BKKBike09

Where does it say the driver was an alcoholic? Regardless, no sympathy here (and in any case, some alcoholics would be better drivers, despite their blood alcohol level, than someone who'd just been on the lash).

As an aside to this engrossing tale of rustic rivalries, I have coconut trees on a plot of land I rarely visit. It's near a mosque so have a deal with the imam that he can take as many coconuts as he likes to sell if he wants to help pay for the mosque power and water. Means we don't get random villagers doing what they want on 'the Bangkok people's' land.

According to the Thai language story, it seems like the piece of land in question lies between a public road and the boundary of a titled land plot, so the villagers use it for foraging etc. However the galangal plants in question were purchased and planted by the guy who's now claiming damages. I imagine that's why he's not claiming trespass as well. Also it says the two of them have a long history of not getting on. Welcome to life in a small village. Oh, the cops also seized gran's motorcycle because its papers weren't in order.

Is that while they 'respectfully' ignore wearing motorcycle helmets, stopping at pedestrian crossings and a host of other things that are legal requirements, as opposed to advisory?

Exactly. It needs masks to be off - even though it also means being indoors in close proximity to others for an extended period of time, in an environment with much higher potential for viral droplet / aerosol spread (thanks to talking and eating). Which is why I find it curious that said people then mask up outside. If others are concerned about their health, I urge them to take appropriate precautions. The limo driver was separated from me by a solid perspex partition. He (a young guy) actually told me he didn't want to wear a mask, but his employer made him wear it.

I flew back last week. The cabin announcement in Thai said masks were compulsory, but in the English version they were only 'recommended'. I didn't wear one on the flight, at the airport, in the AOT limo, in fact not once since I got back. No-one has said anything, and I haven't seen anyone looking very upset (this is in Bangkok). Pro-maskers will doubtless be outraged by my behaviour but hey, it's freedom of choice now. Indeed. More people seem to be masking outside now than before I left end June. Bizarre. Wear them outside but then go to an indoor food court with 4 friends from the office and sit cheek by jowl gabbing away and slurping noodles.

Not much danger of catching Covid in any of those bars in the picture - anyone for a game of 'spot the customer'?

Lounging by the pool fully clothed is kinda odd (unless you're Thai and it was after 4 pm)