Jane Dough

2 hours ago, Neeranam said:

One must understand the Thai culture of "greng jai".

 

 

This really encapsulates the whole issue. The man who says he doesn't drink and drive because of danger to himself and others, the old Thai woman who says they will drink so its better to make them drive slowly, the local official responsible who echoes her views saying resignedly that slow driving will mean less accidents. The tragedy in many ways is there is an element of truth in what they all say. 

But on the whole these signs - and the report said there were 10 - are an utter disgrace for Thailand. No wonder the folks in Japan are shaking their heads.

Rooster

Bangkok is always wonderful. 

But at New Year and Songkran it is truly heaven. 

Rooster

6 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Perhaps you'll be providing even more weekend pleasure. I see Andrew Biggs has just published his last column for the Bangkok Post.

Is that so, someone half-inched my lobby copy of Brunch today. 

Rooster

18 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

An interesting read as always, but three comments just leaped out at me...

 

"...Wider knowledge of the Thai language is still important in appreciating the news and the public should realize how they are manipulated for clicks and how news can be presented as much as an entertainment as an information source these online days..."

 

While I absolutely agree on the need to learn a local language, it is the comment that '{stories] are manipulated for clicks' that brings great sadness. I loved TVF in the past as on a daily basis there were numerous interesting reads on interesting subjects. Nowadays, sensationalism and outrage rule to the detriment of enjoyment and learning. It is unfortunate and leads me to simply close down my computer far, far more often than I used to.

 

"...Thailand really needs to take a long hard look at its defamation laws. They are largely counterproductive protecting the elite, big business and others at the expense of the people...."

 

Forgive me, but this is the most obvious statement that I have ever seen on TVF.

 

"...I hope that this will not lead to a "Singaporean" style 'dumbing down' of the vibrancy that is Thailand all in the name of "progress" and a military sense of order..."

 

Sadly, this has been going on since the coup, and is the reason why I rarely visit Bangkok anymore. As I noted a while back... The Junta has imposed the order of an Army base, but without the charm and/or the ambiance.

 

Sorry for the criticism, but sometimes things need to be said.

 

Happy New Year everyone, and I look forward to Rooster's writings again in the new year.

 

Cheers to one and all!

 

Perfectly reasonable comments. Thanks for usually being the first to comment. The column will soon be celebrating its 200th consecutive edition, and rest assured it will be continuing. I am glad it gets comment and provides some weekend pleasure!

Rooster

36 minutes ago, DennisE said:

I was just skimming through this and read the part about the guy running the dog shelter “I found it interesting that neither the man nor his wife wanted to speak to me to put the record straight.” Why would he want to talk to you personally to “set the record straight”? 

I translated the story that made all sorts of claims about them so I contacted them for their side but they chose not to comment. Usually people are only too happy to speak to a reporter to put their side. This pair have much to put straight. 

Rooster

The trouble with a lot of people on the forum bashing the Thais over the tourism numbers is that they also get their numbers and their information all wrong. There is also a lack of objectivity from all sides.

These threads have become tedious in the extreme.

Rooster

In my family there is genuine fear at being compared to the old boy. Wearing old clothes or grubby shorts and rummaging around in a garden is most likely to result in this criticism. 

I find myself resembling him in terms of frugality and in some eating habits such as enjoying radishes with bread and butter. Heaven forbid I should have strawberries with bread and butter though. 

He was a devout atheist. I followed in that noble tradition.

Rooster

34 minutes ago, sawadee1947 said:

If you learned some Latin language once you wouldn't ask. 

Ego me ipsum stultum existimo, fatuum esse non opinor.

Rooster

20 hours ago, sawadee1947 said:

What does that mean? Review 1.....?

Is there more of these boring elaborates to come? 

????????????

To mark the end of a tumultuous and titter filled year on Thaivisa I present my review of some of the stories and themes that have marked the last 12 months in Thailand. This is Part One containing nine headings that are presented in no particular order. Part Two will be next Sunday. Following the review comes a short selection of this week's best stories. 

Happy New Year and thanks for your continued and valuable support. 

BTW are you sure "elaborate" is a noun?

Rooster

6 hours ago, LawrenceN said:

Naan is an Indian flat bread, so to use "naan" is a play on words with "Nana." Welcome to Asia.

I think it could have just been a rush of blood to the headline writer's head.... type O

Rooster

10 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

Looks like you've got some better lucknow with that one.

Yes hopefully they will serve pork here or as they say in Thai

mu ti nee

Rooster

I, for one, am hoping this project will include some other good food retail options. 

Such as an up market delhicatessen. 

Rooster

Thailand she race bird much money prize. 

My attempt at pidgin. 

Rooster

Try www.cooliesRus.com

Rooster