Post by Anonymous Vet on Nov 30, 2003 7:00:52 GMT -5
Bangkok Magnet for Vietnam GIs
Each morning a chartered Pan American jet lands at Don Muang Airport here and 163 American servicemen get off. As they come down the ramp squinting in the tropical sun the fatigue of six months or more of fighting in South Vietnam seems to drain from their faces.
From the airport, the soldiers are bussed to the air-conditioned conference room of a Bangkok tourist agency, where Capt. Gary Robbins of the Army briefs them on Bangkok.
All Hotels Have Pools
"All the hotels have swimming pools," he explains, "and all have American-style bars and dining rooms that are open 24 hours a day, air-conditioning in every room and hot and cold running water."
At the mention of hot water, the soldiers who arrived this morning broke into a cheer. "I thought you'd like that," said the captain.
"There are narcotics pushers working in the city," he said. "If any of you are approached to buy or traffic in narcotics of any type break contact with the individual and call the military police." Captain Robbins also mentioned I "enemy agents" in the city.
"You must be particularly careful about being approached in bars," he said. "Leave the war stories back where you made them up. Do not be drawn into conversation about your unit, its location, operations or casualties." Finally, the captain warned of the pitfalls of Thai beer. "It is about 18% alcohol and it really sneaks up on you," he said.
So far as female companionship is concerned, Captain Robbins told the soldiers they could expect any bar girl to go back to their hotel with them for about $10 a night but he warned: "Your chances of coming into contact with venereal disease are about 50-50. If you become infected, go to the dispensary during duty hours and get treated."
Bars Popular With GIs
The soldiers on the tours have five days in Bangkok, most of which they spend in the bars and massage parlors that have grown up around the city. A whole new district known as Petchburi Road has sprung up on the edge of the capital to accommodate these businesses.
The relaxing servicemen spend an average of $300 apiece during their stay, according to the Army figures. Some spend as much as $800. Last month this spending totaled $1. 7 million.
At the end of their five-day vacations, the soldiers are given a short talk before they head back to the war.
A Marine sergeant who gave it yesterday told the men with obvious irony: "The Republic of Vietnam asks you not to bring back any flowers, fresh fruit or food - anything that might contaminate their country. After all Vietnam has done for us, I think that's the least we can do." The New York Times
Each morning a chartered Pan American jet lands at Don Muang Airport here and 163 American servicemen get off. As they come down the ramp squinting in the tropical sun the fatigue of six months or more of fighting in South Vietnam seems to drain from their faces.
From the airport, the soldiers are bussed to the air-conditioned conference room of a Bangkok tourist agency, where Capt. Gary Robbins of the Army briefs them on Bangkok.
All Hotels Have Pools
"All the hotels have swimming pools," he explains, "and all have American-style bars and dining rooms that are open 24 hours a day, air-conditioning in every room and hot and cold running water."
At the mention of hot water, the soldiers who arrived this morning broke into a cheer. "I thought you'd like that," said the captain.
"There are narcotics pushers working in the city," he said. "If any of you are approached to buy or traffic in narcotics of any type break contact with the individual and call the military police." Captain Robbins also mentioned I "enemy agents" in the city.
"You must be particularly careful about being approached in bars," he said. "Leave the war stories back where you made them up. Do not be drawn into conversation about your unit, its location, operations or casualties." Finally, the captain warned of the pitfalls of Thai beer. "It is about 18% alcohol and it really sneaks up on you," he said.
So far as female companionship is concerned, Captain Robbins told the soldiers they could expect any bar girl to go back to their hotel with them for about $10 a night but he warned: "Your chances of coming into contact with venereal disease are about 50-50. If you become infected, go to the dispensary during duty hours and get treated."
Bars Popular With GIs
The soldiers on the tours have five days in Bangkok, most of which they spend in the bars and massage parlors that have grown up around the city. A whole new district known as Petchburi Road has sprung up on the edge of the capital to accommodate these businesses.
The relaxing servicemen spend an average of $300 apiece during their stay, according to the Army figures. Some spend as much as $800. Last month this spending totaled $1. 7 million.
At the end of their five-day vacations, the soldiers are given a short talk before they head back to the war.
A Marine sergeant who gave it yesterday told the men with obvious irony: "The Republic of Vietnam asks you not to bring back any flowers, fresh fruit or food - anything that might contaminate their country. After all Vietnam has done for us, I think that's the least we can do." The New York Times