Nick returned to his problems finding a suitable girlfriend and Nong in particular.

  'Look, mate, as beautiful as she is, you had a lucky escape. She would have cost you a fortune and broken your heart. Aim lower; that is all I'm saying.'

  Nick, for the first time, left his food and stormed out.

  Kev hated hurting his friend’s feelings but felt Nick had to get real. Besides, Kev had more important things to worry about.

  Kev hung about for a while. He read the Bangkok Post, and normally, Roger Crutchleyʼs column would bring a smile to his face. The humour today did not cheer him. No sign of Nick, so Kev paid for their rooms and checked out.

  Kev did not expect Nick to return to Hua Hin before him; sure enough, there was no sign of him. Kev had explained to Skylab and Dam what he had said and how bad he felt. It was clear who they felt for, and it was not Kev.

  Kev felt like a scolded puppy, except Kev did not get away with a tidbit. He felt he was doing the right thing. The last thing he wanted was an unhappy partner. He would love it if Nick could find a soul mate. Kev put his mind to finding the perfect woman.

  It is funny how life turns out.

  Chapter 13 NO SIGN

  NICK WAS A VERY unhappy man. He had no girlfriend, and now it looked like had lost his best friend. He jumped on the first bus that came along, not noticing or caring where it was heading.

  The bus had a sign on the front saying Surat Thani, presumably it was going to a place of that name.

  Nick had never heard of it. So what? He was on board, dozing, thinking. A long-haired New Zealander leant over the seat in front of Nick.

  'Hello mate, are you going to Samui?'

  'To be honest, I do not know where I am heading. And I donʼt care. Also, I am not keen on talking to anyone, particularly an Aussie.'

  With that, the Kiwi decided not to correct the big fella or push the conversation any further.

  When the bus stopped at the depot in Surat Thani, the Kiwi tried his luck again.

  'You feeling better now? Come on mate, come with me, we'll get the ferry to Koh Samui. Koh means island. Then we can let our hair down.'

  'Okay pal, I'm with you. I’m Nick and I’ve cheered up at least a bit.'

  They reached the island, so hot you could melt marble. The only respite was if you submerge yourself in the clear blue water. That could wait. The beaches were trimmed with tall, shady palm trees. All hanging towards the sea, looking like they were about to dive in. Nick followed Kiwi to a resort with reasonable-looking bungalows. Some were available. Nick was already feeling better. Then he saw Myrtle. He was now feeling much better!

  The girl was sitting on the grass before the seawall, daydreaming, wearing a knee-length skirt. Folded neatly under her shapely legs, a pink bikini top with a Panama hat edged with the same material. She opened her eyes with a start; she flashed a shy smile in Nick’s direction.

  Myrtle had been born in a village outside Dublin. She lived with her father, mother and little brother. They shared a farmhouse in the top field where her parents worked. She was studious, with a flair for design. She attended the local Catholic Church where she had been Christened. Everyone who knew her thought she would get married there too, as did most of the village girls. Those ideas all changed one day when she was reading a glamour magazine. The waif-like Jamaican model was posing next to a coconut tree on Koh Samui. She decided she wanted to do the same. Her father went crazy. He had only been as far as Dublin. That was to watch rugby and horse racing, and that was as far as his travels got him, and as far as he wanted to go. Myrtle’s mother was secretly jealous, she had never breathed a word of her lust to spread her wings. The next day the buxom Myrtle left home. Her father refused to say goodbye, and her mother cried.

  No sign of Nick, two full days after Kev returned. He must have attempted shopping again, as he only had one set of clothes. Funny, but that was all Skylab worried about. Nick was a big boy now, he must be okay. The trio was twitching, could anything nasty have befallen him? No calls, no postcards - nothing.

  The Hua Hin sun had dipped below the tree line, but it looked as if a small solar flare was moving across the road! Could that be a beardless Nick wearing colourful beachwear? A matching set, shorts and shirt depicting surf, and coconut trees.

  'Please donʼt tell me he has found magic mushrooms?' said Dam.

  'He must have met a girl.' Skylab said. 'For sure.'

  'Too much sun and too many beers,' said Kev.

  As Nick breezed into the office, flashing his teeth with a grin Thais would be proud of. No beard covering his chin made his whole appearance change for the better. He looked cleaner and slimmer.

  'What have you been up to?' The three said in unison as they all smiled in welcome.

  'I was not in a happy mood when I left Bangkok. I got the first bus that came. I ended up in Koh Samui. Has anyone ever been there?'

  No one had.

  'Fantastic place, fantastic people, hippy-ish, but fun.'

  'And?'

  'Nothing much, but a young lady took me under her wing. She decided I would look younger without a beard, and she bought me these clothes. She has great taste, as you can see.'

  'And? Come on.'

  'And nothing! At least, nothing I’m telling you lot about!' Nick looked sheepish. The grin got wider.

  Now Nick was back safe and sound. Kev could concentrate on what he should be thinking about. What happened on the visit to Kaeng Krachan?

  'Dam, have you got a minute? What do you know about Pi Meow? I know there is something, and you donʼt want to tell me. But believe me, I need to know.'

  'I donʼt want to talk about him if you donʼt mind. Let’s just say he was the enemy of my uncle, it’s about politics and money, and leave it at that.'

  'Okay, but I may... no, forget that I donʼt like him, that’s all.'

  Dam was now thinking about what the family had told him years ago. And he was thinking dark thoughts about his uncle’s enemy.

  'I need to go to the dam with Pi Meow, but I need an excuse, or a reason, any ideas?' carried on Kev. He could not just ask Pi Meow to take him.

  Dam scratched his chin, thinking about a conversation he had with his cousin two days ago.

  'Have you met Mad Mike yet? He is buying a share in that Aussie bar, you know the one with loads of partners?'

  The Headrock Bar was becoming famous around town. The original Canadian owner had sold it to two Aussie miners. Who had resold shares, repeatedly, yes, the same ones! The partners were all Australian miners, except one, Mad Mike—a Welshman, who did some work in the bar, unlike the others. The partners, including Mike, were more interested in drinking than profit and enjoyed the cheap beer. Hence, the bulk of The Headrockʼs customers were part owners. Nobody seemed too worried about being conned. They were earning good money in the mines, all except Mad Mike. It was somewhere to have a “yarn” in the canteen. Mike was potless.

  His partners turned up during their holiday time and drank the place dry. Mad Mike was the only one who worried about restocking the ice boxes with beer. And the only partner without an income from away from the pub business.

  Kev and Dam set about coming up with an idea that would suit them as much as Mad Mike.

  Kev went along to The Headrock to enlist Mike as a tour agent. The idea was workable, now he had to convince the Welshman how good an opportunity it was. Without Mike guessing, it was not all for his benefit.

  Mike was from a place called Mumbles, a resort near Swansea in Wales. He was sitting at the empty bar, an empty bottle in hand, and a head empty of ideas. What to do about restocking the fridge?

  'Donʼt ask for a beer, this was the last one, sorry, mate.'

  'It’s not a beer I'm after, I want to speak to Mike, is that you?'

  'Call me Mad Mike, everybody does, donʼt know why though.'

  After introductions and general chit-chat, Kev got serious.

  'If you are interested, I can arrange for you to have a guided tour of Kaeng Krachan National Park. It’ll only cost you petrol money. But with the knowledge you gain, you’ll be able to invite some visitors and charge them more than petrol money. It could be a good little earner. Making you a tour guide. Interested?'

  'As you can see, I need to earn some money, so when can we go?'

  The Welshman put his hand in his pocket, pulling out a few crumpled notes.

  'You’d better have the petrol money now, I donʼt know if I’ll have it next time I see you. What did you say your name is?' Mike asked as he passed over the cash.

  'The name is Kev. It was good to meet you, I'll let you know when we go.'

  Kev was already thinking it could be a terrible idea if the Welshman couldn’t remember a name. What else would he forget?

  Mike realised he would need another source of income, being a tour agent seemed like a good idea. With more tourists coming to town, it had to be a winner. Got to be better than sitting here alone dreaming, even if there was, sometimes, something to drink.

  With that, Kev left Mike to worry about the lack of beer, while he went to track down Pi Meow. In two minds, he shook off his doubts and carried on with his plan.

  As luck would have it, the house owner, dealer, and God knows what else he is, was at home. He welcomed Kev like a long-lost friend. Soon some Chinese tea arrived. Kev knew he had to be careful about what he said. Pi Meow could be a dangerous man.

  'Pi Kap,' started Kev, 'I have a “falang” friend who is keen to start a tour business. I immediately thought of you, with your perfect trip for tourists.'

  He carried on. 'He wants to view the park. He needs me to go with him to help him with the Thai language and introduce him to you and your team. He would then attract tourists from the visitors to the town. And explain how exciting and interesting the national park is. He plans to arrange a tour to suit your availability and charge them a set fee and pay you whatever you think fits. If that business interests you?'

  Pi Meow kept his poker face firmly in place, pretending he was not sure about the idea.

  'I am a busy man, not sure how often I can spare the time.'

  That was exactly the response Kev was expecting. It meant yes to the deal. Pi Meow was already working out how much contraband he could bring on each trip. And get paid for doing it. All of it would be under the cover of running a tourist excursion. Perfect.

  'Today is Friday, how about we go Tuesday? Can you and your friend be ready then? 7 am?'

  'I'm sure that will be fine. Thank you for your time Pi.'

  Kev was being his most polite self. Pi is used as a sign of respect for somebody older or in a more senior position. Which, in this case, was true in both. So, with a wai and a slight bow, Kev left.

  First Kev had to inform Mr Black at the Embassy, then tell Mad Mike he could start his new business.

  Mr Black was not available, but Kev got a message through his ever-efficient secretary. Mad Mike was also not available, he was drunk. No beer, so he must have drained the spirit bottle laying next to him. Not a good sign.

  Kev took hold of Mike’s shoulders, gave him a shake and led him to his office. Mike was struggling to get one foot in front of the other. It needed Skylab to help sober the bar owner/tour agent up. Luckily she had no language pupils in the office. Students would either be embarrassed or laugh at Mike. Neither would be good for a business teaching foreign behaviour and languages. Two large mugs of steaming coffee were working. Mike regained the power of speech.

  'Listen, Mike, this is important, my reputation is on the line here. I have got you this chance to set up a new business. Make sure you are sober Monday night, we are going at 7 am on Tuesday.'

  '7 am, you mean in the morning? I donʼt do mornings.'

  'Then treat it as a late Monday night. Tomorrow you had better show me where you live, I'll get you on Tuesday.'

  With that, Mike stumbled down the road, back to an empty bar.

  Chapter 14 SOMBAT NEEDS ACTION

  KEV WAS PONDERING THE trip, all he had to do was to keep his eyes open. But he knew it would be harder than that. For a start, who knows how mad Mad Mike could be?

  'Soon see,' he thought.

  Mr Black and Khun Sombat arrived in Hua Hin the next day. They ordered Kev to meet them at lunchtime.

  The meeting place was, by chance, Kev’s favourite beach restaurant. They would all be dressed as tourists. Kev was puzzled by all the “James Bond” stuff. Easy for Kev, as he always looked like a tourist. He was not so sure about the other two who he had only seen in tailor-made business suits. When they appeared, not only did they look like they were on holiday, they looked like a gay pair on a weekend break. So good was their act, that Kev thought it was no act. The Embassy “pair” was staying in the Railway Hotel, a large double room, no less. The choice of the restaurant was easy, as it was in front of their room.

  It was only later Kev found out they were married. Not to each other, Sombat to a former Miss Thailand, and Mr Black to an international school teacher.

  Mr Black talked even before their coffee arrived.

  'Kevin, I will tell you things today that nobody outside the secret service should know. Both Sombat and I work for the Foreign Office, read into that whatever you will. It uses us to watch and care for any British interests in Thailand.'

  Kev was very puzzled about the charade the FO men were playing out, they must meet members of the “pink” community. Kev remained silent. Sombat took over.

  'I will be very near to you when you go to the jungle, you wonʼt see or hear me, but I'll be there. Hopefully, I will not be needed, but I will be nearby. That depends on Mr Black’s decision. I am keen to experience some action.'

  None of this made Kev comfortable.

  Mr Black carried on until he was disturbed by their food arriving, he then held onto Sombatʼs hand. Too convincing!

  'All we need you to do is gather information. Watch and report. No more and no less, please. And I do not want any heroics. I have heard about you in the boxing ring.'

  Kev was no longer surprised by Black’s information-gathering skills.

  'So, this time, I'll take a camera?' said Kev.

  'Yes, you can be a tourist, be careful what pictures you are taking, and watch out. They are not idiots. Sombat you can forget about going this time, maybe the next time, okay?' said Black, dashing Kevʼs hopes that this would be the last time, and dashing Sombatʼs wish for some action.

  This meeting carried on with Black giving tips. What he expects to happen, and what to look out for. None of it made Kev relax. He had a few questions he was dying to know the answers to.

  'Mr Black, please may I ask you something? If this is about criminal activity, why is the British Embassy involved? And what happens if I get arrested by the police?'

  'To answer your second question first. We will act, as we do with all British citizens, we will get you out of custody as quickly as possible if you are innocent! And to answer question number one, it is not just criminal activity!'

  'If it is not just criminal, what is it? Please donʼt tell me it is to do with terrorists?'

  'What makes you say that?'

  'For a start, I can read the newspapers. The Bangkok Post has been reporting about various actions to destabilise the government. And what with the Thai Communists closing their party down? It does not take a genius to work out that some hardliners donʼt want to pack it in. They may want to go out with a bang.'

  'Kevin - keep your thoughts to yourself,' said an agitated Mr Black. He went on. 'You have a job to do for your nation, for which they will protect you. Okay?'

  Kev scratched his head. It was clear the meeting was over.

  Black and Sombat went off hand in hand, back to their hotel room.

  A while ago, Kev had read the news article in the Bangkok Post.

  ‘Thailand crushes coup plotters. The Thai government emerged unscathed after an attempted coup. The attempt by former army officers collapsed yesterday. It lasted barely 10 hours. There were several brief outbursts of fighting in which four people died. Two of them were foreign journalists. Some 200 to 500 troops with 22 M 41 tanks were used under the nominal leadership of the former armed forces supreme commander. General Serm na Nakhon entered Bangkok early in the morning.

  Kev remembered thinking, surely a newspaper reporter would get an accurate figure. 200 to 500, was not accurate reporting. What else was wrong?

  They seized control of a government broadcasting station. Issued bulletins in which General Serm declared the formation of a revolutionary council—the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of parliament and the cabinet.

  The Army’s deputy commander, General Tienchai Sirisamphan, rallied government forces. He responded swiftly. Broadcasts on army radio ordering all troops to remain in their barracks. The Prime Minister, Mr Prem Tinsulananda, cut short a visit to Indonesia. He returned to Thailand yesterday afternoon.

  Fighting erupted. Rebel troops and tanks attacked an army radio station in Bangkok. Plotting to silence the broadcasts. Two journalists working for NBC were shot. Australian cameramen, Neil Davis, and his American soundman, William Latch. Were caught in the line of fire. The rebel forces started shooting without warning. Neil Davis, aged 53, a veteran of the wars in Vietnam and Kampuchea, died almost immediately.

  Bill Latch, aged 35, died in the hospital of chest and leg wounds, several hours later.

  The coup took members of the government and diplomats by surprise. After a year where General Prem appeared to strengthen his relations. Quelling speculation about possible military intervention.

  The instigator of the coup was Col Manoon Roopkachorn. He was a prominent member of the Young Turks group of officers. They rose to prominence in the late 1970s. But was dismissed from the army. They staged an abortive coup against the Government.

  A gentleman who goes by the name of Pu Yai is at the root of all disturbances in Thailand. He remains at large. The Bangkok Post is still unclear on how Pu Yai funds his violent activities.

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22