After my wonderful vacation in Thailand, I boarded my flight back to the United States at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.

"Cabin crew, prepare for take off," the pilot announced, and minutes later, we were gaining speed. I was getting ready for the familiar tug of gravity as the plane leaves the ground, but instead, the whole aircraft shuddered as the pilot deployed reverse thrusters. The plane slowed down, came to a stop in the middle of the runway and taxied back to the gate.

There was a long delay, but the flight crew were not keeping us informed. Finally, without a word of apology and two hours behind schedule, our plane took off.

I was curious as to know what exactly happened earlier, given Thai's poor aviation safety record. As the attendant was serving my drinks, I casually asked her: "So what was the delay about?"

"Oh it was nothing," she said in her sweet voice. "The pilot heard a strange noise coming from the engine."

"So everything is fixed then?" I asked her, trying not to look too scared.

"Yes," she replied in a reassuring manner. "We replaced the pilot."

Perhaps my sense of humour is having a day off as I didn't find it the least bit amusing. I do think the line "given Thai's poor aviation safety record" is particularly out of place in this attempt at being funny.

I don;t know which one is funnier? eefoo or 273. 273 it made me laugh.

They are both funny.