Thailand Again

We went to Thailand in February for a conference, to renew our visas, and to enjoy the sunshine. One of the greatest things about living in China is that Thailand is next door. During the month long celebration of Chinese New Year, when almost every single Chinese person returns to his or her hometown, all of the foreigners living in China go to Thailand. February is the perfect time to go to Thailand - 85o every day and the jellyfish don’t show up until April. In many ways, Thailand is the perfect vacation destination. The weather is warm all year round, the food is fantastic, the beaches are sublime, the forest is exotic, the people are hospitable, and it is cheap.
There are 2 things one cannot escape, however, while traveling in Thailand - idols, and street sex. I don’t know why Thailand has become synonymous with prostitution and transvestites. This is especially confounding when coupled with the ubiquity of Buddhism in Thailand. It there some tenet in buddhism which would, either explicitly or implicitly, encourage prostitution? Or is it just a because Thai women are beautiful and Thailand is a large tourist destination? I don’t know, but I am curious as to why? It is such a dichotomy because Thailand is far and away the most religious place I have ever been in my life. Gleaming temple cast long shadows over crumbling shanties in every neighborhood. Makeshift idols are setup at every place of business.
It is undeniable that Thai people are beautiful, inside and out. The food of Thailand is perfect vacation food. The beaches and the tropical flora and fauna bring with them an enchantment that cannot be verbalized.