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Roger Crutchley, Published on 04/01/2026
» Well here we are on the fourth day of a brand new year. I trust everyone is holding up well after the festivities because it can be quite gruelling pretending to behave in a jovial fashion if you are not feeling jovial at all.
Roger Crutchley, Published on 17/09/2023
» Last week's PostScript noted how the use of first names or nicknames in Thailand saves everyone a lot of trouble considering the long Thai surnames. However, this does not totally rule out misunderstandings. Many foreigners find their names pronounced in a unique manner, but that's all part of the fun of living in Thailand.
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 25/12/2022
» It is customary at this time of the year to take a not-too-serious look back at the events of the past 12 months. It is not that easy because it's been a pretty miserable year highlighted by the madness of the war in Ukraine.
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 03/07/2022
» We are now apparently entering the "post-pandemic era" according to the authorities, which in everyday language means it is not obligatory to wear masks anymore. However, just about everyone is still wearing them so it seems the public are not entirely convinced it's all done and dusted.
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 13/06/2021
» Most people who have a functioning hooter will be well aware we are in the middle of the durian season. I got a timely reminder when my wife returned triumphantly from a day trip to the orchards of Nakhon Nayok last weekend laden with what is called the "king of fruits''. It is also the smelliest of fruits, prompting a brisk trade in T-shirts bearing the message "tastes like heaven and smells like hell".
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 09/05/2021
» Coming from our Not Particularly Surprising News Department is a report that owing to the Covid pandemic lipstick sales have slumped quite markedly. With most people wearing masks there seems little point for the ladies to bother with lipstick.
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 27/12/2020
» What a dreadful year. We found ourselves having to tackle a whole new vocabulary and most of the words were enough to make even the most optimistic among us depressed. It all began in March with "self-isolation", a horrible expression inferring you have become a hermit, hidden away, exiled, incommunicado, which in fact is exactly what we were.
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 02/08/2020
» My goodness, we are already into August, but with the coronavirus it feels like the year has hardly got started. Six months seem to have simply disappeared and worse, I've got a year older with nothing to show for it but a few more wrinkles. I also have an uncomfortable feeling I will still be wearing a face mask next August.
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 03/05/2020
» Despite diligently wearing a face mask on rare excursions out of the house, I admit to not particularly enjoying the experience, finding the masks quite stifling. Admittedly that's a small sacrifice if it keeps me and others healthy. I certainly wouldn't make a good masked bandit. It's probably the long farang nose that's the problem. I don't envy the many people who have to wear a mask all day, especially in the tropical heat.
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 09/02/2020
» Venturing into central Bangkok these days is bit of a weird experience with nearly everyone, Thais and foreigners alike, understandably wearing face masks as protection from the double threat of caronavirus and dust pollution. The City of Angels is transforming into the City of Masks, but it is encouraging that people are taking the situation seriously. However, it is a strange feeling being in the Land of Smiles but not seeing many grins, owing to the masks. But do not despair. You can still see those Thai smiles in the eyes.