We were travelling to Bangkok after a train trip from Penang in Malaysia.
We were travelling to Bangkok after a train trip from Penang in Malaysia.
and did a couple of day exploring around all the tourist sights.
and did a couple of day exploring around all the tourist sights.
Giant Reclining Buddha
Giant Reclining Buddha
Before a train ride to Changi Mia and onto Changi Ria.
Before a train ride to Changi Mia and onto Changi Ria.
Where our trekking trip started. Pana was our trek guide.
Where our trekking trip started. Pana was our trek guide.

We had chosen a guided multi day trek with other backpacking travellers that included river rafting, an Elephant ride and a visit and sleep over to 3 different Hill tribe villages.

Karen Villagers
Karen Villagers
Some of our group on an Elephant ride.
Some of our group on an Elephant ride.
After the ride there was more hiking to the next village.
After the ride there was more hiking to the next village.
Akha Village
Akha Village

One night we were in our hill tribe bunk house getting ready for bed after dinner and a long day hiking when our guide knocked on the door and asked if any one wanted to try opium. It was not for me and there was only one taker in our small group.  I did not think about it again until we were all at breakfast the next morning and our solo opium trying friend was not there.  Some how I was elected to go and find him, which was not that hard as he was still in his bed but I was unable to wake him. By this time the others had arrived back after breakfast saying we were going to be late for the hike back down the mountain. I tried everything to wake him, cold water, a gentle shake but very little response other than some groans and mumblings. I asked if anybody knew what opium does too you? Nobody knew, our guide and villagers did not have much English. Then one of our tour group said "Didn't that guy say he was a diabetic" I started to get worried! but stayed calm and started to empty out his back pack looking for clues which was not a pretty sight after a number of day hiking in the jungles of northern Thailand.

Right at the bottom was his insulin injection kit. Again I asked if anyone knew what to do with it? As back then where was no mobile phones or google. Again no useful information from the group other than I suppose you just jab him with it. 

Also in his backpack was a lot of music tapes, a portable cassette player and some electrolyte satchels. I decided to play it safe and ask one of the others to get some water while I tried to workout how the insulin injection unit worked. I had heard about Diabetic's and how they have to inject them selves daily but had no knowledge, experience or training in the area.

When the water came back I added some of the electrolytes and tried to get him to drink which was not easy in his semi couscous state. As the water and electrolytes went down his mumbling seemed to get louder, which I thought was a good sign until he threw up everywhere. A few more minutes passes with the other all getting frustrated as they wanted to leave so I get the insulin injection tool in my hand and then there is more mumbling, I lean for to try and make out what he is saying, but from the side, as to try and not get thrown up on and then I am just able to make it his words out. "What ever you do don't give me the insulin"  Awh for f___sake, I think, I was just about too.  

10 or 15 minutes later after more water he was back and was able to look after himself, like nothing had happened and off we went down the mountain.

Akha Villagers
Akha Villagers
Yao Village tourist shop.
Yao Village tourist shop.
On the way back.
On the way back.
The Golden Triangle on the Mekong river where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar all meet.
The Golden Triangle on the Mekong river where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar all meet.
Our Mae Sai accommodation, the northern most town in Thailand.
Our Mae Sai accommodation, the northern most town in Thailand.
A Border crossing to Myanmar. My friends want to cross and talk to the guards and soldiers. I was a lot more cautious and stayed well back in the Thai side of the bridge.
A Border crossing to Myanmar. My friends want to cross and talk to the guards and soldiers. I was a lot more cautious and stayed well back in the Thai side of the bridge. 
After northern Thailand trek it was back to Bangkok, where we did another train trip on a Thai holiday weekend to the famous Bridge over the river Kwai.
After northern Thailand trek it was back to Bangkok, where we did another train trip on a Thai holiday weekend to the famous Bridge over the river Kwai.
For a couple of days rest before the next part of our travelling adventures.
For a couple of days rest before the next part of our travelling adventures.