Showing 1 - 7 of 7
Great debates… and some not so great
Roger Crutchley, Published on 30/03/2025
» No-confidence debates similar to that which took place in the Thai parliament earlier in the week have become something of a tradition in the kingdom, but I can’t recall any such motion ever being successful. Still, at least it gives the MPs an opportunity to share their words of wisdom with us hoi polloi.
I heard it on the radio, a long time ago
Roger Crutchley, Published on 23/03/2025
» News reports suggest the future of Voice of America (VOA) is seriously in doubt. I haven’t listened to VOA in five decades but there was a time I tuned in during my teenage years back in the Stone Age. It might seem strange for a spotty English kid to switch on VOA so I will attempt to explain.
Elton, a madman and a ghetto blaster
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 07/07/2019
» During the early 1970s, my main source of recorded music in Bangkok was a little shop called Rex Records on Phetchaburi Road. In addition to having a decent collection of vinyl albums, it also provided a useful service by transposing albums onto cassette tapes which was then the most common form of listening to music.
Thailand not the worst place to go ‘troppo’
Oped, Roger Crutchley, Published on 21/04/2019
» The Songkran festival seems to have gone on forever this year. There are definitely an awful lot of city people who slipped away for a “long weekend’’ about 10 days ago and haven’t been seen since. Not to worry. By the time they get back they should be just in time for another long weekend.
Wonderful world of drongos and warblers
Oped, Roger Crutchley, Published on 04/11/2018
» Having a small garden I am fortunate enough to wake up most mornings to the sound of birdsong rather than pile-drivers or cement trucks rumbling on their way to feed the latest condominium. Taking advantage of the recent beautiful weather, I spent some time loafing about on our porch observing the wildlife. Sounds like old age is really setting in.
From baby boomers to grand old dogs
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 18/02/2018
» With the Chinese New Year celebrations in full swing, it will probably come as no surprise to learn that Crutch was born in the Year of the Dog, which might explain a few things -- the mug shot for this column for a start. However, to be fair, that photograph was taken after I'd had a bit of a rough night.
All you need is love, and a sense of the absurd
Oped, Roger Crutchley, Published on 11/02/2018
» The approach of Valentine’s Day means we are heading into the annual silly season, although some might argue that in Thailand it is the silly season all year round. Valentine’s is admittedly one of the most spurious celebrations of the calendar, which probably explains why it becomes more popular here every year. However, it serves as a desperately needed break from the daily diet of depressing news.