Yes…that is what Hat Yai actually means. I’ve not been there since…hmm…September of 2004. Well, I passed by Hat Yai earlier this year on my way to and from Koh Lipe, but never actually stopped there.
So, what is it with Hat Yai?
My first time to Hat Yai was when I was posted north and was looking after that area. That was back in 1993. Spent some 3 years (almost). Hat Yai is the place that seriously got me into listening to Luuk Thoong (Loog Thoong to some) and learnt more about the Thai culture. And I loved the sanuk way of life. Everytime my shift as “Duty Officer” ended, I’d go to Samilla Beach in Songkhla, grab me a plate of chilli fried crabs, a mat, chow down, and sleep by the beach. I almost moved there back in 1996 after my tour in the Air Force ended.
I kept going back to Hat Yai, and Thailand in general during the after-years. However, it wasn’t till 2004 that I made more trips to Hat Yai (as well as to Bangkok). Those were the days when Steve, Nad, and I would meet politicians from that side of the border discussing certain things. It was fun to be there, especially watching this farang Steve confusing everyone there with his Isaan dialect and perfect Malay.
Now, as I sit here in front of this PC, listening to Hot Wave 91.5FM from Thailand, I miss Hat Yai. Well, I miss Thailand. I miss speaking Thai, watch the Thais go about their life, watch Thai TV and so on. I also need to replenish my Thai music collection.
Hmm..maybe I should also write about the day I visited Nang Nak‘s house next.
SeaDemon Says 