old Siam: Vintage Photos

Jul 30, 2018

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in The Siamese Puzzle Box

A collection of vintage photos of elephants in Thailand. Many of these photos are over 100 years old and show a way of life long past.

The Golden Era of Thailand Tourism: 1947-1979

Jun 13, 2018

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in The Siamese Puzzle Box

1947-1979 was the golden era of travel to Thailand. Worldwide air travel began and The Kingdom of Siam was ready. Come with me to time not that long ago.