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The Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down. While there had been signs that the tourism industry was about to pick up this year, along came a second wave of Covid-19. It may be hard to predict what lies ahead, but allow me to gather some thoughts and list my travel trends for 2021.
'Even a hundred prime ministers will not be able to rid Thailand of illegal gambling dens."
After more than five years of delay, the House of Representatives has finally decided to fine the contractor responsible for the new parliament's construction. However, whether the penalty will be enforced or not remains in doubt.
Given the momentous and historic lawless disruption of the US Congress on Jan 6, serious and necessary questions are being asked: what is happening in America? I would like to provide some background from my personal perspective on the course of history now unfolding in this country.
'Even a hundred prime ministers will not be able to rid Thailand of illegal gambling dens."
Once a bustling business district, Khao San Road looked like a ghost town when I dropped by last week. Most of the shops and restaurants in the area, one of Bangkok's top tourist attractions, were closed. There were no visitors; I saw only a few vendors and passers-by.
After more than five years of delay, the House of Representatives has finally decided to fine the contractor responsible for the new parliament's construction. However, whether the penalty will be enforced or not remains in doubt.
The Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down. While there had been signs that the tourism industry was about to pick up this year, along came a second wave of Covid-19. It may be hard to predict what lies ahead, but allow me to gather some thoughts and list my travel trends for 2021.
The deaths of nine people last week from the overdose of a deadly "new" drug -- a combination of heroin, ketamine, methamphetamine and sleep medication -- is a shock.
When defeated armies are retreating, they always lay mines behind them if they have time. The mines slow pursuit, they may inflict casualties on the victors, and they give the losers something purposeful to do amid panic and despair. That's what Mike Pompeo has been doing just before time is called on his ideologically driven term as United States Secretary of State.
The most important news of the week is that magicians are today celebrating the 100th anniversary of a woman being sawn in half on stage. We could all probably do with a bit of magic in our lives at the moment, so let's wave the wand with a quick "abracadabra" and take a magical mystery tour.
Unfortunately, Bangkok's awful smog continues unabated -- PM2.5 levels daily reach unhealthy levels in many of the city's districts. The timing is inconvenient because research suggests there are increased rates of Covid-19 in areas with high levels of air pollution. A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how vehicular emissions is one of the major sources of Bangkok's air pollution.
A lone traveller's trip to Khao Yai National Park ended in tragedy as the tent he slept in was attacked by a wild elephant in the wee hours of yesterday morning.
