Bangkok Blues (Gerry's Haiku)

Thai pingpongnemesis.
Karoke sing song ...To its credit, the city's large urban sprawl provide
On Soi Cowboyboth resident and tourist with a unique opportunity
Just anotherto experience sights, smells and tastes that could
Lonely Girlnever be experienced elsewhere. Magnificent
According to recent estimates the city ofcuisine, fascinating history and vibrant nightlife
Bangkok has a population of approximately 15have created a unique urban culture that is truly
millionpeople. The metropolitan area is divided intoall its own.
a city landscape that is a virtual potpourri. ItFor people interested in the city's historical
includes parts of five adjacent provinces. Theyevolution it is interesting to discover that Bangkok
are Nonthabar, Panthurn Thani, Samut Prakan,was not established until 1768. Prior to this time, it
Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathon.served as a small trading post during the
Within this urban melange are groups of peopleAyutthaya Kingdom. The capital center shifted to
that consist of Thai, Indian, Chinese and peoplewhat is now modern day Bangkok after the
from a variety of western countries. Many longdestruction of Ayutthaya, the former capital now
time residents claim that this unique blend ofsituated in Ayutthaya Province. In 1782, the Thai
urban city dwellers provide the metropolitan areacapital was moved across the Chao Phraya River
with a unique character that is like no other.after it was razed by the Burmese during a
Critics however, claim that Bangkok's tremendoushorrific invasion. Since that time, Bangkok has
growth has created a whole host of urbanserved as the political center of the legendary
problems that could have been managedRattanokosin Kingdom.
otherwise. Traffic and pollution are now a daily