Khaeng Khoi

I was born in Khaeng Khoi, Saraburi, about 1.5 hours northeast of Bangkok. Known for its railways and train engineering, my early memories revolve around my cousins and family there, particularly my cousin Wow. She often jokes that her life was over when I was born because, being seven years older, she was tasked with babysitting me instead of playing with her friends. Even after 45 years, she still playfully holds onto that grudge.

When I returned to Khaeng Khoi, I was struck by its rural nature, with some old stilt houses still standing and passed down through generations. Although my family had replaced the stilt house where I was born with a newer, larger home on the same property, the remnants of the old foundation were still visible. Ya-Ya even showed me the spot where my afterbirth was buried, a tradition believed to keep a child close to home. Guess I was rule breaker early on and it didn't work for me, since I left Thailand at five years of age. It was nice to see the town where I could've easily grown up at, and while humbling, I'm eternally grateful for the upbringing I had in the States. I definitely would not have had the same opportunities growing up as an Air Force brat as I would have if I stayed behind in Khaeng Khoi.