• OPINION

  Some 2023 tales you may have missed

  Roger Crutchley, Published on 31/12/2023

  » It is customary at this time of the year for PostScript to look back at some of the major happenings of the last 12 months. But we will have a change this year because the news has been far too depressing. So instead we will examine some of the not-so-major happenings of 2023 that you might have missed amongst all the gloom and doom. They may not be particularly significant but are a lot more fun than the grim stuff we read every day.

• OPINION

  Britain braces for invasion of bed bugs

  Roger Crutchley, Published on 22/10/2023

  » One English expression my wife often comes up with is "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite". It sounds particularly comforting in her Thai accent, although occasionally she gets in a bit of a tangle with the three "b" words at the end which can be a bit tricky if spoken quickly.

• OPINION

  Taste of inflation from a reliable sauce

  Roger Crutchley, Published on 03/12/2023

  » I am not sure where Bangkok stands in the list of most expensive cities released by the Economist this week. Singapore and Zurich top the table but judging from recent visits to the supermarket, Bangkok must be racing up the inflation charts.

• OPINION

  French learn about their Aussie 'mates'

  News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 26/09/2021

  » It is encouraging to learn that it is not just Thailand that gets into deep water involving contracts over submarines. France is most upset with Australia for pulling the plug on a nuclear submarine deal, resulting in various shades of not-so-diplomatic name-calling. Standing out was the rather poignant observation from the recalled French ambassador to Australia that "what makes me sad is that we thought we were mates but we were stabbed in the back".

• OPINION

  Enjoying the delicate sound of thunder

  News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 10/10/2021

  » Something you get accustomed to in Bangkok at this time of the year is the distant sound of thunder, Mother Nature's way of reminding us of her power and also not to forget the umbrella if we are going out. I emphasise "distant" because the "flash, bang wallop!" thunderclaps directly overhead can be extremely scary and dangerous. But observing thunder and sheet lightning from a comfortable distance can actually be quite relaxing, almost like listening to the timpani tuning up at the Albert Hall.

• OPINION

  Throwing the cat among the pigeons

  News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 30/09/2018

  » The rapidly increasing numbers of pigeons (nok pilab) has ruffled a few official feathers in Bangkok. There was bit of a flap after authorities warned that citizens caught feeding the birds would face a stiff fine, explaining the pigeons were spreading disease. These birds divide opinion, some calling them "rats with wings", others more generously "doves without the PR".

• OPINION

  A gripping reminder of the Dunkirk spirit

  News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 30/07/2017

  » I've just got back from watching the film 'Dunkirk' and recommend it to anyone interested in this remarkable event, codenamed Operation Dynamo, that was to turn the tide of history and ultimately see the British and their allies overcome Adolf Hitler.

• OPINION

  Pistol and Boo not the first shaggy dog tale

  News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 24/04/2016

  » So Capt Jack Sparrow (alias Johnny Depp) and his dogs didn't have to walk the plank after all, following their indiscretions in Australia while filming the latest version of the never-ending Pirates of the Caribbean. It was bit of an anti-climax really -- like some of Depp's recent films.

• OPINION

  The song that broke all the taboos

  Roger Crutchley, Published on 23/07/2023

  » The song "Je t'aime" surfaced on the airwaves last week following the death of its star performer Jane Birkin at the age of 76. I don't know enough about her to comment on her career, suffice to say the English actress went on to captivate France.

• OPINION

  One fishy tale of becoming a Mister

  News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 19/03/2023

  » I got into a tangle last week referring to the Italian immigrant restaurateur Caesar Cardini as Senor when of course it should have been Signore. Apologies to all. I should have known better than to start dabbling with foreign honourifics. I have enough problems dealing with Mr, Mrs and Ms.

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