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When I think of Thailand tourism, I think of mass tourism, the swarming masses of Europeans in Bangkok, Khao San Road food, clothes and sunglass stalls, worn out second hand books in shops, tuk-tuks and boat trips. Then I think of better options for me in South-east Asia!
Not so in 1955, as we find in this explanation of Major and Mrs Blake in their brand new Standard Motor Company ‘Vanguard' car, specially imported by them from the UK to Thailand. Over a period of three months they travelled around 4000 miles (almost 6500km), pretty much covering the country.
Tourism was not a thing at this time, and private motorcars were almost unheard of. Thailand was making progress with a road network, but had prioritised the forming of roads over the quality or the finishing of road surfaces.
At the start of the book is a short chapter devoted to advice and warnings, and ‘what to expect' from Thailand, which makes for amusing reading, and is nearly all debunked during their journey. The Blakes were certainly not without help. Having befriended Thai Prince Chula (HRH Prince Chula Chakrabongse) in the UK, who not only encouraged their journey, but wrote an introduction in their book, pulled significant strings in Thailand to aid their way. With a formal introduction to the Governor of each province, and a constant police guard (of normally not less than 4 men, often six or eight), they were rushed through any mundane clearance requirements and pre-booked into the most suitable hotels in each town.
Such a novelty were the foreign travellers, that the stories they tell seem so far from the Thailand we know today! However the various things that ring true include the wonderful friendliness of people, the immaculate cleanliness of public and private places, and the willingness to help - almost always without payment.
This is a pretty straight-forward telling. Major and Mrs Blake are very British in their manners, their polite behaviour and also in the writing of the book - giving a very fair and honest account. Perhaps this contributes to the middle of the road feeling, and as such rating.
This is a great snapshot of time in Thailand's history. Accompanied by several pages of photographs (of typical poor quality for this time period), which are somewhat interesting, but with a very helpful map on the inside cover.
3 stars
