I n recent years Bangkok seems to have lost on the surface some of its original character under the pressure of modern progress and mechanization. U ltra-modern stores stand cheek by jowl with little shops selling the necessities of life. Airconditioned cinemas screen the latest offerings from the U.S.A. , Taiwan, Japan, India, Thailand, and Europe. Restaurants and coffee shops offer cuisine that caters to everyone's palate-truly a gourmet's paradise. Sophisticated nightclubs with stunning hostesses provide international floor shows and mood setting music.
Little discotheques offer modern rock and soul music.
Luxury hotels with every modern amenity grace the scene. Whilst less imposing hostleries, spotlessly clean, cater for the less affluent. B ehind all this lies the old Bangkok of venerable temples filled with the peace of ages. A crowd of people can watch television in the open air under the shadow of a Buddha Image. The skyline of modern Bangkok is a blend of concrete high-rise buildings and the gilded spires of temples.