Traffic in Ha Noi
Pictures of daily life in HaNoi. The numbers of motorbikes are rising in Vietnam. Here are some snapshots taken during a short journey through the city in 2007.
...Traffic Ha Noi, (CLICK HERE)...

London City Centre.
London City showed up with sunshine, a lot of people, good restaurants and and lot to visit during my last stay. Here are some of the pictures I took in London Centre, The Tower of London, London Tower bridge, Westminster Abbey, The Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, St James Park, St Pauls Chathedral, Speakers Corner in Hyde Park and much more..
...London City Centre, (CLICK HERE)...

London Tower Brigde.
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name. It has become an iconic symbol of London and is sometimes mistakenly called London Bridge, which is the next bridge upstream. The pictures shown are taken in 2001 and 2007.
...London Tower Bridge, (CLICK HERE)...

Cha Am, a nice beach town.
Pictures from Cha am north of Hua Hin on the west coast of Bangkok bay. A nice and quiet town.
...Cha Am a nice beach town, (CLICK HERE)...

The Old City in Warsaw Poland.
I have recently visited the old city in Warsaw. The old city is actually a new part of Warsaw. The whole Warsaw city was destroyed during the world war II and the old city was rebuilt and finished in by 1960s. Today we can still enjoy and get the flavor or what this was prior to the war. Highly recommended. We enjoyed a nice dinner with excellent food.
...Old City in Warsaw Poland, (CLICK HERE)...

Queen Sirikit Park in Bangkok.
Queen Sirikit park just beside Emporium shopping center is a small but beautiful little park in Bangkok. It is frequently used by the citizens of Bangkok and we recommend a nice walk to stay away from the noisy traffic in Bangkok for a while.
...Queen Sirikit Park in Bangkok, (CLICK HERE)...

September 16 - 2006 Belly dancers in Istanbul Turkey.
I visited Istanbul and in particular a professional show at the Orient House in Istanbul. A group of musicians, singers and belly dancers made this evening special.
...Belly dancers in Istanbul, (CLICK HERE)...

July 8 - 2006 China Town in Bangkok.
Pictures from the China Town in Bangkok, a shoppers paradise. But plan to use a lot of time if you really want to explore the city. Even after 5 years in Bangkok, I still have not been able to visit all places I want in this fabulous part of Bangkok city.
...Pictures from China Town in Bangkok, (CLICK HERE)...

June 9 - 2006 Hua Hin.
Pictures from the famous beach town Hua Hin south west of Bangkok. A busy small town, popular among tourists. Hua Hin can offer excellent seafood restaurants and good hotels.
...Pictures from Hua Hin, (CLICK HERE)...

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May 27 - 2006 Chao Praya River in Bangkok.
Pictures from daily life on the river Chao Praya in Bangok. A busy river with a lot of barge- and boat traffic. I would not recommend a bath in the water, but Thai children are enjoying a swim in the muddy water.
...Pictures from Chao Praya river in Bangkok, (CLICK HERE)...

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May 10 - 2006 A Cruise on the river Nile.
Pictures of a night cruise on the river Nile in Cairo - Egypt in 2006
...Pictures from a Cruise on the river Nile, (CLICK HERE)...

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May 3 - 2006 Bang Saen Beach.
We have been on a short trip to Bang Saen south east of Bangkok. Not far from Chon Buri. We enjoyed the nice views overlooking the sea from the hills. Also, the young fisherman through his net and catched quite a lot of nice sized fish. The beach is not as known as others in Thailand, and probably not as good as well. But many Thais enjoy the quiet beaches and sit together on the beach front enjoying their traditional Thai meals and family gatherings.
...Bang Saen Beach, (CLICK HERE)...

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April 25 - 2006 The streets of Cairo Egypt.
Pictures of people, buildings and daily life of Cairo - Egypt in 2006
...From the streets of Cairo, (CLICK HERE)...

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March 27 - 2006 The Pyramids and The Sphinx in Cairo Egypt.
The three Pyramides of Giza. They are located about 10 km southwest of Cairo in the Libyan Desert. The biggest is ascribed to the pharaoh Cheops and is supposed to be built in the 4th dynasty about 2690 B.C. over a 20 year period. It is made from limestone from the Mokattam Mountains near Cairo. Its height is 140 m and its lateral length 230 m. The second is suppose to be built by pharaoh Chefren about 2650 B.C. and its height is 136 m. The smaller one with a height of 63 m is supposed to be built by pharaoh Mykerinos about 2600 B.C.
The Sphinx of Giza, statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human is just as mysterious as the pyramids. It has a height of 20 m and a length of 70 m and is supposed to be built about 2500 B.C. out of a solid rock mountain at the plateau. See the pictures we took.
...The Pyramids and The Sphinx in Cairo, (CLICK HERE)...

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March 19 - 2006 Doi Tung Botanic Garden.
The Doi Tung Garden outside Chang Rai is a fantastic a botanic garden. The layout and flowers are breathtaking. Doi Tung has traditionally been an area at the centre of Thailand's opium production, and with a ready supply of the drug in the area, drug use was prevalent, especially amongst the poor. The Princess Mother built a summer palace in the area and initiated the Doi Tung Development Project. See the pictures we took.
...The Botanic Garden Doi Tung, (CLICK HERE)...

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February 18 - 2006 Grand Palace in Bangkok.
We have been visiting Grand Palace multiple times and still it give us a breathtaking experience. But be aware of the rules for how to dress before you go. And it closes 15.30 in the afternoon. Also there are unfortunately many trying to scam tourists at the gate. Never trust any good looking and good english speaking person trying to get your attention here. Normally they claim the palace is closed today... However, this is beside the point.
The Palace is breathtaking and is worth a couple of hours visit. The emerald Budda is a holy place for Buddhists and Thais. And there must be tons of gold in there. We show you the pictures we took in 2001.
...Grand Palace Map ...
...Grand Palace in Bangkok. (CLICK HERE)...

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February 8 - 2006 A Construction Site in Bangpoo.
I have been visiting a construction site ongoing in Bangpoo. Take a look and judge for yourself. The safety issues are not in focus, specially the cheap contractors outside Bangkok has Safety First only as a word. Not something they take seriously.
...Construction Site Bangpoo. (CLICK HERE)...

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January 28 - 2006 Bangkok City.
Bangkok City is big and challenge you patience in many ways. Problem areas as constant congestion in the traffic along with high polluted air are some... But the city has a lot to offer, see our section in the menus under Bangkok. If you visit learn more of Bangkok, you will never forget it. Here is a collection of pictures taken in the city.
...Bangkok City. (CLICK HERE)...

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January 17 - 2006 The Bridge over river Kwai.
The bridge over the river Kwai is famous and well known to everyone in Europe, Australia and USA. But if you ask someone in Thailand, many does not know about the tragedy during the second world war at all. Many prisoners of war died here during the attempt of the Japanese to keep a supply route by train over the river Kwai to Myanmar. Here some pictures I took during a visit. I have also included some pictures from the museum exhibition.
...The bridge over river Kwai (CLICK HERE)...

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January 17 - 2006 Ayutthaya City.
The Ayutthaya ancient city of Thailand used to be the capital from 1350 to 1767. Today you are able to see the ruins which demonstrates the magnificent city it was long time ago.
...Ayutthaya ancient city (CLICK HERE)...

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January 17 - 2006 Ayutthaya City.
The Ayutthaya ancient city of Thailand used to be the capital from 1350 to 1767. Today you are able to see the ruins which demonstrates the magnificent city it was long time ago.
...The Bridge over the river Kwai. (CLICK HERE)...

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December 28 - 2005 Manila City on the Philippines
I have been traveling to Manila City on the Philippines some weeks ago. The city is well known for charm, nice people corruption and crime. During my busy days in the city, I was able to shoot some pictures...
...Manila City (CLICK HERE)...

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December 12 - 2005 Felicia Design in Bangkok
Felicia Design - a Norwegian managed and controlled jewelry production in the hearth of Bangkok, Thailand. Specialized in silver jewelry production. On its 10 year anniversary Felicia Design is moving to its new facilities on Pan Road - moving only two streets, but to a specious new factory. Welcome to a peak viewing of the old and the new Felicia. Comments by Vibeke Lysand Leirvaag - General Manager and part owner.
...Pictures of jewelry production and a lot of high quality products (CLICK HERE)...

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December 8 - 2005 A Construction Site at Jomtien Beach/Pattaya
I have recently visited Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. There are quite many big apartment complexes being built at the moment. As usual I can not avoid to see the lack of safety precautions which are quite typical here in Thailand. See the pictures I took.
...A Construction Site at Jomtien Beach (CLICK HERE)...

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December 3 - 2005 Hefei City in China.
I have recently visited Hefei City in China. A busy and big city in China. See the pictures I took.
...Hefei City in China (CLICK HERE)...

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November 27 - 2005 Zhong Zhan in China.
I have recently visited Zhong Zhan in China. See the pictures I took.
...Zhong Zhan in China (CLICK HERE)...

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November 17 - 2005 Butterflies.
I have occasionally been able to take pictures of butterflies. With their many shapes and colors they are beautiful to watch.
...Butterflies in Thailand and China (CLICK HERE)...

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November 12 - 2005 Snapshots Series 6.
Our latest snapshots from Thailand and some other countries. They have earlier been published on Todays Picture Blog on Skaarpictures.Com.
...Snapshots Series 6 photos (CLICK HERE)...

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... More Snapshot Galleries on Skaarpictures.Com...
...Snapshots Series 1... ...Snapshots Series 2... ...Snapshots Series 3... ...Snapshots Series 4... ...Snapshots Series 5... ...Todays Picture on Skaarpictures.Com...
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November 9 - 2005 Hong Kong City in China.
The Hong Kong city is a fascinating city. The busy metropolitan is well organized, clean and in many ways beautiful. The 7 millions of people living there can buy any product or service, a very updated and modern city. But compared to some other cities in Asia, the cost of living here are also higher. See the pictures we took.
...Hong Kong city (CLICK HERE)...

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November 4 - 2005 Happy Thai Boys in Thailand.
We have recently taken some pictures of happy Thai boys north of Bangkok. The typical traditional old fashioned hair cut style is not so often seen in Thailand any more. A haircut for good luck and happy future for the boy.
...Happy Thai Boys pictures (CLICK HERE)...

... More Galleries of People on Skaarpictures.Com...
...People in Thailand I... ...People in Thailand II... ...People in Thailand III... ...People in Thailand IV... ...People in Thailand V...
...A Search for pictures of People on Skaaarpitures.Com...

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October 29 - 2005 The Lotus Flower - The most beautiful flower I know.
The Lotus Flower is just spectacular and beautiful. "The pure white lotus flower, the only plant to fruit and flower simultaneously, emerges from the depths of the muddy swamp and symbolizes the manifestation of the universal Buddha Nature or Christ Consciousness inherent equally in all life" are words you can find about the flower. It is all true! See the pictures taken one day north of Bangkok.
...The Lotus Flowers north of Bangkok. (CLICK HERE)...

... More Flower Photos on Skaarpictures.Com...
...Flowers Series I... ...Flowers Series II...
...A Search for other Flower Photos on Skaaarpitures.Com...

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October 24 - 2005 Bird Watching - The Rise Farm Land and Wet Land at Bang Sai.
The rise fields and wet land north of Bangkok at Bang Sai is interesting for bird watchers. We have spent some time watching the birds and animals in the area and here are some pictures. We apologize for not knowing too much about bird names and sorts. But they are all beautiful and marvelous to watch. See the buffalo and butterflies as well, we met several of them too.
...The Rise Fields and Wet Land at Bang Sai (CLICK HERE)...

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October 19 - 2005 Bananas in Tobacco Company in Bangok.
I have been to the Tobacco Company area in Bangkok this week. There is Bananas growing there, a little unusual for a tobacco company. I took some pictures.
...Bananas in Tobacco Company in Bangkok (CLICK HERE)...

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Benjakiti Park in Bangkok.

The Tobacco Company will soon be a tropical garden and a nice green park in Bangkok, see some earlier comments done to this from the Benjakiti Park close to the Tobacco Company area...
Benjakiti Park in Bangkok CLICK HERE...
October 16 - 2005 A Construction Site in Bangkok with Safety in Place.
Close to Ekamai BTS (Skytrain station Sukhumvit) there is a construction site were everything concerning safety seem to be in place. I have reported so many occations of bad behaviour on the matter. It is a pleasure to show that it is not the case for all sites. Thanks for that. Have a look at some of the pictures I took at the site.
...Good Safety Photos from Ekamai (CLICK HERE)...

October 8 - 2005 Ko Sichang
Ko Sichang is a beautiful island with a lot to offer. Clean water, nice people, no cars, one of Thailand best and cheapest restaurants, Pan & Davids restaurant, and amazing temples and nature. Use this link to see more of our comments of the restaurant ...(CLICK HERE)... There are quite a lot of beaches there too, but most of the shore line is rocky. Unfortunately we did not have time to explore some of the islands around Ko Sichang, they seem to very nice too. We hired a motorcycle and traveled without any problems around on the island. There are quite good roads there too. We therefore recommend a visit, it is not visited by tourists in general, you are able to see real Thailand here. Fishing is a main business and there are hundreds of fishing boats in the harbour. If your are interested in fishing from the shore, you can hire poles and there is plenty of fish.
Ko Sichang Pictures...(CLICK HERE)...
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David has a very good web site with tons of good information about Ko Sicang if you would like to go there...
Ko-Sichang.Com CLICK HERE...
October 04 - 2005 Wat Tham Yai Prik.
I visited the temple Tham Yai Prik on Ko Sicang in the beginning of October 2005. K. Pui invited me for breakfast and showed me around. The temple has an unique atmosphere and are an important part of Ko Sichang. I was even able to talk to The Master Luang Por Paisit Thavaro as well. Many are seeking peace and shelter in the temple of Tham Yai Prik. I recommend a visit to the temple. It does not matter if you believe in Budda or not. They will great you as a friend, and you might find peace... Take a look at the pictures I took and what the nun K. Pui explained to me...
...Wat Tham Yai Prik (CLICK HERE)...

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September 20 - 2005 Si Racha Shoreline.
Si Racha at the south coast line of Bangkok is interesting. Rocky coast with busy deep sea habours being the main import and export port of Thailand. The fishing villages are many and the restaurants serve excellent sea food. Take a look at the pictures I took...
...Si Racha Shoreline (CLICK HERE)...

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September 20 - 2005 King Rama IX Royal Park Bangkok.
Located in the vicinity of Bangkok, this 200 acre large park on Srinakharin Road commemorates His Majesty King Rama IX's 60th birthday in 1987. The park is large and beautiful. We really recommend a walk here. You will need minimum half a day. The park comprises lakes, english garden, flowers, palms, botanical gardens, and an lot more from the works and life of King Rama IX. ... See the pictures.
...King Rama IX Royal Park Bangkok (CLICK HERE)...

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September 13 - 2005 International Swan River Boat Races.
18th Thailand International Swan Boat Races was held September 10-11, 2005 on the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings), Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center, near the ruins of the golden city of Ayutthaya, former capital of Siam. Over twentyinternational teams including teams from the Peoples Republic of China, Germany, Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Myanmar, Indonesia, England, Thailand, the United States, Australia, and the city of Hong Kong were competing. The swan boats are 96 feet long and manned by 50 paddlers. We had a great time watching, but the referee maked us loose our hearing senses for a couple of days... See the pictures.
...Swan Boat Races (CLICK HERE)...

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September 8 - 2005 Kualalumpur - Malaysia.
We have recently visited Kualalumpur in Malaysia.The city is a nice and charming city with a lot to offer. The Petronal Tower is a landmark well known world wide. One of the highest building in the world. We recommend a visit.
See the pictures.
...Kualalumpur 2005 (CLICK HERE)...

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August 26 - 2005 A Construction Site in Bangkok.
Civil works are ongoing on every corner in Bangkok. The workers are living on the site where they can find shelter. Normally they make some temporary simple houses. Minimum salary for a non skilled worker in Bangkok is 170 Baht or about 4 USD per day. The Health and Safety issues are not always in focus. But the buildings are being built all right. Though work in the heat!
See the pictures.
...A Construction Site in Bangkok (CLICK HERE)...

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August 5 - 2005 Tall Ships Races Fredrikstad Norway
We have recently visited Fredrikstad in Norway during the Tall Ships Races event.
Each summer usually between 70 and 100 vessels from 20 or more countries, crewed by some 4,000 or so young people from over 30 countries worldwide, take part in The Tall Ships' Races in Europe. Organised by Sail Training International, this unique event combines four days of activities in each port with racing or cruising-in-company between ports. During the race series the young crews get the chance to gain experience by sailing with their contemporaries from other countries while facing the physical and emotional challenges that only the ocean can provide.
See the pictures we took walking the piers in Fredrikstad Norway.
...Tall Ships Races pictures (CLICK HERE)...

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July 25 - 2005 Waterford City on Ireland
I have just recently visited the city on Waterford on Ireland. A beautiful small city on the south - east coast of Ireland. Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland. A walled city of Viking origins, it retains much of it's medieval character together with the graceful buildings from its 18th century expansion. The parameters of the 10th century settlement can be clearly identified in The Viking Triangle. Reginald's Tower is the most historic urban medieval monument in Ireland. I hope you will enjoy the pictures...
...Waterford on Ireland (CLICK HERE)...

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July 16 - 2005 People in Thailand, series V
Pictures of people in Thailand. From daily situations and where I go. I hope you will enjoy it...

...People in Thailand Series V (CLICK HERE)...

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July 02 - 2005 Kao Lak after the Tsunami
The Tsunami hit Thailand hard. Have a look at picture taken now after the Tsunami, the area is slowly recovering.

...Kao Lak after the Tsunami (CLICK HERE)...

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June 26 - 2005 People Series IV
A follow up series of People in Thailand. Series IV. From many places in Thailand of people in all kinds of situations.

...People in Thailand Series IV (CLICK HERE)...


Also, see the latest Snapshot Pictures...
...Snapshots Series 4 (CLICK HERE)...

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June 21 - 2005 Flowers Series II
The latest pictures is a Flower Collection Series II. Thailand has an enormous collection of flowers and plants of all kinds in any shape or color. They are just beautiful. The pictures are all taken i Thailand except for a few from China.

...Flower Series II (CLICK HERE)...

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June 17 - 2005 Korat to Surin
See some of our pictures taken during a road trip between Korat and Surin in Thailand.

...On the road between Korat and Surin (CLICK HERE)...

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June 11 - 2005 Flowers in Thailand - Series I
There seem to be all kinds of beautiful flowers in Thailand. For someone like me knowing nothing about flower and their names, I fully enjoy their beauty and elegance. I have picked some in this first series of flowers from Thailand. More will come later.

...Flowers in Thailand Series I (CLICK HERE)...

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June 3 - 2005 The Great Wall in China.
We have recently visited The Great Wall at Badaling outside Beijing in China. It is just amazing how somebody can have built this wall in the mountains. You just have to see to believe what it really is. We recommend a trip very much. You will never forget it. It is a big advantage to have fresh legs and good health to be able to walk the wall a bit. The higher you get and the more exhausted you get...just when you think your legs will not carry you any longer....you will get the reward from the great view, the fantastic feeling of admiration to those who long time ago worked and made this wall. Enjoy a look at the pictures I took on my way up to the top and back down again.
More information about the Great Wall: The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago, by Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China during the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty (221 B.C - 206 B.C.). In Chinese the wall is called "Wan-Li Qang-Qeng" which means 10,000-Li Long Wall (10,000 Li = about 5,000 km).
After subjugating and uniting China from seven Warring States, the emperor connected and extended four old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago). Armies were stationed along the wall as a first line of defense against the invading nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes north of China (the Huns). Signal fires from the Wall provided early warning of an attack.
The Great Wall is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed. It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing. It is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. It was over 5,000 km (=10,000 Li) long. Its thickness ranged from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) and was up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period, with watch-towers and cannons added including the Badaling section.

...The Great Wall in China (CLICK HERE)...

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May 27 - 2005 Temples in Samut Songkhram
In the small village of Kalhong, the beautiful temple occupies a central and large area of the village. During our visit to K. Pichai's village, we also vitnessed the monk ceremony at the temple before Songkran. Thousands of Baht were donated from rich and poor that day. Later we visited the extraordinary wooden temple in Samut Songkhram. The mother of pearl inlay dominated the dark wooden walls and and roof. The temple is the most beautiful we have seen in Thailand.
...Temples in Samut Songkhram (CLICK HERE)...

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May 14 - 2005 The Children of Takuapa
The children of Takuapa are in need for help and economical assistance, no other organization are helping in the area at the moment. These children and their home towns Baan Nam Khem and Bang Muang were badly hit by the Tsunami. The Tsunami Relief Fund for children of Takuapa (TRFT) are giving the money to the children in need, supervised by a trusted member of family (parent) or other appointed guardian. The intention of the relief fund is to keep the children in school long term Currently the TRFT is supporting about 1100 children in the age from 3 to 10 mainly. TRFT is having a open book policy, the ones who want to see their money transactions coming in and going out of the Fund will get access to that Administrative work is efficient and not much based on volunteers. No cost added. The TRFT needs more donations
...The Children of Takuapa (CLICK HERE)...


...To DONATE (CLICK HERE)...

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May 10 - 2005 Pictures of People in Thailand
This is a follow up of the series of Pictures of People in Thailand. Enjoy...
...People in Thailand Series III (CLICK HERE)...

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April 30 - 2005 Making Electricity in Thailand - Queen Sirikit Dam
I have last year been in the North of Thailand and worked with EGAT on their impressive Queen Sirikit Dam. The Nan river from the north are creating one of the largest hydro power installations in Thailand. The installed capacity of 500 MV comes from 4 generators of each 125 MegaWatt. The energy is transmitted to Phitsanulok on 230 kV -and Uttaradit on 115 kV high voltage lines. See a map ... click here... The big dam produces millions of MegaWatt/year for electric consumption. The dam is made out of stones and soil and is about 100 m high and 800 m long by my estimate. Under the hydro power station the BIG river fish Tako can be seen all the time. The local restaurants serve them. However, we are not allowed to fish there. That would have been fun! The dam has a Resort where you can stay overnight in good air conditioned rooms. And close by there is a good and nice golf course. EGAT says they have 300 000 visitors per year! The dam also prevents the Nan river from flooding and also give the farmers a stable source of water for the land down streams. See the pictures of the great nature of northern Thailand.
...Queen Sirikit Dam (CLICK HERE)...

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April 29 - 2005 Suan Lum Night Bazar
Across from the Lumpini Park, the Night Bazars are offering a lot. See the map Click Here. The area is big, has many restaurants and you can buy what you want there. Clothes, Decoration for house, Leather, Bags........all the usual market stuff. But the quality is quite good. Perfect for the tourist, interesting for all to see and a good spot if you want to find a good restaurant.
...Suan Lum Night Bazar (CLICK HERE)...


...Suan Lum Night Bazar MAP (CLICK HERE)...

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April 25 - 2005 Classical Cars
We found these Classical old cars in Seacon Square by coincidence last weekend. Many of the old good brand names, Lotus, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes,Volks Wagen, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Austin, Bentley and many more were on display.
...Classical Cars (CLICK HERE)...

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April 22 - 2005 Picking Salt in Thailand
See earlier pictures of ....Making Salt in Thailand... to get the full story. Here see the follow up pictures of how the salt is picked from the bottom layer in the pond of saturated salt water. When the water still is half an inch high, the deposits of salt at the bottom of the pond is loosened and collected into piles of crystal clear pure sea-water salt. We have tasted the salt and it tastes just excellent and nice. Much better than what you get as pure NaCl in the supermarket.
...Picking Salt in Thailand (CLICK HERE)...

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April 21 - 2005 People in Thailand Series II
A series of pictures of people in Thailand. I have picked pictures of people I know and of many I do not know at all. They are from very different situations and occasions. I hope you can enjoy them.
...People in Thailand Series II (CLICK HERE)...

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April 17 - 2005 Ha Noi City in Vietnam
Ha Noi city is undergoing big changes and developments. We took these pictures in 2001 and we assume there are big changes since then. However, the Ha Noi city is a city with charm and vitality. The markets are busy, the silk is excellent and most you can buy is cheap. But bargain is a must. We enjoyed the visit.
...Ha Noi City Vietnam (CLICK HERE)...

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April 12 - 2005 Making Salt in Thailand
K. Pichai, a very good friend of us, invited Ragnhild and me to vistit his salt family business in April 2005. His home town called Kalhong is a small village located at the south west of Bangkok Bay. It has been the home for his familly and his brothers and sisters families for generations. They are all involved in the salt business during the dry season or the carpentry business during the wet season. The villiage is located about 45 km from Bangkok center. His son Wai and daughter Wan met us at his home. Later we took a walk to K. Ae's saltfarm, his brother. We met K. Ae under the burning sun where he showed us how to prepare and clean the sea water and dry it in the sun for days and weeks. The farm has been family property for years and is huge. Is is about 0,4 km wide times 5 kilometers long, from the shore all the way to the open sea. They get 800 Baht per 2,5 m3 in 2005. Difficult to get rich from this hard work.
...Making Salt in Thailand (CLICK HERE)...

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April 9 - 2005 Fireworks in Bangkok
We enjoyed the Fireworks during Loy Kratong at Oriental Hotel last year. Spectacular Fireworks with an intensity you can not imagine. You will have to be there. As usual we took pictures...
...Fireworks in Bangkok (CLICK HERE)...

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April 5 - 2005 Pictures of People in Thailand
This is the first picture series of People in Thailand. More will follow.
Thai people are behaving natural and beautiful. Watching them play and have fun at the beach is really spectacular. See some pictures taken at beach in March. Have a look...
...People I, Pictures of people in Thailand (CLICK HERE)...

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March 27 - 2005 Pictures from the roads in Thailand
Driving car in Thailand and specially Bangkok is challenging. The traffic is always busy and you never know when a motor bike jumps in front of you or is coming on the wrong side of the road. The pictures from the road is taken while driving and are therefore not of best quality. But thanks to a very good camera which can take a picture in a spit second, it works. Have a look...
...From Roads in Thailand (CLICK HERE)...

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March 19 - 2005 The Norwegian Mountains between Bergen and Oslo
We traveled between Bergen and Oslo last summer. The Norwegian mountains are quite spectacular and beautiful. The roads bring you from the deep fjords to the glacier area. We had very nice weather during the trip and took many pictures. Here are some..
...Norwegian Mountains (CLICK HERE)...

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March 13 - 2005 The Alpes in Switzerland
We had a very nice trip along the Alpes in Switzerland in February. The train trip from Geneva to Zurich is worth while to take. The trains and tracks in Switzerland are of excellent quality. We could enjoy the scenery sitting high up in the second floor train coach. All pictures taken and shown here are taken in about 100 km/h speed. The quality is therefore not 100 %.
...The Alpes in Switzerland (CLICK HERE)...

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March 6 - 2005 A Gekko in Bangkok
I had an unusual travel companion in my car the other week. A Gekko decided to join me on a free ride down Sukhumvit Road on the front screen. I was able to do some close up pictures while driving...
...Gekko in Bangkok (CLICK HERE)...

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February 21 - 2005: Zurich city in Switzerland
We visited Zurich last month. We were lucky to have Anneli Carlzon to show us around in the city. It is a charming city with a lot of old buildings and great architecture. We have posted quite a lot of pictures. We hope you will enjoy them...
...Zurich City (CLICK HERE)...

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February 10 - 2005: Dogs in Thailand
If you travel in Thailand, you will notice that there are a lot of dogs. Many of them are taken care of by the people. They feed them if they can. But many do not have a master and a owner and in some areas there are too many dogs. But the Thai culture does not allow to kill or wipe out the animals easily as we would think they should. The dogs might be a unlucky friend or relatives from former live...
However, here are some pictures taken in 10 minutes on in an area where there are many dogs... They are beautiful or what??
...Dogs in Thailand (CLICK HERE)...

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February 6 - 2005: Loy Kratong at Oriental Hotel (Nov-2004)
We spent a weekend there.....Mama Mia that was not cheap! We enjoyed the marvelous Loy Kratong with its charm and beauty at the hotel by the river. The hotel Oriental offers luxurious rooms and excellent service. Please enjoy the pictures...
...Loy Kratong at Oriental (CLICK HERE)...

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January 27 - 2004: Thais on the Beach
The Beaches are a real big asset for Turism in Thailand. Now after the Tsunami, it will still be The Attraction in Thailand. Not only the Farangs and Tourists enjoy and love the beautiful beaches in Thailand. The Thais themselves have great JOY and FUN when they relax with their friends and family on the Beach...
Please enjoy the pictures...
...Thais on the Beach (CLICK HERE)...

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January 14 2004: Ancient City Samutprakarn
The Ancient City of Samutprakarn is another evidence of K. Les's work to preserve Thailands ancient history. He made this big park as a copy of whole Thailand. All areas of Thailand are represented in the park - north - north east - west - south. They all have copies of famous buildings and places from ancient Thai history.
The park is open daily and you can use your car going around. Or simply jump on one of the 'trains' moving people around. The park is BIG, walking would be a too hard exercise in the sun. See our pictures.
...Ancient City Pictures (CLICK HERE)...

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January 3. - 2005 Martin and Tinius in the Tsunami Disaster.
Odd Asbjørn Johansen says: We saved our lives because our son Martin warned us early in the morning when the earth quake came. He warned us all about flood danger. We calmed down all saying this is not so dangerous. And we forgot it until I saw the fishingboat lifted high up in the sea water. We were all at the pool then. I yelled and warned all because I by instinct knew the Tsunami was there remembering Martins words. We saved many lives at the hotel in this way.
Thank you Martin.
See his words and pictures on these links...
...Martin and Tinius in Bangkok (CLICK HERE)...

...Odd - Hugo - Ragnhild - Knut (CLICK HERE)...

...Srisunthorn Temple in Phuket (CLICK HERE)...

You can e-mail Odd Asbjørn Johansen your greetings on
odd.johansen@gmail.com (CLICK HERE)
January 2. - 2005 Tsunami pictures
Odd Asbjørn Johansen has walked the beaches in search of Morten and Merete's son Martin. His best friends. They eventually found him dead December 29. at 16.00.
See his words and pictures - follow these links...
...December 26 Patong Beach (CLICK HERE)...

...December 27 Patong Beach Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn (CLICK HERE)...

...December 28 Khao Lak Beach area (CLICK HERE)...

...December 29 Khao Lak Beach, Blue Village Resort (CLICK HERE)...

This is how the Holiday Inn was before the Tsunami
...... (CLICK HERE)...

Dagbladets article about Odd Asbjørn Johansen (in Norwegian language)
...... (CLICK HERE)...

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2004-2005
Tsunami.....Let us all wish this will never happen again!
But still - Best wishes for 2005!
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The Page of December 26. 2004: Home of Praise in Klong Thoey
We were happy to join our Norwegian friends who are working in Home of Praise in Klong Thoey on Christmas Day. They organized a big party for all in the area, the old and the youngest were all there. We enjoyed performances from all groups of children involved in the Home of Praise.
Home of Praise is a day home for children in need of a place when poor parents try to earn money elsewhere in the city. It is supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Thailand. The location is actually under the highway in central Bangkok in the Klong Thoey area. With quite a lot of drug abuse in this poor part of Bangkok city, it is a challenging work Solveig, Dag and Anne and their Thai colleagues are doing.
But this day was a nice and joyful day for everyone, see the happy people in the pictures taken during the event.
...Click Here ...

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The Page of December 24. 2004: Christmas Decorations in Bangkok City
Christmas in Thailand is different from what we are used to. However, the city of Bangkok are really trying to decorate buildings, shopping malls and hotels in a way that really reminds you of Europe or US. And they are very good at it! We would like to bring some impression of this to you by the pictures we took in December, just down on Sukhumvit and Ploenchit road.
...Click Here ...

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The Page of December 20. 2004: Pat Khlong Talat, The Flower Market in Bangkok
If you travel by the busy river taxis up river Chao Praya, stop at the Memorial Bridge Pier and take the short walk to the Fruit and Flower Market. It is genuine, busy and cheap. 50-70 or more roses for 80 Baht!
We found our way trying out the Tourist Express Boats from Taksin Bridge pier. Since this does not stop on Memorial Bridge pier but continued to Tha Tien pier, we took the cheaper and regular boat taxi back to Memorial Bridge. However, the market is quite an experience! It is not only the flowers and the extreme numbers of varying flower sorts. But the whole atmosphere and life. The market is very busy and people are working hard carrying and shipping and selling and packing....
We took pictures again, we hope you will enjoy it.
...Click Here ...

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The Page of December 14. 2004: The Benjakiti Park
The Tobacco Company has for years operated and still does in the city center. By 2008 the company will evacuate all premises and move all activity to Chiang Rai. The Tobacco Company's area will be transferred into two large park areas in Bangkok. The first step in this direction in the opening of the Benjakiti Park. The 130 rai area is a brand new and beautiful park around the big lake in front of the Queen Sirikit Convention Center. The second step will be the 300 rai big area developed to a rain forrest park by 2008, where the factories are now. See a map of the parks, ...Benjakiti Park Map...

The RH Queen Sirikit opened the park on December 9, and we took a walk on December 10. It is just fantastic, and close to where we live too. Take a look and see how much the Thais enjoy their new park... ...Click here...
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The Page of December 10. 2004: The Surin Elephant Show
We have been visiting the Surin Elephant Round Up. A great elephant show in Surin which takes place every November. The show starts early in the morning and be sure to book hotels early if you want to stay in the town. Two weeks before the event they were all fully booked. The people and the 200 elephants are performing all kinds of shows and athletic exercises, including basketball for elephants, elephant t-shirt painting, rallies, ancient wars and fights and much more...
Even 80 people could not overcome the power of one elephant...
We recommend you to make a visit and try it out! See our pictures from the event in 2004
...Click Here ...

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The Page of December 4. 2004: The Erawan Elephant - A Temple and Museum in one
We have earlier showed The Santuary of Truth in Pattaya ( ...Click Here ... ) Built by K. Lek. This time we will like to show you another temple he built, the Erawan Elephant. The three headed elephant - a 4 store building high elephant in a compination of a temple and a museum. In the basement K. Lek's many collections of ancient furniture, china, jewelry are displayed. In the main floor, a gigantic show room with high staircases and colums decorated with china peaces cut into wright shape. The top floor is more a 'heaven' experience with more religious image. A great monument in Samutprakarn, you simply can not miss it if you drive the old Sukhumvit road there. We recommend you to make a visit.
...Click Here ...

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The Page of November 26. 2004: K. Amornlak - The Fish Lady - making Pla Dad Deaw
I have for years been passing the nice lady making 'one day dry fish' Pla Dad Deaw on the roadside in Samutprakarn. One day I decided to stop and have a talk. With my thai friend K. Rattana's help, I was able to get a better view of what the fish lady K. Amornlak is doing. K. Amornlak has been farming fish and selling dried fish for 7 years. Her mother has in the past done it for 30 years. Their home is situated at a klong and close to a big fishingpond. The 'one day dried fish' style of drying the fish in the sun, is popular in Samutprakarn. I have never seen this other places in Thailand. The fish get a more get more delicious and tasty by this way. Every day she buys the fish in the region from other fish farmers, cleans the fish and dries it in the sun. By the day end, the whole lot is sold off to a price of 100 - 150 Baht per kilo, depending of size and quality.
K. Amornlak showed us her fishing pond close by, the pond is about 30 000 m2 and she will empty the pond every 9 month. She get around 1000 kg fish every time. In the mean time she dries fish and sell it. We bought the fish and K. Rattana fried the fish and served it with 'healthy' rice.
...Click Here ...

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The Page of November 19. 2004: Buriram - Phi Mai and Phanung Rung
Buriram in north east of Thailand can offer quite a lot of ancient temples and building. From the strong Khmer influence around 1000 to 1200 years ago, the temples were build in the same manner as in Angkor city in Cambodia. For those who want to have a look at the Angkor pictures we have shown before
...Click Here ...

But Buriram has impressive buildings although not so concentrated and big as in Angkor. See our latest pictures from Phi Mai and Phanung Rung temple in Buriram province.
...Click Here ...

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Page of November 13. 2004: Pantip Plaza - The Computer City
The Pantip Plaza has for years been the center of gravity for IT and computer interested consumers in Bangkok. You can literary buy what you want of software and hardware for you PC here.
Personally I have been there quite a lot, but I can not stand the noise and commerce more than 1 or 2 hours. The activities and the numbers of people in the 5 store shopping mall are incredable.
See some pictures taken there to give some impression of what is going on...
...Click Here ...

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The Page of November 6. 2004: Sunflowers in Saraburi
The sunflower farmers are many in the Saraburi area. Going there in October-November is quite an exciting experience. The big yellow sunflowers are blooming all over the big fields.
Many people, specially the Thais visit the area and buy seeds or food on the markets close to the flowers. The Thais are clever, they just make a market where the people go, even its in the middle of the farmers field.
Take a look of pictures we took
...Click Here ...

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The page of October 30. 2004: Koh Samet - an island to visit
We have been to Koh Samet before some years ago. Last weekend we visited the famous island outside Rayong. Having a national holiday last monday, many Thais used the opportunity to relax on the island too. All hotels were fully booked. We managed to get a room on Samet Ville Resort in the south east part of the island. The place is beautiful and specially the beach and water was excellent. The hotel standard was not great, specially compared to the price you pay. However, that is how Koh Samet is.
We explored the island hiring a motorbike, quite an experience since the roads on the island are very bad. I would not call the roads at all, but rather dirt tracks in the jungle. I think my wife has some opinion of that.
Koh Samet is a national park in Thailand. The development of hotels and tourism has therefore been limited. The inner part of the island contains mainly of jungle and hills. Water resources are few and our resort had to bring water every day to the resort.
As usual we took a lot of pictures on the island, specially the sunset and sunrise is beautiful there, see the pictures..,
...Click Here ...

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Page of October 22. 2004: The Sanctuary of Truth - Pattaya
Last weekend we visited the Pattaya and Jomtien area. We had read about the Sancturary of Truth TEAK building and wanted to find out more. On the north coast line of Pattaya the beautiful and amazing building is rising as a monument and temple.
You have to pay quite a lot of money to enter....500 Bath per person, extreamly high price for Thailand. But its worth it!!

The real story behind the building is quite amazing.. With the extravagant name of Sanctuary of Truth, the temple-like structure was conceived by the same rather eccentric businessman who built the Ancient City near Bangkok. Khun Lek made a fortune importing luxury cars, he became convinced that the western values that have heavily influenced Asia in the last 50 years has not been a particularly good thing. In particular, he saw the rise of materialism as being highly detrimental to Asian values. The sanctuary was built as a rather subtle reminder of the artistic and cultural heritage of Asia.
The park offers the visitors guided tour in the temple, horse riding in the park and a Delfin show at the lake. The building is under continuous construction since 1981. And today still a lot of work remains to be done. A quite large crew of craftsmen have their daily work carving teakwood. See the pictures.., ...Click Here ...
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See a more 'official' web site of the Sanctuary of Truth... ...Click Here ...
The Page of October 14. 2004: Sam Roi Yod National Park - Kao Yai National Park
We have had request to show pictures from the Sam Roi Yod National Park - so, we have searched pictures taken 2 years ago in the park... We had a very nice visit to the park including an exciting climb into a huge cave. The park has several caves and for those never been into one, we recommend to try. We had a though climp up the mountain where it was as well, Ragnhild had to make a emergency stop to recover from the heat.
The park has beautiful beaches, swamps, fishing ponds and small fishing villages. We hired a fishing boat and had a one day fishingtrip to the bay. Those pictures will have to wait to a later occasion.
We met a very particular cat in the park. See the first picture, and notice the cats eyes! ...Click Here ...
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We have also posted new pictures from Kao Yai National Park north of Bangkok. These are additional pictures to what we have posted from a motorcycle trip done earlier. ...Click Here ...
Page of October 8. 2004: A visit to the Sea Food Market Soi 24.
'If it swims we have it'

We have many times visited the Sea Food Market in Sukhumvit Soi 24. This time we invited some friends and customer of us to join in a seafood feast! The restaurant is of a football field size, has a separate part where we first can inspect and choose the fresh or live seafood. We get a nice lady helping us choosing using a trolley. If you want wine they also have a good collection.
We then pay for all of it in a counter and can rest at our fine big circular table out there in the yard (By the way, they also have VIP rooms for those who want that too). Now comes the tricky part...having all the food in the trolley, the waiter then asks what we want to do with it!! We manage somehow to explain what we want, and then in a while all the food comes 'flying' to our table. Then we pay for the cooking and service. Excellent food, but expensive.
See the pictures we took... ...Click Here ...

Page of October 1. 2004: Thai Boxing in Lumpini Stadium Bangkok.
Åke and Knut Øyvin visited the Lumpini Park Stadium last week. We wanted to try out a real Thai Boxing event. The stadium was quite much smaller than we expected, but a big crowd was cheering their favorite to win. Quite exiting!
Each round lasted 3 minutes, the match had maximum 5 rounds. Many lost or won money during the gambling too.
The conditions for taking pictures were really bad, but I secured some pictures... ...Click Here ...

Page of September 25. 2004: Sunset in Phuket.
We visited Pukhet during Sonkran this year. The south tip of Phuket has a very nice view point. In particular during the beautiful sunset, many people join to see it...
See our our pictures taken during the sunset ...Click Here ...

More pictures from Pukhet... ...Click Here ...
Page of September 19. 2004: Krabi in South Thailand.
Krabi is a popular destination for Farangs as well as Thais. The area has many nice beaches and islands. We recommend highly to stay here. The best beaches are on the islands and not so much on the main land. Therefore take trips around with a boat and you will certainly enjoy it...
See our latest pictures taken in Krabi... ...Click Here ...

Aslo follow this link to Krabi spesialisten which can offer good service in Krabi... ...Click Here ...
Page of September 11. 2004: The Chatuchak Market Bangkok.
The Chatuchak Market in north side of Bangkok is an extraordinary huge and busy market place. It seems like half of the Bangkok population is there at the same time. It is situated close to bus station, skytrain and now also the subway. It's a paradise for shoppers, you can find almost everything to a reasonable prices too. Have a look at the map of the Chatuchak Market.
...Click Here ...
I visited the market an early Sunday morning lately and here a small portion of the pictures I took.
...Click Here ...
Outside the market, there is a nice park where the Bangkok people try to relax on a Sunday morning. See the pictures from the Park...
...Click Here ...
Page of September 1. 2004: Thais visit Flåm - Gudvangen - Bergen.
NORWAY - NORGE, its time to show some pictures from our beautiful home country!
This summer we travelled together with Thai business friends in Norway. We stayed in Bergen and guided our friends around to see the Mountains, the Waterfalls, the Fjords, Bergen city and how people live in Norway.
We were lucky to have relatives to help us out in the region, Solveig and Leif Jensen invited the whole group for lunch and we all enjoyed a traditional 'norsk spekemat' feast! See a few of the pictures we took in 'Norway in a Nut Shell' trip to Myrdal, Flåm, Gudvangen, Aurland, Voss and Bergen.
...Click Here ...
Page of August 20. 2004: Under Water Pictures from South Thailand.
South of Thailand offer very clear and nice water for snorckelling and diving. Phi Phi and Similian Islands in particular. We tried the water recently and here are some of the pictures Knut Henrik, John Anders and Knut Øyvin took. As you can see, we found Nemo (for those who have seen the movie Finding Nemo)
Also, Knut Øyvin turned around quickly when he met a 1.5 m shark!!! He forgot to take pictures....
See some of our pictures.... ...Click Here ...

ALSO, CHECK THIS EXCELLENT WEB PAGE I DISCOVERED - BANGKOK.NO - THE PAGE HAS A LOT OF GOOD INFO AND PICTURES FROM THAILAND. IT ALSO HAS AN ARTICLE ABOUT RAGNHILD AND ME, IN NORWEGIAN LANGUAGE. ...Click Here ...
Page of July 5. 2004: Terrakotta Warriors in Xian China.
The Terrakotta Warriors in Xian in China are impressive and beautiful. We highly recommend a vistit there. The Terrakotta Warriors were discovered by accident in 1974 by a farmer digging his well on his farm. We met the farmer, he is currently signing books in the museum.

The Terrakotta Warriors in thousands of units were all dug into the soil protected by timber and soil. They are 180 up to 200 cm tall and had originally colorful painted surface. Their purpose was to guard the grave of the emperor Chin close by. Chin is the emperor who started making the Great Wall and China is named after him. His mausoleum together with thousands of terrakotta warriors are not uncovered yet. The excavation work is continuously ongoing.
We took hundreds of pictures. Have a look at some of them.... ...Click Here ...

Page of June 26. 2004: Angkor in Cambodia.
We decided to show pictures from other countries in the region and not only Thailand, even that is our main target. We have recently visited Angkor in Cambodia. It is an ancient city with marvelous old temples and ruins. The Cambodia country is poor and undeveloped. The Siem Reap city close to Angkor can prosper because of all the tourists visiting Angkor.
Angkor, the former capital of Cambodia had its great period of activity and wealth during the years 800 to 1200 AC. When the Thais invaded the country in approx 1450, the capital was withdrawn to Phnom Phen. Try see some small collection of all the pictures we took in Angkor, ...Click Here ...

Page of June 2. 2004: Noong Nooch Botanic Garden Jomtien.
Patthaya and Jomtien area has been frequently visited by us. Just recently, we discovered the beautiful botanic garden of Noong Nooch. It is an BIG impressive garden, well kept and with all kinds of trees and flowers. Please take a look, we present to now a fraction only of the pictures we took, but it will give you an idea. It's worth visiting.
To see our pictures from Noong Nooch Botanic Garden, ...Click Here ...

Please note that there are new links (Nordmanns-Forbundet i Thailand, Den Skandinaviske Kirken in Bangkok, Scandinavian Society of Siam) under Info of Thailand, follow the menu.
Page of June 2. 2004: Riding Motorbike in Thailand.
Page of April 7. 2004:
We sometimes take the motorbike for a ride in Thailand. This time we want show you pictures from Kao Yai National Park north east of Bangkok. The park is beautiful with original deep jungle and a lot of wild life. If you are lucky, you can meet wild elephants, tigers, deers, monkeys, wild pigs, horn bill bids and a lot more. The national park has many waterfalls and mountains up to 1300 m high. And not at least, a lot of clean and cool air. Riding the motorcycle here is just nice fun.
More info about the park ... Click Here ...
To know more about our bike, the Honda Super Magna VF750C from 1988, ...Click Here ... or ...Click Here ...
To see our our pictures from Kao Yai National Park, ...Click Here ...
Monk visit to our factory.
Buddhism is the major 'religion' in Thailand. Each year during our New Year Party celebration at ABB factory, we invite 15 Monks to join us. They all come very early in the morning and all employees will donate gifts to each Monk. The gifts are normally small portions of dry food.
Later, the Monks leads us through a ceremony were we all prey together and follow the Monks in their chanting...
Buddhism, more info ...Click Here ... Or here... ...Click Here ...
Click ...Here ... to get the our pictures from the Monk Ceremony at ABB this year.

Swedish Prime Minister Vistit to our factory.
This time we want to share with you how I met the Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson. During the PM's visit to Thailand in January 2004, he paid ABB's transformer factory a vistit. 'Statsministeren' gave a strong impression and showed genuine interest in what we were doing.
A visit to remember!
The Prime Minister Goverments Home Page ...Click Here ...
Click ...Here ... to get the our pictures from PM's visit to ABB in Thailand.

Christmas 2003 - Sam Roi Yod National Park.
We have visited Sam Roi Yod National Park short before Christmas. Together with Knut Henrik and John Anders we have enjoyed some nice holidays together. We tried to catch the ...BIG ...fish, but could only get the 'normal' sizes this time. But enough numbers to have a excellent seafood dinner.
This year we have got a ..REAL Christmas Tree.. from Europe!! Much better than the plastic trees we have got used to.
Click ...Latest Pictures from the Sam Roi Yod ... to see our latest pictures.
Happy Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you....
Christmas pictures from Bangkok 2003, click ...Here...
Loy Kratong 2003.
Loy Krathong, the tradition of setting lotus-shaped, banana-leaf floats with flickering candles and joss sticks adrift on rivers, is now one of Thailand's best-known festivals. It's also known as the Festival of Light. During the full moon light, people sit together and prey their best wishes before the burning candle floats away on the water. Best wish is achieved when the candle can burn down without 'drowning' first. Fireworks are an integral part of the secular and religious rituals of Loy Krathong - you can hear them all over the city. Who invented the krathong? Most Thai people would answer... From Nang Noppamas, a woman at the royal court, created the first krathong during the Sukhothai era.
Click ...Our Pictures from the Loy Krathong 2003 ...
More about Loy Krathong in Thailand, Click ...Here...
Pinnacle Hotel Jomtien.
We have visited Jomtien Beach and stayed at the Pinnacle Hotel. A nice and quiet hotel with no luxury, but quit and nice. Far from the noisy big city of Bangkok. Watch some of the pictures taken around the hotel. In the nabour village, the fisherman and his family live in their simple house. No luxury there either.
Click ...Our Pictures from the Pinnacle Hotel ...
Have a look on some nice postcards from Thailand, Click ...Here...Then click Pictures and Postcards....
Wedding in North East of Thailand.
We have been lucky to join in Kuhn Wanida and Kuhn Pakorn's wedding in Khon Kaen in North East of Thailand. This is a rather remote town with great charm. Ragnhild, Åke and myself enjoyed staying together with K. Wanida's and K. Pakorn's families.
Click ...Our Pictures from the Wedding ...
More information on the WEB about Khon Kaen in North East Thailand, Click ...Here...
Koh Wai south of Koh Chang.
Koh Wai is a breath taking beautiful island south of Koh Chang. Just 20 minutes with the boat from Salak Pet. on the south tip of Koh Chang. Koh Chang Marina offer excellent service. We took a fishing boat for a party of nine people. The island has one really nice beach, ideal for a picnic trip combined with snorkelling or diving. The best water is in October - November. We took several pictures under water, but we have seen better visibility here before. There are two 'restaurants' on the island, they open only in the high season. When we visited the island in July and they were both closed. Nice and friendly local people served us good noodle soup anyway.
Click ...Under water pictures Koh Wai and Phi Phi...
Click ... Our Pictures from Koh Wai for more...
More Pictures about Koh Chang and Koh Wai on the WEB, Click ...Here...
Koh Kret in Chao Praya River.
Koh Kret is a tiny island in the Chao Phraya River. The island has a community of craftsmen famous for their distinctive style of pottery which dates back many centuries. Koh Kret pots are known for their fine, red-black glazed surface and intricate design. The islanders are the descendants of the Mon people, and they have managed to retain the skills of their forefathers. Pottery makers are located along the pathway around the island. There are some huts where visitors are able to see through the pottery making process. Villagers make various kinds of clay products for daily use such as pots, mortars, and flower pots. Also, in the village, there is the Ancient Mon Pottery Center where pottery in various style is exhibited.
Click ...Our Pictures for more...
More Pictures about Koh Kret on the WEB, Click ...Here...
Klongs in Bangkok area.
Bangkok was often referred to as the "Venice of the East," because of the many Klongs that served as streets. Today most of these Klongs have been filled in to build streets. The current joke about Bangkok is that it still resembles Venice when it floods because all the streets are underwater. Klongs on the western side of the river in Thonburi still have the same function as when the city was laid out 200 years ago. Most of the homes along the Klongs have steps leading to the water for bathing, washing and access to boats for transportation. The Klongs provide food and facilities for bathing, transportation, drainage, drinking water, recreation, protection against floods and sewage and waste disposal. In short, the entire urban system is bound by water. However, on the eastern side of the river, most of the Klongs have been filled in to provide space for roads or are replaced by huge drain pipes that take run-off rain. Flooding is common, as the excess water during monsoon season has no place to go. The Klongs used to be cleaned by the tidal movements as they were all connected to the Chao Praya River. See some pictures taken from daily life in many of the Klongs indside and outside the city. Many of the pictures taken are taken along the road I go to Samutprakarn every day.
Click ...Our Pictures for more...
More Pictures about Chao Praya River and the Klongs on the WEB, Click ...Here...
The Ancient City of Sukuthai.
Sukothai is situated between Bangkok (430kms from Bangkok) and Chiang Mai. It was the first capital of Thailand and is famous for the extensive historical ruins, which after restoration, became a Unesco World Heritage Site. Sukothai's golden era was from the 13th to the 14th century, the art and architecture produced in this period are considered to be some of the best. Sukothai today consists of the old and new towns (located 12kms apart from each other). The old town of Sukothai consists mainly of the large Historical Park, where most of the remains of the original city can be seen.
Click ...Our Pictures for more...
More information on the WEB...
More Pictures from Sukothai, Click ...Here... More Info about Sukothai, Click ...Here...
The Vimanmek Royal Residence in Bangkok.
The Chakri dynasty began in 1782 when the capital of Bangkok, or Krung Thep, was set up in a loop of the Chao Phraya River, after the golden capital of Ayutthaya was burned by the Khmer. Absolute monarchs reigned the country until 1932 when a democratic uprising changed the monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. Two of these absolute monarchs in particular had a vital role in planning ahead for their country. King Mongkut (Rama IV) who reigned from 1850-1868 and King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) who reigned from 1868-1910 were the two kings that played the most important roles in Thailand's escape from colonization. Rama IV and Rama V were experts in diplomacy as they strengthened Siam and prevented colonial powers from taking over their country. In doing so they built an infrastructure, modernized the economy and westernized the city, creating Bangkok as it is known today. King Chulalongkorn was inspired from western style and culture and had the Vimanmek residence constructed in 1900. It is a large house made in teak in marvelous beautiful style and design. The interior decorations and furniture are preserved and in very good condition. Click 'Latest Pictures' in Menu to see pictures from Vimanmek.
Link to pictures we took... ...Click Here...
More information on the WEB... The Chankri dynasty...Click ...Here... and ...Here... King Chulalongkorns visit to Nordkapp Norway...Click ...Here... Bangkok history...Click ...Here...
Pages published before November 2002:
We have not saved the text for these pages, but you can certainly find all relevant pictures at the Archive page. All pages are listed in the sequence they were posted on the Archive Page. Therefore check the 26 picture galleries posted earlier than Vimanmek. ...Here...