I ​see the bad posts.  Some I ban.  Some I message.  Some send me threatening messages in return.  Even the occasional death threat. 
I feel like I'm an online addict.  For the past 10+ years, I have been reviewing classifieds and property posts on (now) four separate websites in Thailand.  And in the property and tech sectors for over 40 years.

By Dr Yuangrat Wedel and Paul Wedel
​
All too often left out of the spotlight, the history of southern Thailand is nonetheless fascinating and important to the understanding of the kingdom’s development. Helping to correct this oversight is a couple with all the right credentials – Dr Yuangrat Wedel, an eminent academic and researcher with family links to the south, and Paul Wedel, one of this country’s most experienced journalists, author and member of the board of the Fulbright Foundation in Thailand. Together, this husband and wife team have written a novel that not only entertains but also shines some of that missing spotlight on this still little known region.
“Siam at the turn of the 19th century. Four families in the southern peninsula are tied together by ambition, revenge, love and tragedy.
A young Malay imprisoned for rape reinvents himself as a Siamese aristocrat in royal service.
A beautiful young Thai woman seizes control of the family casino and defies the king’s ban on gambling to form an underground criminal operation
A guilt-ridden Thai-Chinese sailor seeks enlightenment and purpose as a wandering Buddhist monk.
A former slave fights to escape the domination of a Chinese secret society gangster and rises in the increasingly powerful police force.
A recreation of life in southern Siam at a time of wrenching change, Beads on a String weaves together these stories and others, immersing readers in a gripping epic, full of intrigue and insight.”

​Published by River Books Co Ltd.
Tel. 66 2 622-1900, 224-6686 Email: order@riverbooksbk.com www.riverbooksbk.com

A​s The Rib Room is under extensive renovation our team assembled in the Executive Lounge which still sports those extensive views of Bangkok - the hallmark of the hotel.  
Dining started from the opening bell with a tasty selection of canapés, comprising Chorizo and crumble nacho, smoked potato espuma, Teriyaki Chicken Wing Lollypop, Skagen on Pumpernickel and a Mini Reuben on Rye.  
Whilst all of the canapés were very good, food spokesman Brendon Winter’s pick was the mini Rueben. Simple and tasty.  It came with gallons of Domaine Pinon Vouvray Brut NV (Loire, France).  
However, wine spokesman Tom Whitcraft (appointed by David Dean in absentia) claimed not to be a person who knows a lot about wines - our President speaks, of course, in jest.
“The sparkling wine was OK, ” said Tom, “I am not a sparkling wine kind of guy but I guess for people who like sparkling wines, they probably would have liked it”. But he confirmed he did like it.  
Made by traditional method from a plot of very old Chenin Blanc vines, François' Brut NV is kept on the lees for 18 months before being disgorged and bottled.  It has pretty apple, pear, floral and toasty flavours with good acidity balancing the fruit.
There were two appetizers: Beef tartar on marrow bone, air bread (very rich with the air bread moderating the richness thereof) and followed by RR&B Baked sea scallop with Porcini duxelle, a pleasant contrast to the richness of the previous appetizer.  

Nearing the end of her annual three-month stay in Bangkok earlier this year, Italian artist Arianna Caroli realized that returning to her homeland would not be easy because of all the travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 epidemic.
So instead of lamenting her predicament, this stylish and animated (in that unique and wonderfully Italian way) lady decided to simply stay on in Thailand and continue her lifetime passion for painting. It launched an interesting new chapter in her life.
Through connections, Arianna found a great location that would for the first time allow her to showcase her various artistic endeavors to a Bangkok audience – a vacant shop in the lobby of the Athenee Hotel in Wireless Road. Today, this shop is an exclusive outlet for her paintings, home accessories and a wide range of attractive clothes, from wispy scarves and aprons to gorgeous shawls and even stunning interpretations of simple everyday clothing found in Thailand.
Although she intends to eventually head back to her homes in New York and Italy, where graduated in ancient literature and archeology from the University of Rome, for the time being Arianna and her beautiful collection is a permanent fixture in the hotel, lighting up the public area in a joyful blaze of fluorescent colours that characterize her work.
“It’s the first time in 30 years that I’ve actually stopped somewhere on a semi-permanent basis, and it has allowed me to focus and remain strong inside,” says Arianna, who describes herself a “nomad and citizen of the world” who finds inspiration in the cultures colours of the East.

B​angkok enjoyed a rare live musical treat recently when Shenanigans Irish Pub and Restaurant was transformed into an outdoor concert venue that featured eight bands, four comedians, a Brit DJ and a pumped-up crowd that kept Surawong Road rocking from noon ‘til midnight.
The charity music festival was rapidly organised by a group of music-loving residents; including Les Walsh, Robin Westley Martin, and John  Campbell to help raise money for the BCTFN Charities after this year’s much-loved Ploenchit Fair had to be cancelled due to restrictions put in place by the government to contain the Covid 19 virus.
The doors opened at noon, and the event was kicked off with Les welcoming an already swelling crowd to the festival. Robin the DJ then asked everyone to stand for the Thai National Anthem, and began his DJ stint with a song from one of Birmingham’s (Robin’s hometown) finest, Black Sabbath.
After spinning a few more tunes the first band were ready to hit the crowd with the first set of the day, which they did with gusto and rocking precision … setting the tone for the 12 hours about to come.