Showing 1 - 10 of 14
The day the filming had to stop
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 11/10/2020
» An article headlined "The man, myth and legend" on Wednesday by Tatat Bunnag marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Thailand's biggest-ever film star, Mitr Chaibancha. The actor plunged to his death at the age of 36, while filming a helicopter scene at Jomtien for Insee Thong (Golden Eagle). Mitr had insisted on doing his own stunts and was clinging from a rope ladder dangling from the copter but couldn't hold on. He truly is a legend.
No dodgy dealings today, thank you
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 06/09/2020
» Thailand marks its annual National Anti-Corruption Day today, which might possibly prompt a few wry smiles in certain quarters. Still, for 24 hours at least, we can be assured no one will be on the fiddle, or at least seen to be on the fiddle. No shady deals or siphoning of funds. No oiling of the wheels. It is indeed a time to rejoice.
Ministry of Wishful Thinking might help
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 16/06/2019
» All week we have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new cabinet, although maybe eagerly is not quite the right word. The selection of cabinet ministers has always been a tricky affair for any new government. It is hardly a secret that certain ministerial posts are a lot more popular than others, owing to what could be politely termed "fringe benefits" -- and we are not talking about free rides on the skytrain.
Alas, the truth is still putting its boots on
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 05/05/2019
» According to the Washington Post, last week President Donald Trump notched up his 10,000th lie or untruth since took he took office. While many of the falsehoods are admittedly trifling and others child-like exaggerations of which he is so fond, there have also been a few embarrassing "whoppers". It still works out at about 17 alleged "porky pies" a day, which takes some doing.
Rodents are simply a master of taste
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 05/08/2018
» There was a news report last week about the arrest on the Cambodian border of a gentleman smuggling 800kgs of dead rats. Imagine that. There are plenty of ways to make money through smuggling, but bootlegging deceased rodents is not one that immediately springs to mind.
All aboard 'The Pattaya Thunderbolt'
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 25/03/2018
» Five years ago there was a report in the Bangkok Post with the authorities announcing a high-speed rail link from Bangkok to Pattaya would be running by 2018, with flashy trains whizzing along at 250kph. We were informed the train would whisk you to the beach resort in under one hour. Frankly, the thought of hurtling towards Pattaya at such great speed was a bit too scary for most people. Pattaya is the sort of place you need to ease into gently, preparing yourself for the mental challenge that awaits.
The politician, the spy and the showgirl
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 10/12/2017
» The death of Christine Keeler this past week at the age of 75 inevitably brought back memories of what was known as the Profumo Affair, a classic 1960s British scandal of sex, lies and politics. Add a Soviet spy, kinky parties and decadent goings-on in high society featuring an ultimately tragic osteopath named Dr Stephen Ward, and it became a huge story.
Perils of mushroom picking in Thailand
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 07/05/2017
» One encouraging piece of news this week was the Supreme Court reducing the sentence of the Kalasin mushroom pickers accused of illegal logging from 15 years to five. But many questions remain.
Fire engines in the firing line again
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 17/07/2016
» It looks like we might be at the start of another fire engine saga, something the unfortunate Thai public has become all too familiar with over the years.
Stairway to a kind of heaven in Bangkok
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 10/07/2016
» The recent case in which Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Robert Plant were cleared of stealing the opening riff of their massive hit Stairway to Heaven reminded me of the first time I heard a Thai band play the song in Bangkok.