January 2021
There is certainly a significant Chinese influence throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia. Chinese temples are common here and Chinatown has a lot of action. I have been asking Thai people if they would prefer to see closer ties with China or America, almost all say China. The most common reason is because they see greater opportunity for economic advancements with China. It is also the simple reason that geographically it is so much closer.
The Monroe Doctrine asserted that the western hemisphere (North and South America) was for The United States to control. Under a similar line of thinking, it is reasonable for China to believe the leader of Asia should be Asian. Considering nearly 60% of the world’s population lives in Asia, it is important for the United States, around 4% of the world’s population, to maintain and pursue positive relationships in Asia. The seat of global power is moving back towards Asia. It would be a major setback to concern ourselves with only ourselves.
Two of the most significant advantages that China has over America is the ability to make long term plans and having over a billion more people. While I do not support a single party system, it does have a significant advantage in that the government can make long term plans, such as the Belt and Road Initiative to make a modern Silk Road by promoting infrastructure and trade throughout Eurasia, Africa, and the world at large. Much of the western media presents the initiative as a debt trap, perhaps it is, I think it is good strategy and the United States should be doing more to promote global trade. If the United States was to pursue such a substantial intuitive, with respect to human rights and environmentalism, the world would greatly benefit. Bridges, ports, roads, and railways are way better than bombs.
In America, the power of government can change ever two years. As soon as a new party gains power, the first thing they do is undue whatever the previous party did. While I fully support a system of checks, balances, and accountability to voters, it does make it extremely difficult to formulate long term strategic visions. American politicians are too concerned by the immediate interest of their party, and not the best long term interest of the people. This extreme bipartisanship needs to end. Perhaps having more than two dominate political parties could help. Most democratic countries have many legitimate parties.
Regarding the population difference, geographically the United States is slightly larger than China, yet China has over 1.1 billion more people that the USA. This is a lot more people capable of adding to the benefit of society. We have so much open space in America, I do not understand why we are so concerned with keeping people out of our country. We should be trying to bring in as many hard working and intelligent people as possible.
Moving on…
Travel pictures
Had a fun time in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Asian Tigers
At the Chinese Buddhist temple, you can pray and shake a bundle of sticks until one falls out with a number on it.
Then you collect your fortune from the corresponding number. I like my fortune.
Great street food everywhere you go in Thailand.
I thought this was brains, it is a vegetable.
Another Chinese Buddhist temple near Koh San road.
Really great design in this coffee shop.
Felt bad for this big fish in a little tank. He was angry and splashed everybody that walked by, that part was pretty funny to watch.
Been eating Michelin food most days, you can get it on the streets.
This is the King’s sister helping out at this famous food stand.
There are some hidden gem’s throughout Bangkok, Wallflower Cafe is one of them.
I like to try new things, pig spleen and pig heart will be a one and done. The noodles and soup part was delicious.
Washed down the pig organs with some sweet coconut milk and water chestnuts.
For the first time in my travels, I have looked up Michelin restaurants. Many of them are street food vendors here. I decided to try some of the fine dining as well. This was certainly one of the best meals I have ever had in my life.
The menu also gave you a history of the dishes.
To give you a sense of value in Thailand, a phenomenal three course meal for two, cocktails, and complimentary boat ride cost $66. Many of my Michelin meals cost $3.
From Praya Palazzo, headed to the Royal Barge Museum. The Kings get around in style.
Have really enjoyed the food around my hotel. I am staying along the Chao Phraya River, a bit north of The Royal Palace. This restaurant is next to my hotel, delicious red seafood curry in fresh young coconut.
My favorite local cafe. Run by a mother, daughter, and cat.
“The Biggest Slice in Thailand!” But really it is a triangle pizza.
The current king’s father, King Rama IX, was a patron of the arts. 
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The Icon Siam is the newest luxury mall in Thailand, and the coolest mall I have been to anywhere in the world. You walk into a floating market. Reminded me of Rainforest Cafe.
Talk about chicken on a stick!
While I do like to try new things in new places, I only pretended to eat this chicken claw.
Waterfall and light show in the mall.
Nice store lineup.
When I travel, I like to see the different covers of The Harry Potter books all over the world.
Awesome escalator, protected by the guardian Naga. The Naga is a serpent dragon believed to dwell in the mighty Mekong River and has a role in both Buddhism and Hinduism.
The end.