Serendipitous Bangkok Moment...The Taxi Driver Who Loves America

[OMGImInPattaya]

So like I'm in Bangkok for a few days and this morning I hail a cab for a short ride down Sukhumvit. Once I'm in the cab, the driver ask me how I'm doing in English. I tell him I'm fine and we exchange a little chitchat. He tells me my ladyboy companion is very lovely (and not in a snarky way) and I thank him.

So when he finds out I'm American, he starts telling me about his time working with the American military during the Vietnam war era and that that's where he learned his English. He tells me those were the good old days and the money was easy. I notice he also starts fumbling around with his collection of home-made music CDs. He pops one into the car stereo and says "listen to this...you'll like it." So what do I hear...a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. He fast forwards to the next tract and it's another version of the SSB...maybe by Whitney Houston. He tells me he loves the song and its meaning of a free people; and that it's also just great singing.

He then tells me he loves American football better than soccer and starts to reel off the names and cities of most of the NFL teams. Obviously the Americans made quite an impression on this Thai.

Our short ride soon came to an end but not before I got my America loving driver's contact details. His is Khun Chaiyos and is a very pleasant 65 year taxi driver in Bangkok. If you need a ride around town or to the airport, or just want to hear the Star Spangled Banner and discuss the NFL, give Mr. Chaiyos a call at:089-075-5115.

(Normally phone numbers are not posted but as this is more a business number maybe it will be allowed. If it's edited out, feel free to PM me for the number.)

[gerry123]

does your ladyboy companion like american football too

[Daffy D]

Nice story - Thanks for sharing .

It's things like this that make your day.

[FireMedic]

I had a guy up here in Nonthaburi that just retired from the army. He said he learned English working for the US military as a translator in Udon in the early 70s. Sounds very similar but i didn't get the music....The guy was really cool and he lives down the road from me, so I'm sure I'll see him again.