I received the following query via email over the weekend:

I plan to move to BKK in October. I have a 4 yr old daughter. I would love her to go to a local school (bilingual) or get homeschooled. Can you put me in touch with any persons who can help in this regard.

I don’t know the details of any particular school, but I’m sure that there must be at least one person that reads this site who can help.

My colleague convinced me to go along with him to the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre on Friday evening under the pretense that he would be buying tickets for a trip to Chiang Mai that he is planning for the end of the year.

I’ve been to the convention centre a couple of times before and it really is a great building and huge – if I wasn’t with someone I would have gotten lost! Now that there’s an underground station right outside getting there is a lot easier, with the added bonus of not having to worry about parking.

When we arrived and walked through what had to be half the complex to arrive at the actual convention section, I realised that there was more than one convention happening!

First up was the either the 2nd International Travel Fair 2005 or the 3rd International Travel Fair 2006. I saw signs saying both of, but all that matters is that it’s a travel fair. Then there was the Health, Cuisine & Beauty Festival and finally the 2005 China International Travel accessories and Hotel facilities Exhibition (I didn’t get a look at this one).

They’re all finishing Sunday so if you’re in the area check them out.

I know I said I didn’t want to talk about politicas but I can’t resist talking about Thaskins new weekly meeting with the press, the first of which occured today.

During the event he was asked a question about the troubles in the south of Thailand, which he mustn’t have liked because he pressed a buzzer and raised a sign that had an X on it. This meant that the question was ‘unconstructive’, he explained.

All I can think of when reading about this kind of childish behaviour is “Talk to the hand!”. Apparently the reporter who asked the question applauded, I would have told him where to shove the pointy end of his sign.

His whole reason for the silly games is because he doesn’t want the media to be too serious. I’ll let you formulate your own ideas about that one.

Anyway, mai bpen rai!

It’s been quiet here for about a week now, not for want of things to write about, but because there is so much political crap going down that I really don’t want to talk about.

So, how about that fashion week huh (last week)? I didn’t attend anything, but I read that there is optimism for the future of fashion in Thailand. Thailand does indeed have it’s own fashion sense and is capable of coming up with something original, rather than copying others (contrary to tourists might believe).

Feelings on Thailand being a central hub of fashion in Asia were not so generous, with most people saying that there was a very long way to go.

On a different topic, it’s been revealed that Roman Polanski will be opening the 3rd World Film Festival in Bangkok with his new film “Oliver”, based on Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist”.

The festival will take place on 14-24 October at Grand EGV (Siam Discovery) and Major Cineplex (Central World Plaza) with over 60 films from over 20 countries.

If you’re a lover of film like me, be sure not to miss it.

Today the Mobile Mammography bus is outside the AIA Building that is visible from my office window and I’ve noticed it there a couple of times in the past.

While I personally don’t need to worry about breast cancer, it’s a great service for a disease that affects many women around the world and complications can be avoided with early detection.

If anyone knows the contact details or the website of the group that runs it, let me know and I’ll put it up (I couldn’t find it).

It’s only fair for me to say, since I’ve hardly been nice in the past about it, that Newsline on channel 11 last night was excellent. The show seems to be getting better and better and I’m really happy to see it do so.

Check it out weeknights from 9:30pm.

ADDENDUM: Newsline have informed me that the voice at the airport is indeed provided by one of their newreaders, Honey (her name).

One of my favorite places to clear my head from the daily nuisances of Bangkok, is the Siricco Bar located on the 64th floor of the State Tower. Simply put an open air bar on top of one of the tallest buildings in the city.

The view is stunning; overlooking the edge of Bangkok from Bang Rak / Silom area. From up there, Bangkok actually looks neatly organized and a little bit more civilized. There

We all have to do it in our lives out of necessity. It can be easy and straightforward or embarrassing and humiliating. Since moving to Bangkok I’ve only had to do it a couple of times (thank to friends who do it for me sometimes) and each time have left thoroughly red-faced. I am, of course, referring to buying underwear.
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I was a little sad to discover over the weekend that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory had been delayed because the powers that be didn’t want any competition for Tom Yum Goong, the latest action film featuring Tony Ja (his English name) and sequel to the popular Ong Bak.

If the film is good it should be able stand on it’s own merits and it shouldn’t be necessary to remove the option of any alternatives.

Of course, this isn’t unusual and happens everywhere around the world. I’m just really, really looking forward to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to accompany the Royal Thai Police