Roger Arnold

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  • Throwing the goat skin with panache is a challenge to all other riders after winning an individual match in Kokpar also known as Bushkashi at the annual Eagle Hunting Festival, Bayan Olgi, Mongolia, Oct 6, 2003.  Kokpar requires a combination of strength, courage, and horsemanship skills.  This traditional game has come back since the Soviet withdrawal from the region.  The Kazakhs of Mongolia play one on one, with 10 men on each team.  When a rider loses his grip on the goat or falls off his horse he has to join the opposing team.  Eventually one team has all the riders on its side and is the winner.  Kokpar or Bushkashi is also played in a ruby style in other parts of Central Asia including Kazakhstan.  Hundreds of riders may line up on each side, and then mayhem prevails as they all rush to grab the goat.
    Eagle Hunting 22.jpg
  • Two Kazakh riders struggle for control of a dead goat in a game of Kokpar also known as Bushkashi at the annual Eagle Hunting Festival, Bayan Olgi, Mongolia, Oct 2, 2004.  Kokpar requires a combination of strength, courage, and horsemanship skills.  This traditional game has come back since the Soviet withdrawal from the region.  The Kazakhs of Mongolia play one on one, with 10 men on each team.  When a rider loses his grip on the goat or falls off his horse he has to join the opposing team.  Eventually one team has all the riders on its side and is the winner.  Kokpar or Bushkashi is also played in a ruby style in other parts of Central Asia including Kazakhstan.  Hundreds of riders may line up on each side, and then mayhem prevails as they all rush to grab the goat.  **  This image for non exclusive licensing only
    Eagle Hunting 12.jpg
  • Two Kazakh riders struggle for control of a dead goat in a game of Kokpar also known as Bushkashi at the annual Eagle Hunting Festival, Bayan Olgi, Mongolia, Oct 6, 2003.  Kokpar requires a combination of strength, courage, and horsemanship skills.  This traditional game has come back since the Soviet withdrawal from the region.  The Kazakhs of Mongolia play one on one, with 10 men on each team.  When a rider loses his grip on the goat or falls off his horse he has to join the opposing team.  Eventually one team has all the riders on its side and is the winner.  Kokpar or Bushkashi is also played in a ruby style in other parts of Central Asia including Kazakhstan.  Hundreds of riders may line up on each side, and then mayhem prevails as they all rush to grab the goat.
    Eagle Hunting 21.jpg
  • Two Kazakh riders struggle for control of a dead goat in a game of Kokpar also known as Bushkashi at the annual Eagle Hunting Festival, Bayan Olgi, Mongolia, Oct 2, 2004.  Kokpar requires a combination of strength, courage, and horsemanship skills.  This traditional game has come back since the Soviet withdrawal from the region.  The Kazakhs of Mongolia play one on one, with 10 men on each team.  When a rider loses his grip on the goat or falls off his horse he has to join the opposing team.  Eventually one team has all the riders on its side and is the winner.  Kokpar or Bushkashi is also played in a ruby style in other parts of Central Asia including Kazakhstan.  Hundreds of riders may line up on each side, and then mayhem prevails as they all rush to grab the goat.
    Eagle Hunting 20.jpg
  • Roger Arnold, cameraman and photographer working in Asia and Africa.
    Roger Bayanuur 2013 3.jpg
  • Chef Pop (left) who runs Maison Chin with Ken Hom (right) during a interview for One Channel Asia TV at Maison Chin in Bangkok, Thailand. Ken Hom said:  "Chef Pop (who runs Maison Chin) worked for me in London for 8 years.  He is sort of my Thai alter ego.  He understands what we are trying to do and we are in touch all the time.   We're sort of like twin brothers! (laughs)"
    Thailand Ken Hom New colors_14.jpg
  • Snow fish special on display during filming for One Channel Asia TV at Ken Hom's restaurant Maison Chin in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Maison Chin_03.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, during a interview with Poupee Sangkum for One Channel Asia TV at his restaurant Maison Chin in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Maison Chin_01.jpg
  • Chef Pop (left) who runs Maison Chin with Ken Hom (right) during a interview for One Channel Asia TV at Maison Chin in Bangkok, Thailand. Ken Hom said:  "Chef Pop (who runs Maison Chin) worked for me in London for 8 years.  He is sort of my Thai alter ego.  He understands what we are trying to do and we are in touch all the time.   We're sort of like twin brothers! (laughs)"
    Thailand Ken Hom New colors_15.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, during a interview with Poupee Sangkum for One Channel Asia TV at his restaurant Maison Chin in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Maison Chin.jpg
  • A man in a field of bomb craters in Ban Kay, Laos.  Much of Laos looks like a pastoral moonscape.  30 years later nothing grows these craters, which are a prime source of bomb fragment for scrap metal hunters.  2,000 - 3,000 lb fragmentation bombs are said to have created these craters.  The US dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it one of the most heavily bombed countries in world history.
    Laos Der Spiegel Images_3.jpg
  • Metal hunter Mr. Khamlek at Phonsavan Hospital one day after witnessesing his friend Mr. Pai die from trying to open a bomb near Phou Vieng, Laos, July 7, 2004.  He denied knowing Mr.Pai claiming to be an innocent passerby, hoping to claim relief assistance for those injured accidentally.  Those whose intentionally contact bombs are not elgible for assistance.  His friends and neighbors said he and Mr. Pai were close friends and that he had actually talked his friend, a retired bomb dissassembler, into trying to open the bomb for $15.
    856626.jpg
  • Metal hunter Mr. Khamlek at Phonsavan Hospital one day after witnessesing his friend Mr. Pai die from trying to open a bomb near Phou Vieng, Laos, July 7, 2004.  He denied knowing Mr.Pai claiming to be an innocent passerby, hoping to claim relief assistance for those injured accidentally.  Those whose intentionally contact bombs are not elgible for assistance.  His friends and neighbors said he and Mr. Pai were close friends and that he had actually talked his friend, a retired bomb dissassembler, into trying to open the bomb for $15.
    857900.jpg
  • The 16th century Buddha at Wat Phia Wat is almost all that is left of the ancient capital of Xieng Khuang, Laos.  The Buddha is missing part of its right arm and is scared by bomb scrapnel.  The temple that once covered it was blown up.  In 1969 between 1,500 and 2,500 structures were flattened in the town and surrounding area by fierce air to ground fighting in US Operation "Rain Dance."  The town and temple was reported to be occupied by communist insurgents mostly comprised of large heavily armed concentrations of North Vietnamese Army invading Laos.
    Laos Der Spiegel Images_7.jpg
  • Bomb casings decorate the entrance to a guest house in Phonsavan, Laos.  Many bombs from the secret war have been used for building products and creative products like air compressors.  Approximately 90 million cluster bombs were dropped on Laos and 10 to 30 percent of them failed to arm properly and never exploded.  Countless cluster and big bombs are still in the ground waiting to detonate in Laos.  Approximately 13 thousand people in Laos have been killed or maimed as victims of unexploded ordnance (UXO) since the war ceased.
    Laos Der Spiegel Images_1.jpg
  • Mr. Boonmi with his bomb compressor made from a US 750 lb framentation bomb left over from the US and Vietnamese secret war in Phou Vieng, Laos.  He dismantled the live bomb which uses a Russian rocket propelled grenade for a carburetor.  The invading North Vietnamese Army destroyed the historic town in nearby Muang Sui.
    Laos Der Spiegel Images_5.jpg
  • Two young boys in front of their home sit on bombs left over from the US and Vietnamese secret war in Phou Vieng, Laos.  The boy are sitting on a 2,000 lb. bomb.  The other bomb is a 750 lb. bomb.  The invading North Vietnamese Army destroyed the historic town in nearby Muang Sui.
    Laos Der Spiegel Images_6.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_03.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_51.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_13.jpg
  • Drone aerial flying over the famous Great Wall defensive barrier designed to prevent invasion from Mongolian invaders. Today it is one of the most famous vacation destinations on the UNESCO word heritage list.
    Great Wall Aerial 001.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_21.jpg
  • Three of the 9 cups of tea on a store front alter at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_13.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_26.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_25.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_05.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_02.jpg
  • Ken Hom entertains guests at a charity fundraiser for stray dogs at Maison Chin restaurant in Bangkok.  The restaurant was founded by Celebrity Chef Ken Hom and Chef Pop, Bangkok, Thailand.
    Thailand Ken Hom New colors_04.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_48.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_08.jpg
  • Ms. Khoua Lee, only a teenager, shows her injuries, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 3, 2006.  She told me her story of being ambushed by Laos Government soldiers on July 15, 2003.  She says they shot her in the face and hand before she was able to escape.  Tears trickled down her face over the scare that reached from her mouth almost to her ear...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos Hmong 129.jpg
  • 80 year old, Blia Yang Fang, holds his battered American made AR-15 he used as part of the CIA Secret Army, near Vang Vieng Laos, July 3, 2006..  He fought for the French when they held Laos as a colony and later fought for the CIA working in demolition teams to sabotage the North Vietnamese Army invading Laos...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 5.jpg
  • Drone aerial flying over the famous Great Wall defensive barrier designed to prevent invasion from Mongolian invaders. Today it is one of the most famous vacation destinations on the UNESCO word heritage list.
    Great Wall Aerial 005.jpg
  • Drone aerial flying over the famous Great Wall defensive barrier designed to prevent invasion from Mongolian invaders. Today it is one of the most famous vacation destinations on the UNESCO word heritage list.
    Great Wall Aerial 007.jpg
  • Maison Chin restaurant in Bangkok founded by Celebrity Chef Ken Hom and Chef Pop, Bangkok, Thailand.
    Thailand Ken Hom New colors_12.jpg
  • Maison Chin restaurant in Bangkok founded by Celebrity Chef Ken Hom and Chef Pop, Bangkok, Thailand.   Desert being prepared:  Warm banana compote in plum wine with candied ginger served with vanilla bean pod ice cream.  The dish includes strawberry cheesecake, cr?me brulee on a chocolate biscuit puff pastry, with chocolate, mint, and assorted fresh fruits.
    Thailand Ken Hom New colors_09.jpg
  • Maison Chin restaurant in Bangkok founded by Celebrity Chef Ken Hom and Chef Pop, Bangkok, Thailand.   Desert being prepared:  Warm banana compote in plum wine with candied ginger served with vanilla bean pod ice cream.  The dish includes strawberry cheesecake, cr?me brulee on a chocolate biscuit puff pastry, with chocolate, mint, and assorted fresh fruits.
    Thailand Ken Hom New colors_08.jpg
  • Maison Chin restaurant in Bangkok founded by Celebrity Chef Ken Hom and Chef Pop, Bangkok, Thailand.
    Thailand Ken Hom New colors_03.jpg
  • Maison Chin restaurant in Bangkok founded by Celebrity Chef Ken Hom and Chef Pop, Bangkok, Thailand.
    Thailand Ken Hom New colors.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_23.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_12.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_11.jpg
  • Live entertainment at World famous chef, Ken Hom's restaurant Maison Chin in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Maison Chin_12.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his restaurant Maison Chin in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Maison Chin_08.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_54.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_45.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_44.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_41.jpg
  • The Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_40.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_22.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_18.jpg
  • A medium blesses a shop merchant in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_17.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_12.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_27.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_12.jpg
  • Soldiers rest in their abandoned village, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 2, 2006...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 8.jpg
  • Nang Li Hua, boils a wild plant from the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 6.jpg
  • Jo Vong Thaw, holds a rat he caught for food bare handed, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006.  The Hmong hiding in the jungle are near starvation in many cases, surviving on any wild plants or animals they can scavenge.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 2.jpg
  • Chea Thaw with bloated stomach common to most children hiding in the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 15.1Copy.jpg
  • A plaque dedicated to Laos combat veterans from the CIA secret war, Arlington Cemetary, Virginia, USA,  August 17, 2006.  Approximately 20,000 to 30,000 Hmong were killed serving in the CIA secret army, some estimates put the figure much higher.  Approximately 200,000 Hmong Americans live now in the USA, many are refugees from the war.....  ..
    124Copy.jpg
  • Ken Hom entertains guests at a charity fundraiser for stray dogs at Maison Chin restaurant in Bangkok.  The restaurant was founded by Celebrity Chef Ken Hom and Chef Pop, Bangkok, Thailand.
    Thailand Ken Hom New colors_05.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_25.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_17.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_08.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_06.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_02.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his restaurant Maison Chin in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Maison Chin_07.jpg
  • Snow fish special at Maison Chin restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Maison Chin_04.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his restaurant Maison Chin in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Maison Chin_05.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_53.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_42.jpg
  • Alter carriers dance in explosions at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.  Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_27.jpg
  • Alter carriers in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.  Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_25.jpg
  • The flag pole raising ceremony at Jui Tui Shine welcoming the Gods to earth at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_02.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_28.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_15.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_10.jpg
  • Ms. Mee Moua Vang, with her baby, Li Cheng Vang, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 4, 2006.  Her message  to the world, "My husband and two older daughters were killed by the communist while foraging for food.  My daughter Blee was attacked by the communist where her guts were sticking out and I was unable to help her so she died.  I miss her very much.  I am desperately suffering here with no help.  I ask you to come in and save us.  Bring us food."..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**
    Laos JungleHmong 9.jpg
  • Village leader, Blia Shoua Her (center), holding an old American M-79 grenade launcher and surrounded by former Hmong fighters from the CIA's Secret Army, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 3, 2006.  Most of the men are from surrounding CIA Lima Sites 363, 319, 90 and 74.  The CIA established remoted jungle landing strips in Laos called Lima Sites to provide aerial supply to their Secret Army.  Ironically the Lao communist government now uses Lima Site 363 to supply its troops and to attack Blia Shoua Her and his men from the Secret Army...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**.The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 4.1Copy.jpg
  • Ms. Mee Moua Vang, pleads for help, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 4, 2006.  Her message  to the world, "My husband and two older daughters were killed by the communist while foraging for food.  My daughter Blee was attacked by the communist where her guts were sticking out and I was unable to help her so she died.  I miss her very much.  I am desperately suffering here with no help.  I ask you to come in and save us.  Bring us food."..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**
    Laos JungleHmong 21.jpg
  • Hmong soldiers camped in the remote jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 26, 2006. ..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 10.jpg
  • Drone aerial flying over the famous Great Wall defensive barrier designed to prevent invasion from Mongolian invaders. Today it is one of the most famous vacation destinations on the UNESCO word heritage list.
    Great Wall Aerial 002.jpg
  • Maison Chin restaurant in Bangkok founded by Celebrity Chef Ken Hom and Chef Pop, Bangkok, Thailand.   Desert being prepared:  Warm banana compote in plum wine with candied ginger served with vanilla bean pod ice cream.  The dish includes strawberry cheesecake, cr?me brulee on a chocolate biscuit puff pastry, with chocolate, mint, and assorted fresh fruits.
    Thailand Ken Hom New colors_10.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_24.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_19.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his home in Pattaya, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Pattaya Home_14.jpg
  • World famous chef, Ken Hom, at his restaurant Maison Chin in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Ken Hom Maison Chin_09.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_32.jpg
  • A medium offers blessings and advice to merchants at a store front alter in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_14.jpg
  • Mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Veg Fest Zuma_06.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_34.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_31.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_19.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_11.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_09.jpg
  • A female medium offers a blessing or advice to a merchant in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_07.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_06.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_03.jpg
  • Drone aerial flying over the famous Great Wall defensive barrier designed to prevent invasion from Mongolian invaders. Today it is one of the most famous vacation destinations on the UNESCO word heritage list.
    Great Wall Aerial 003.jpg
  • A photo of world famous chef, Ken Hom, in his youth with his mother hangs on the wall at his restaurant Maison Chin in Bangkok, Thailand.
    Thailand Ken Hom New colors_16.jpg
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