'DO NOT GO,' was Damʼs only comment. They were discussing an all-expenses-paid trip out of town.

Nick was enjoying a day off. He had been busy lately. Several tenants they had placed had needed repairs or alterations. Nick with Dam carried out the work on the new rentals. Hot water boiler fitted in one, Mosquito screens in another. That is the type of job Nick liked. Nick was good, and he could do this work with his head on backwards; Dam was a quick learner and an able assistant. After all the work they had been doing, they felt they deserved a day or two off.

Now Dam did not trust or like Pi Meow. He was a wealthy property owner who had several buildings in Hua Hin. He needed tenants to pay rent on some of his premises. Kev had found a Swedish family who booked one of Pi Meow's homes for three months.

A happy Pi Meow invited Nick, Kev, and Dam to visit his jungle home at the Kaeng Krachan National Park.

Dam had refused to go. He hadn't explained why.

They declared Kaeng Krachan a national park in 1981. It is the largest national park in Thailand, covering an area of about 2,000 square miles. The park is located in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces and is bounded by the Tanintharyi Nature Reserve along Burma's border to the West. The park is not only part of the rainforest north and south of the park but also part of the Western Forex Complex. It crosses 19 protected sites between Burma and Thailand.

'Kaeng Krachan National Park is famous for its diverse wildlife. Also, the dense morning mist covers the park, with only hilltops sticking above the mist cloud through December-March, creating a spectacular view. Two main rivers, Phetchaburi and Pran Buri Rivers originated from Tanaosri Ranges. Both are in the park. At the park's north side, water streams drain to the Phetchaburi River. They then flowed to the Kaeng Krachan Dam and the Gulf of Thailand and passed through Phetchaburi Province. On the Southside, the water flows to the Pranburi River. Which then flows into a dam in Pranburi Province and finally to the Gulf of Thailand.'

'How do you know all that,' Nick asked.

'I don't; I'm reading a tour brochure,' Kev carried on with his lecture. 'Kaeng Krachan National Park boasts a reservoir and rainforest. Both are covered with rich flora and fauna—the highest elevation peaks along the Burmese border at around 1500 metres. The second highest peak is Khao Phanoen Thung. At 1,207 metres, it used to be accessible by an overnight trek from Phonoen Thung Camp Site. For those keen on creatures with wings. The park is possibly Thailand's top bird and butterfly-watching location. Over 420 species have been observed in the park, the highest number of bird species in any national park in Thailand. There are 57 known species of mammals and around 300 butterfly species. Wild mammals abound. Leopards, clouded leopards, bears,' Kev paused for breath. 'Stump-tailed macaques, deer, elephants, wild dogs,' Kev was panting. 'The eagle-eyed visitor to the park can see a golden jackal, gaurs, crab-eating mongoose and many others.' Kev mopped his brow. 'Even though some of these creatures are widely spread across the park. But because of their elusive nature, actual sightings are not common. Often observed are langurs, porcupines, civets, giant black squirrels, martens, and gibbons.' Kev was winding down. 'There are also tigers and bantengs, but they are not common.'

Kev needed breath after all that reading. He bowed to his audience of one.

'I have never heard of half those creatures. What the hell is a "banteng".'

'It's an ox, and you could probably eat a whole one.' Laughed Kev as he carried on reading. 'Kaeng Krachan is also home to many of the snake species seen in Thailand.'

Kev knew of Nick's hatred of all snakes.

'This is especially for you. Some species that can be encountered are the Oriental vine snake or better known as the green morph, white-lipped pit viper, Pope's pit viper, spotted and white-spotted slug-eating snake, siamese cat snake, triangle keelback, red-necked keelback, speckle-bellied keelback or even rare snakes such as Brongersma's short-tailed python, red-headed krait, sawtooth-necked bronzeback, blue coral snake, mountain pit viper, red mountain racer and all three python species found in Thailand.'

Kev was enjoying watching Nick cringe at touching any of the mentioned snakes.

The two friends looked forward to the excursion. After cramming all the wildlife information into their heads, they piled into a pickup truck.

A second truck made up the convoy. There were 16 men, all keen to get going, and they were animated in their introductions.

'I am Khun Khaow, an ex-policeman.'

'I am Khun Tom, ex-army.'

'And I am Pi Oot, a very busy businessman.'

And so it went on. Nick had his suspicions which he kept to himself. It was not the time or place to mention his thoughts to Kev. He was unaware of who could speak English. Oddly, these guys all had big gold rings, chunky neck chains, or fancy Rado watches.

Off they motored, driving for about 40 minutes. Finally, they stopped at a convenience store outside the park.

The shop owner delivered pre-packed boxes, a large chest full of ice, two drums and a guitar.

On arrival at the National Park entrance, guards halted the drivers at the gate. After questioning by the uniformed men, the Thai passengers pointed fingers at two tourists. The efficient guards, satisfied, continued on their way.

Although Pi Meow was well known in the area, he still got stopped. He often arrived in different vehicles, always with blackened windows.

They arrived at the water's edge a few minutes drive further. Kaeng Krachan, the vast park, boasted a large dam. Constructed on the King's orders to ensure people in the surrounding area had plenty of water. It was beautiful; small islands dotted the water, and the jungle beyond looked enticing.

As the group unloaded the pickup truck, they loaded two "long-tailed" boats, and rain tattooed the lake's surface. As the crafts set off, the light rain quickly became a monsoon. Long-tailed speedboats are with outboard engines with a propeller at the end of a long shaft. It could be raised out of the water if confronted by an obstruction. They swung left or right to steer the craft when the prop hit the water again.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

The previously unruffled dam surface was now choppy, not dangerous, but disconcerting. All the ex-forces men thought it was great fun. Mainly because their English boatmates were not comfortable. Further and further, they went as the boat seemed to get faster and faster. Soon it became clear why they moved so quickly. The driver was racing to moor the boat before the storm worsened.

Above them, a tremendous crack of thunder from the jet-black sky, followed almost instantly by an eye-stinging flash of lightning, lit up the sky for many miles around them. Our rough, tough, hard-to-bluff ex-forces men were hanging onto the sides of the narrowboat with passion. Not so funny now!

Thankfully, that was the storm at its worst. The thunder and lightning eased, but the rain got harder. Everyone and everything aboard was soaking. Once more, great hilarity followed. At least these guys had a sense of humour.

As they slowed to a stop, the pilots were looking for an inlet to moor their craft. There was a building up on the hill, but they seemed unlikely to reach it from where they were. Far too slippery, and the risk of falling onto the well-hidden rocks. Somebody jumped off the boat into the water, and they quickly lost him in the overgrown plants. Soon a shout was heard a short way off. The boats turned, and they made their way to another inlet. Everyone got out of their boat this time and dropped into the murky water. Nick did not find this easy to do. It was like watching a pregnant pig on a tightrope without owning a gymnast's balance. Nevertheless, he tumbled, and with a tremendous splash, he looked at the dam's stone floor!

While everybody else had something heavy or awkward to carry, Nick could only get up the bank in one piece. That was hard enough. They heard more chuckles from above. Thankfully Nick could see the funny side of all this.

Everyone had to carry their load above their head. Some loads were heavier than others. All the packs were weighty, but this was not the problem, as they were all strong men. It was the slippery rocks underfoot that were making movement difficult. No traction, and it was tough to wade. Most Thais had removed their footwear, as they felt it was easier to get a grip with bare feet. Everyone made it to the small causeway without an accident. The whisky bottles made it without spillage or breakage. Before them stood a wooden building, offering shelter from the downpour. The house was similar to the French girl's home next to the beach. On entering, Kev wondered where the bedrooms were. It looked like it was an open room, which it was. The only way to give yourself some privacy was by stringing up a mosquito net and climbing inside. The hosts were not planning on sleeping! Even before unpacking their stuff, out came the whisky and Pepsi. Soon the party was in full swing. They drowned loud laughter by hammering the bongo drums.

An older man, who Nick thought must have heard the racket, turned up from somewhere with a large pot of curry, which looked exciting but inedible, at least to Kev's expert culinary eye.

After remembering his close encounter with a frog, Kev had no intention of being the guinea pig again. He stepped aside for Nick, who, without his knowledge, was promoted as the guest of honour. He had to take the first serving. They offered a generous plateful to the special guest, a plate with a whole turtle's wing, and Nick woofed it down. Kev choked on a small spoonful of the chilli-laced soup.

Someone pulled the neighbour to one side, and a whispered discussion occurred. What was said? Unheard by Kev, but money changed hands - a lot of the folding type.

Then the guns came out. A rifle that looked like they made it when people still hunted sabre-toothed tigers. The nervous English guests were unused to firing guns. Soon realised they were to aim at anything within range. Trees, sticks, flowers or large leaves, all wildlife was safe as any sabre-toothed tigers, monkeys or birds were already scared off by the bongos.

On it went, drums, guitar, singing and lots of booze. Finally, Kev crept to a corner and slept, but Nick carried on partying.

Dawn came and went, Kev slept on, and Nick was still singing. Nobody knew what song he was mangling, and no one cared. They all joined in, at least as best they could.

At around nine am, they packed everything up; it was no longer raining, so a much easier task to board the boats.

Something had happened. Nick and Kev sensed it but were too drunk to realise what it was. They did not care; they wanted the Thais to stop singing and banging on the damn drums. These guys can drink.

The return boat trip was smooth, gently arriving at the point they had boarded the day before. They entered a restaurant on the bank. It was clean and tidy. The owner and his wife were very welcoming to almost everybody, and it was clear they were no fans of Pi Meow. After a quick breakfast of bittersweet black Thai coffee and ba tong goh, similar to a sausage-shaped doughnut but without sugar or jam.

Someone informed them they were to go to Pi Meow's house up the road as they pointed into the distance.

On arrival, Nick and Kev were impressed by the old teak house. It was packed with solid wooden furniture, not comfortable, but what artistry. Delicate silks covered walls and cabinets. This was not a Habitat place.

They told Kev and Nick to sit down and make themselves comfortable. They would go home soon.

People were moving in and out. Men, women and children buzz around, shifting boxes near the pickups. Kev and Nick could not see what was going on. They did not want to know.

'Pai.' Go! It was the brash order to get going. How come, after all this waiting, they were now in a rush?

The lads were happy to move, but only slowly and quietly. They were still suffering. Last night's excessive partying was telling. Not only them, but a few of the ex-forces lads were also struggling.

Nick noticed part of the group from yesterday had changed into khakis. They were not moving, looking very relaxed, and going nowhere. In their place were different, new people. They had dressed in their filthy clothes from yesterday. Stranger and stranger, what was that all about?

Once again, they were pulled up by the security guards at the gates. Jocular drivers laughed and pointed out the two foreigners who could not keep up with the Thaiʼs drinking. Again, chuckling guards waved them through.

At last, back at the office.

'We need sleep, but first, I want to talk to Dam.'

Kev looked like he had survived a night in a First World War trench.

Dam was busy shuffling papers. He looked up as the bedraggled pair entered the office and said.

'Iʼll talk first, okay? Then you can ask me questions.'

This was the first time they had heard Dam being forceful. However, Damʼs English was still limited, so he addressed Kev in Thai.

'Did they have any containers? Like big ice boxes, for example? Were there some extra or different people in the trucks coming back?'

'Yes, to both questions.'

'In that case, they have used you as a cover for a smuggling operation.'

'What were they smuggling, and from where?'

'I don't know for sure. Do not forget Kaeng Krachan National Park reaches the Burmese border. To answer what they would probably smuggle? First, people would be Burmese tribes-people, cheap labour or sex workers. Then whatever else they could find room for. Weapons, drugs, oh, wait a minute, were there any animals or skins?'

'God, this gets worse,' thought Kev.

Dam carried on, 'You two were very lucky. If they caught you, it would all be your fault. Do you understand? All piled on your shoulders. A long time in the monkey house!'

'How could it be our fault? We knew nothing about any of this.'

'How long have you been here? It would be your fault. It's never the rich guy's fault.'

'Yeah, I see what you mean.'

Kev explained to his mate what Dam had outlined.

'Right Nick, what are we going to do about all this?'

'We do nothing. We were lucky, as Dam just said. So leave it, I say.'

'Iʼm not letting it rest. Be sure of that!'

With that, Kev went upstairs for a long rest. Sleep would not come. Kev could not shake the feeling it was not over with. He wanted revenge on the guy who could have ruined his life. Unsure of how to get his revenge, Kev finally fell into a deep but troubled sleep.