I have been in Bangkok with my wife for the past few days. We are staying for two weeks. The serviced apartment we are using is in the same street, Soi Saladaeng, as the first apartment I stayed in when I arrived in Bangkok 30 years ago. That old apartment block is still there. It still looks the same, a brooding white tile building with lots of unorthodox extensions mad by owners. I was happy there but didn't stay long.
Saladaeng is still a nice area although development has removed many of the old houses in compounds that once lined the street. But there is still enough that is familiar to make it feel like it did when I lived there so many years ago. Fortunately many of the trees have been preserved so it is still a bit leafy.
Thailand is preparing for the funeral of King Bhumipol. His funeral will be on my birthday, just before we leave Thailand. Bangkok is in a high state of preparation.
