(I do feel ashamed of having disappeared, and not writing anything about Chiang Mai's spectacular, colourful festivals (and everydays!) for such a long time. I have been encouraged to return, so now I'll give a try to remote linking to my blog gallery at least.)

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 78, pays his respect at the Rama I monument in honour of the start of the Chakri dynasty in Bangkok April 6, 2006. The start of the Chakri dynasty, which has ruled Thailand for more then 200 years, is celebrated as a national holiday. REUTERS/Adrees Latif

Two Thai men riding on the bullock wagons use of bamboo sticks to force their bulls to sprint faster during a race in Petchaburi province, central Thailand Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006. Thai farmers at this province celebrate the end of the harvest season with various kind of folk competitions including bullock wagon race, wrestling with the bulls and climbing the palm trees. (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)

A Thai worker feeds stray dogs at the Home for Handicapped Animals Foundation in Bangkok. The foundation's president, Sataporn Deepa, said Thai people have donated more money to the foundation for the strays hoping it would bring them good luck and prosperity in the Year of the Dog. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom