Often described as the “Pattaya Bible”, Neil Hutchison’s “Money Number One” is the flagship of his collection of hilarious stories and insights into the life and interrelationships between the average male visitor and the bar ladies of Thailand. .
The books in the series, which include “A Fool in Paradise,” “The Fool is Back,” and “A Fool’s Diary” are a collage of short stories about the sometimes hilarious and sometimes tragic antics of what many of the Male visitors to Thailand have experimented in their dealings with these beautiful creatures, and they are a must-read for anyone wishing to blow fate to the wind to indulge in the delights these luscious ladies have to offer.
As I read the books, I realized that while the books are really a great introduction to life in “SIN CITY”, they also teach some of the culture of this beautiful country and its equally beautiful people.
Thailand is steeped in Buddhism, which becomes obvious to the first-time visitor upon arrival from the number of monks seen almost everywhere on the streets daily and the number of “Wats” (monasteries) scattered throughout the country.
Like all countries that have a dominant religion, many of the Thais are willing to “bend the rules” in some way in order to survive in a country that does not have subsidy queues or free handouts from the government as many western societies have. done. .
They are also very family oriented. Most of the bar ladies support at least one son and often one Thai husband.
It is the Thai girl’s duty to support her parents financially and often they will raise the lady’s child or children in a village somewhere in the north or south of the country.
While the northwest is dominated by Chiang Mai, the northeast also has several large cities, including Udon Thani and Kon Kaen, which has one of the largest universities in the country.
Chiang Mai is the cultural center where much of the “handicrafts” that are sold in the many markets found in all major cities are made and it is also the area where many of the country’s fruits and vegetables are grown. .
Northwest is often called Issarn and the predominant language spoken is actually a version of Laotian. It becomes confusing for the traveler who has taken the time to learn a few words of Thai, when his new found love meets a friend or family member and starts speaking a totally different language.
However, ninety percent of the girls in Pattaya can speak enough English for the tourist to enjoy a very pleasant interlude with them, and in fact many tourists find themselves married to a Thai lady and start a family.
In the series “Money Number One”, Neil also gives the reader an insight into some of the customs practiced by these people that we Westerners tend to find very strange and often in stark contrast to our Christian upbringing and, times, they can be seen. as even disgusting to some.
Neil Hutchinson has written the books from his own experiences and those of others who have visited Pattaya, however the same principles apply to all areas of Thailand that support beer bars, go-go bars, etc. and even some that don’t.
The “Money Number One” series can now be purchased online in PDF format for instant download.
