Khao Yai National Park in Thailand camping, safari, and celebration

   My ride into Khao Yai National Park poses for a picture in front of my tent
   original photo by Ted Nelson

Khao Yai National Park in Thailand was a great place to camp, have a safari, and celebrate the end of class with some students.  This article is a second part of an adventure in the park in April of 2005. 

The first accomplishment after payment for the campground was settled was to set up the tents. I had my own and started to unpack and set up. The young Thais did the same. I got out my camera and proceeded to take a few pictures of the campground and the Thai students. When I aimed at a small group of the students they immediately stopped what they were doing and posed for the picture. Not only did the group that I aimed the camera at stop and pose, but everyone in the campground physically ran as fast as they could to get into the impromptu group picture. Some of the students were nearly fifty yards away.

After the camp was set up they got out all this food. It turned out these young men had just finished a class and celebrated the end with an overnight stay in the park with their instructor. They of course shared all of their food with me and insisted not only that I eat with them, but also that I not pay for it. I several times insisted on sharing the cost, but each time I was rebuffed and Kek would smile and say, “for you it is free.”

   The thick jungle adjacent to our camp
   original photo by Ted Nelson

The students had a ton of food, beer, and liquor with them as it was obvious they were intent on quite a party. They brought way more than they needed to. It was almost as if they were at the store and threw in more provisions in case they picked up a farang tourist on the side of the road.

When night fell whisky and beer were taken out and passed around. They taught me several Thai cheers and for a couple of hours my glass was never empty. When I asked to pay for some of the beer Kek would turn to me and say, “for you it is free.”

One thing that is very endearing about Thai people is the reverence they uphold to their elders.  At one point their instructor appeared from out of his tent and they all stopped what they were doing and bowed to him in respect.  I saw instances of this respect many times.  It is unfortunate that this attribute has dissipated from our society.

They informed me that a night safari was to take place soon.  About an hour later a truck arrived and we all piled into the back of the truck. We drove around the park with this bright light aimed into the jungle. We came across a salt lick and four elephants were feeding at the sight. There were a couple of other trucks pulled over here all with a bright light directed at the elephants. The elephants did not seem to mind and we watched them for a couple of minutes and moved on.

   The lively crew with their instructor in the yellow shirt
   original photo by Ted Nelson

We also saw a bunch of deer, civets, and a large porcupine, but no tiger or leopards, which was not a surprise as they are rarely seen. Had they been around they would have not stuck around to be seen as our truck was far from quiet.

After the tour was over we returned to our spot out and they paid the driver. I got out my wallet and started to take money out, but they of course would have none of this. Kek again smiled and said “for you my friend, it is free.”

We returned to the fire for more Leo beer and Thai whiskey and talked late into the night. Kek asked if I wanted to go on a guided walk through the jungle with them tomorrow. I told them that it sounded great. He was excited about this prospect and repeated the fact that we would walk through the jungle tomorrow over and over again each time in more of a loud voice.

Next morning I woke up and inquired when the jungle walk would commence. There was no sign of Kek, but one of the other Thais informed me that there would be no walk, but he could not tell me why it was cancelled. I was a little disappointed about this, but shrugged it off and went to get something to eat at the restaurant. While eating Kek and a few of his buddies showed up. Kek was wearing a light green shirt. His face was a darker green color than his shirt and he looked miserable. I then understood why the tour was cancelled. The guided walk was cancelled due to an extreme hangover.

After breakfast, I profusely thanked my new friends and watched them pile into the back of their truck and drive away. Despite their hangovers they waived as they sped up the hill and out of the park.  I will never forget their kindness and generosity.

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