Often described as the “Pattaya Bible”, Neil Hutchison’s “Number One Money” is the flagship of his collection of hilarious stories and insights into life and the interrelationships between the average male visitor and the ladies of the bars of Thailand.
The books in the series including “A Fool In Paradise,” “The Fool is Back,” and “A Fools Diary” are a collage of short stories about the sometimes funny, sometimes tragic antics that many of the male visitors go on. of Thailand have experimented in their dealings with these lovely creatures, and are MUST READ for all who wish to leave fate to the wind to indulge in the pleasures these delightful ladies offer.
Reading 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 from the number of monks seen almost everywhere on the streets daily and the number of “Wats” (monasteries) scattered throughout the world. country.
Like all countries with a dominant religion, many Thais are willing to “break the rules” a bit in order to survive in a country that doesn’t have unemployment lines or free government handouts like many Western societies. .
They are also extremely family oriented. Most of the bar ladies support at least one child and quite often a Thai husband.
It is the duty of the Thai girl to support her parents financially and who, very often, will raise the lady’s son or sons in a village somewhere in the north or south of the country.
While the northwest is dominated by Chiang Mai, the northeast also features several large cities, such as 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 “arts and crafts” sold in the many markets found in all the major cities are made and it is also the area where much of the fruit and vegetables are grown. from the country.
Northwestern is often called Issarn and the predominant language spoken is actually a version of Lao. It becomes confusing for the traveler who has taken the time to learn a few words of Thai, when his new 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 indeed, many tourists marry a Thai woman and start a family.
In the “Money Number One” series, 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 sometimes 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 halls, go-go bars, etc. and even some that don’t.
The “Money Number One” series can now be purchased online as a PDF for instant download.
