Report from Bangkok, December 31, 2019/ December 31/2562, year of Buddah

I arrived here one hour late, but everything went well, other than that. I went to the airport as planned, and, upon arrival, just before midnight, I went to the United kiosk and printed out my three boarding passes for the three flights. Just enter passport, answer two questions and out they come. The baggage sticker for my one checked, at nine kilos, did not print. I was told at 3;45 when staff arrived for the day, that baggage tags could not print until staff on site...they must ask..."Do you have any explosives or dangerous items in this luggage". Unbelievable, but true. Security opened at 04:30, then U.S. Customs and Immigration. I was through there in five minutes. I was advised that my luggage would next be seen in Bangkok, and so it was.
I did not need to go thru security again for the remaining flights, was in secure area all the time.
The flight to Newark,...start of takeoff, until wheels touch down...one hour and 12 minutes. A shuttle bus took us from Terminal A to C. The flight from Newark to Tokyo was 13 hours and 23 minutes, while the flight to Bangkok was six hours and fifty minutes. This flight departed one hour late due to late arrival of the aircraft. We got into Bangkok at 12;30 A.M. Customs took about five minutes, then I was in a taxi to the hotel.
At Bangkok airport was met by a hustler for taxis, trying to push rides that were double the authorized rate. I told him where he could go, and just a hint...it was not to the nearest house of worship.  The rate is 400 Baht, about 16 dollars for the 40 kilometer ride...he wanted 1000. I spoke loud enough that all those waiting could hear me. By the time I got to the hotel, it was 01;30, about 36 hours of travel time. The flight from Newark to Tokyo took us over eastern Ontario, up over northern Ontario, and we crossed the Saskatchewan/Manitoba/NWT border area, then onward north near Prudhoe Bay, over eastern Siberia and down to Tokyo. I did not see the ground from Takeoff until over Siberia.
I will meet with some of my Thai family members on New Years day, and we will plan the next month.  Wi-fi is not great here, so not sure when I will again report in. In the meantime, I wish everyone a great and healthy New Year, and all the best for the year. It will be 2563 for my Thai friends.