wanderlust: Jonas Hunford: September 2009

As I pace the network of alleyways and side streets of this town, I continue to hear a constant echoing in my head from: 'hello massage' to 'taxi boat?', 'taxi boat?' by day. Once the sun disappears over the horizon, it changes to 'free shot' or 'buy one bucket get 2 free'. People constantly handing you flyers for bars and cheap drinks. This place is catered to the tourist's every need, and more. I feel Thailand has lost a lot of its culture due to the mass of tourist's that flood in from Europe and Australia and all over the world to attend events like the infamous Full Moon Party, which is a cesspool of drugs and alcohol and immoral behavior. Attractions such as Ma Ya Bay which is where the movie 'The Beach' was filmed are way over commercialized. The beauty of the bay is lost, with speed boat after speed boat lining the shore and a packed beach full of tourist's on day trips.
I also hear people say: "you're only in Thailand once". This being my second time in this country, I am beginning to realize why people asked me why I was going back to Thailand since I've been there already and I understand why a lot of people don't go to the same place twice. I feel this country has become stale to me, I have lost the drive to explore more of the country. (notice the lack of video lately?) My time in Thailand is coming to an end, although there is one last thing I want to do, camping on Bamboo Island. Anyway, I think I might change my flight out of here to an earlier date.
Don't get me wrong, Thailand can still be a great place to visit, just don't over do it.
Perhaps I sound so negative and feel a little down as a result of not feeling well the last couple days.

I have a headache so I think I will go for a massage.