Good morning,

It is generally being reported that the Olympic Torch relay in Bangkok passed off peacefully and successfully. Hundreds of pro- and anti-Chinese demonstrators, mostly students, apparently, did chant at each other but were overwhelmed by the numerous Chinese security guards and Thai police. It would have to have been a serious incident to have made it on to the front pages.

Five people are still in intensive care and another 32 hospitalised after being, so it seems, eating puffer fish fishballs served at a wedding in Nan on Friday. Ninety people were affected overall, suffering from difficulty in breathing and numbness in the limbs. The Public health ministry has warned any factory creating fishballs from puffer fish that they face prison time and/or a fine of up to 20,000 baht.

Global warming silver lining: a man in Phetchaburi is grilling chickens using the power of the sun (magnified by a row of mirrors). The gai yang is apparently very popular. Mr Sila Sutharat can grill some 50 chickens per day, taking around ten minutes each (Thai chickens are not usually very big) and can be sold for 160 baht each, which is a good price. Sun-seared is as good as charcoal-grilled, according to Khun Sila.

I published two more book reviews at Bookideas. They are of: Villages by John Updike and Flashman at the Charge by George MacDonald Fraser.

Back tomorrow.

Already 30 minutes wasted waiting for the network – and it’s only Monday morning.