Sherrie Miranda asked Robert Allen Johnson:

Hey Robert, do you have any plans to set some stories in Southeast Asia? I would love to read something like that? Best to you, Sherrie Miranda

Robert Allen Johnson Hi Sherrie, and thanks for the great question. This is a goal I've had for a number of years now. I had the privilege of living in the old Thai capital of Ayutthaya for 2 years in the mid-2000s. Within walking distance of my house were countless ruins where ancient wars had been fought and blood spilled as long-departed soldiers protected their homeland from the invading Burmese.

There is one ruin in particular that has always struck a lasting chord with me. Within the ancient temple are hundreds of headless Buddha statues set in a collapsing square. I remember asking a Thai friend, "Where did all the heads go? Why did they leave the bodies and only take the heads?"

I learned how sacred the head is to Thai people and how taking the heads was the greatest insult the Burmese could have ever given the defeated Thai soldiers. Supposedly, the victors carried them halfway back to Burma and discarded them in a river along the way.

The Thai army would soon regroup and teach the Burmese a lesson under one of the most beloved Thai kings in history. It's an amazing story that the West has never had the privilege of hearing. I would absolutely love to be the first to tell it!

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