Life in Bangkok

An aerial view shows the city of Bangkok on June 24, 2009. REUTERS/Sukree Sukplang

Royal guards men are seen in the foreground as the funeral pyre for Princess Galyani Vadhana lights up at dusk in Bangkok October 20, 2008. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

An elephant Kamraithong, 4, sprays water on a giant Krathong as a symbolic apology to the goddess of the river, during a news conference at the Dusit zoo in Bangkok November 10, 2008. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

A Thai soldier puts his hands together in a traditional Thai greeting after giving alms to a Buddhist monk near the Government House in Bangkok September 22, 2006. REUTERS/Darren Whitesi

A man holds a portrait of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej among thousands of well-wishers gathered for his departure from Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok August 4, 2006 REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

Thai transvestite Muay Thai fighter Apinya Sor Pumarin (R) of Thailand kicks opponent Anthony 'Fighting Gym' DeMaio of the United States during their kickboxing bout in Bangkok on February 21, 2004. REUTERS/Adrees Latif

Tourists have a foot massage near Khao San road in Bangkok September 3, 2008. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

French chef Marc Meneau prepares a dish in the kitchen of Bangkok's Mezzaluna restaurant February 9, 2007, which is hosting a one million baht-a-head ($29,000) dinner this weekend. REUTERS/Sukree Sukplang

A tourist participates in a water gun fight during the Songkran Festival celebration at Khaosan road in Bangkok April 12, 2007. The Songkran festival, also known as the water festival, marks the start of Thailand's traditional New Year and is believed to wash away bad luck. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

Thai Buddhist monks ride on elephants during their march to the parliament in Bangkok April 25, 2007. REUTERS/Kerek Wongsa

Bangkok's Victory Monument is seen lit as cars go past it's roundabout March 28, 2009. REUTERS/Adrees Latif

A mother and child are silhouetted by a rainbow arching over Bangkok's skyline on May 27, 2007. REUTERS/Adrees Latif