Time Off
'DO NOT GO,' was Damʼs only comment. They were discussing an all-expenses-paid trip out of town.
Nick was enjoying a day off. He had been busy lately. Several tenants they had placed had needed repairs or alterations. Nick and Dam carried out the work on the new rentals. A hot water boiler and mosquito screens were fitted in another. That is the type of job Nick liked. Nick was good; he could do this work with his head on backwards. Dam was a quick learner and an able assistant. After all the work they had been doing, they felt they deserved a day or two off.
Now, Dam did not trust or like Pi Meow. He was a wealthy property owner who had several buildings in Hua Hin. He needed tenants to pay rent on some of his premises. Kev had found a Swedish family who booked one of Pi Meow's homes for three months.
A happy Pi Meow invited Nick, Kev, and Dam to visit his jungle home at the Kaeng Krachan National Park.
Dam had refused to go. He hadn't explained why.
They declared Kaeng Krachan a national park in 1981. It is the largest national park in Thailand, covering an area of about 2,000 square miles. The park is located in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces and is bounded by the Tanintharyi Nature Reserve along Burma's border to the West. The park is part of the rainforest north and south of the park and part of the Western Forex Complex. It crosses 19 protected sites between Burma and Thailand.
'Kaeng Krachan National Park is famous for its diverse wildlife. Also, for the dense morning mist. Covering the park with only hilltops sticking above the mist cloud. Through December-March, creating a spectacular view. Two main rivers, the Phetchaburi and Pran Buri Rivers, both originated from the Tanaosri Ranges. Both are in the park. At the park's north side, water streams drain to the Phetchaburi River. Then, it flows to the Kaeng Krachan Dam and the Gulf of Thailand. Passing through Phetchaburi Province. On the south side, the water flows to the Pranburi River. Which then flows into a dam in Pranburi Province and finally to the Gulf of Thailand.'
'How do you know all that,' Nick asked.
'I don't; I'm reading a tour brochure,' Kev continued his lecture. 'Kaeng Krachan National Park boasts a reservoir and rainforest. Both are covered with rich flora and fauna - the highest elevation peaks along the Burmese border at around 1500 metres. The second highest peak is Khao Phanoen Thung. At 1,207 metres, it was accessible by an overnight trek from Phonoen Thung Camp Site for those keen on creatures with wings. The park is possibly Thailand's top bird and butterfly-watching location. Over 420 species of birds have been observed in the park, which is the highest number of bird species in any national park in Thailand. There are 57 known species of mammals and around 300 butterfly species. Wild mammals abound. Leopards, clouded leopards, bears,' Kev paused for breath. 'Stump-tailed macaques, deer, elephants, wild dogs,' Kev was panting. 'The eagle-eyed visitor to the park can see Golden jackals, gaurs, crab-eating mongoose and many others.' Kev mopped his brow. 'Even though some of these creatures are widely spread across the park. However, because of their elusive nature, actual sightings are not common. Often observed are langurs, porcupines, civets, black giant squirrels, martens, and gibbons.' Kev was winding down. 'There are also tigers and bantengs, but they are uncommon.'
After all that reading, Kev needed breath. He bowed to his one-person audience.
'I have never heard of half those creatures; what the hell is a "banteng".'
'It's an ox; you could probably eat a whole one.' Laughed Kev as he carried on reading. 'Kaeng Krachan is also home to many of the snake species seen in Thailand.'
Kev knew of Nick's hatred of all snakes.
'This is especially for you. Some species that can be encountered are the Oriental vine snake, better known as the green morph, white-lipped pit viper, Pope's pit viper, spotted and white-spotted slug-eating snake, siamese cat snake, triangle keelback, red-necked keelback, speckle-bellied keelback or even rare snakes such as Brongersma's short-tailed python, red-headed krait, sawtooth-necked bronzeback, blue coral snake, mountain pit viper, red mountain racer and all three python species found in Thailand.'
Kev enjoyed watching Nick cringe at the thought of touching any of the snakes mentioned.
The two friends looked forward to the excursion. After cramming all the wildlife information into their heads, they piled into a pickup truck.
A second truck made up the convoy. There were 16 men, all keen to get going. They were animated in their introductions.
'I am Khun Khaow, an ex-policeman.'
'I am Khun Tom, ex-army.'
'And I am Pi Oot, a very busy businessman.'
And so it went on. Nick had his suspicions, which he kept to himself. It was not the time or place to mention his thoughts to Kev. He was unaware of who could speak English. Oddly, these guys all had big gold rings, chunky neck chains, or fancy Rado watches.
They motored off, driving for about 40 minutes. They stopped at a convenience store outside the park.
The shop owner delivered pre-packed boxes, a large chest full of ice, two drums, and a guitar.
On arrival at the National Park entrance, guards halted the drivers at the gate. After being questioned by the uniformed men, the Thai passengers pointed their fingers at two tourists. The efficient guards were satisfied, so they continued on their way.
Although Pi Meow was well known in the area, he was still stopped. He often arrived in different vehicles, always with blackened windows.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the edge of the water. Kaeng Krachan, the vast park, boasted a large dam constructed on the King's orders to ensure people in the surrounding area had plenty of water. It was beautiful. Small islands dotted the water, and the jungle beyond looked enticing.
As the group unloaded the pickup truck and loaded two long-tailedʼ boats, rain tattooed the lake's surface. As the boats set off, the light rain quickly became a monsoon. Long-tailed speedboats are outboard engine craft with a propeller at the end of a long shaft. If confronted by an obstruction, the propeller could be raised out of the water. Then, the craft could be swung left or right to steer when the prop hit the water again.
The previously unruffled dam surface was now choppy, not dangerous but disconcerting. All the ex-force men thought it was great fun, mainly because their English boatmates were uncomfortable. They went further as the boat seemed to get faster and faster. Soon, it became clear why they moved so quickly. The driver was racing to moor the boat before the storm worsened.
Above them, a tremendous crack of thunder was followed almost instantly by an eye-stinging flash of lightning from the jet-black sky. Lighting up the sky for many miles around them. Our rough, tough and hard-to-bluff ex-forces men were hanging onto the sides of the narrowboat with a passion. Not so funny now.
Thankfully, that was the storm at its worst. The thunder and lightning eased, but the rain got harder. Everyone and everything aboard was soaking. Once more, great hilarity followed. At least these guys had a sense of humour.
As they slowed to a stop, the pilots were looking for an inlet to moor their craft. There was a building up on the hill, but they seemed unlikely to reach it from where they were. Far too slippery, and the risk of falling onto the well-hidden rocks. Somebody jumped off the boat into the water; they quickly lost him in the overgrown plants. Soon, a shout was heard a short way off. The boats turned, and they made their way to another inlet. This time, everyone exited their boat and dropped into the murky water. Nick did not find this easy to do; it was like watching a pregnant pig on a tightrope without owning a gymnast's balance. He tumbled, and with a tremendous splash, he looked at the dam's stone floor.
While everybody else had something heavy or awkward to carry, Nick could only get up the bank in one piece. That was hard enough. They heard more chuckles from above. Thankfully, Nick could see the funny side of all this.
Everyone had to carry their load above their head. Some loads were heavier than others. All the packs were heavy; this was not the problem, as they were all strong men. It was the slippery rocks underfoot that were making movement difficult. No traction, and it wasn't easy to wade. Most Thais had removed their footwear, as they felt it was easier to get a grip with bare feet. Everyone made it to the small causeway without an accident. The whisky bottles made it without spillage or breakage. Before them stood a wooden building, offering shelter from the downpour. The house resembled the French girl's home next to the beach. On entering, Kev wondered where the bedrooms were; it looked like an open room, which it was. The only way to give yourself privacy was by stringing up a mosquito net and climbing inside. The hosts were not planning on sleeping. Even before unpacking their stuff, out came the whisky and Pepsi. Soon, the party was in full swing. They drowned loud laughter by hammering the bongo drums.
An older man, who Nick thought must have heard the racket, turned up from somewhere with a large pot of curry, which looked interesting but inedible, at least to Kev's expert culinary eye.
Kev, remembering his close encounter with a frog, had no intention of being the guinea pig again. He stepped aside for Nick, who, without his knowledge, was promoted as the guest of honour. He had to take the first serving. They offered a generous plateful to the special guest, a plate with a whole turtle's wing. Nick woofed it down. Kev choked on a small spoonful of the chilli-laced soup.
Someone pulled the neighbour to one side, and a whispered discussion took place. What was said? Kev did not hear it, but money changed hands - a lot of the folding type.
Then the guns came out. A rifle that looked like they made it when people still hunted sabre-toothed tigers. The nervous English guests were unused to firing guns. Soon, they realised they were to aim at anything within range: sticks, flowers or large leaves. All wildlife was safe as any sabre-toothed tigers, monkeys or birds were already scared off by the bongos.
On it went: drums, guitar, singing and lots of booze. Kev crept to a corner and slept, but Nick carried on partying.
Dawn came and went, Kev slept on, and Nick was still singing. Nobody knew what song he was mangling; no one cared; they all joined in, at least as best they could.
They packed everything up around nine am; it was no longer raining, so boarding the boats was much more manageable.
Something had happened; Nick and Kev sensed it but were too drunk to realise what it was. They did not care; they wanted the Thais to stop singing and banging on the drums. These guys can drink.
The return boat trip was smooth, and they arrived gently at the point they had boarded the day before. They entered a restaurant on the bank. It was clean and tidy. The owner and his wife were very welcoming to almost everybody; clearly, they were no fans of Pi Meow after a quick breakfast of bittersweet black Thai coffee and "ba tong goh", similar to a sausage-shaped doughnut without sugar or jam.
Someone informed them they were to go to Pi Meow's house up the road as they pointed into the distance.
On arrival, Nick and Kev were impressed by the old teak house. It was packed with solid wooden furniture - not comfortable, but what workmanship. Delicate silks covered the walls and cabinets. This was not a Habitat place.
They told Kev and Nick to sit down and make themselves comfortable and said they would go home soon.
People were moving in and out. Men, women, and children were buzzing around, shifting boxes near the pickups. Kev and Nick could not see what was going on, and they did not want to know.
'Pai.' Go! It was the brash order to get going. How come, after all this waiting, they were now in a rush?
The lads were happy to move, but only slowly and quietly; they were still suffering. Last night's excessive partying was telling. Not only for them, but a few of the ex-forces lads were also struggling.
Nick noticed part of yesterday's group had changed into khakis. They were not moving, looking very relaxed, and going nowhere. In their place were different, new people. They had dressed in their filthy clothes from yesterday. Stranger and stranger, what was that all about?
Once again, they were pulled up by the security guards at the gates. Jocular drivers laughed and pointed out the two foreigners who could not keep up with the Thaiʼs drinking. Chuckling guards waved them through.
At last, back at the office.
'We need sleep, but first, I want to talk to Dam.'
Kev looked like he had survived a night in a First World War trench.
Dam was busy shuffling papers; he looked up as the bedraggled pair entered the office and said.
'Iʼll talk first, okay? Then you can ask me questions.'
This was the first time they had heard Dam being forceful. Damʼs English was still limited, so he addressed Kev in Thai.
'Did they have any containers? Like big ice boxes, for example? Were there some extra or different people in the trucks coming back?'
'Yes, to both questions.'
'In that case, they have used you to cover a smuggling operation.'
'What were they smuggling, and from where?'
'I don't know for sure. Do not forget Kaeng Krachan National Park reaches the Burmese border. To answer what they would probably smuggle? First, people would be Burmese tribes-people, to be cheap labour or sex workers. Then, whatever else they could find room for. Weapons, drugs, oh, wait a minute, were there any animals or skins?'
'God, this gets worse,' thought Kev.
Dam continued, 'You two were very lucky; it would all be your fault if they caught you. Do you understand? All piled on your shoulders. A long time in the monkey house!'
'How could it be our fault? We knew nothing about any of this.'
'How long have you been here? It would be your fault. It's never the rich guy's fault.'
'Yeah, I see what you mean.'
Kev explained to his mate what Dam had outlined.
'Right, Nick, what will we do about all this?'
'We do nothing. We were lucky, as Dam just said. Leave it, I say.'
'I will not let it rest. Be sure of that!'
With that, Kev went upstairs for a long rest. Sleep would not come. Kev could not shake the feeling it was not over with. He wanted revenge on the guy who could have ruined his life. Unsure of getting his revenge, Kev finally fell into a deep, troubled sleep.