Puff you are treasure all by yourself and I'm kicking myself for not contacting you as I was in Bangkok for the last three weeks and would have given much to have attended that seminar. You are confirming and adding to much of what I have already learned. (especially liked the "Don't Touch" sign in the photos
Thanks
Rhys, the parang was not an unusual weapon to central Thailand nor was the keris. They were in use by officers in the royal court, at least if information and the examples at the arms room of the Royal palace is correct.
Dan