reader

Good question. I'm a rice eater myself so I pursed this with no little amount of self interest. Consumer Reports published the following: All types of rice (except sushi and quick cooking) with a label indicating that it’s from Arkansas, Louisiana, or Texas or just from the U.S. had the highest levels of inorganic arsenic in our tests. For instance, white rices from California have 38 percent less inorganic arsenic than white rices from other parts of the country. Our latest tests determined that the inorganic arsenic content of rice varies greatly depending on the type of rice and where it was grown. White basmati rice from California, India, and Pakistan, and sushi rice from the U.S. on average has half of the inorganic-arsenic amount of most other types of rice. Brown rice has 80 percent more inorganic arsenic on average than white rice of the same type. Arsenic accumulates in the grain’s outer layers, which are removed to make white rice. Brown has more nutrients, though, so you shouldn’t switch entirely to white. Brown basmati from California, India, or Pakistan is the best choice; it has about a third less inorganic arsenic than other brown rices. The article doesn't cite rice grown elsewhere. It does cover the presence of arsenic in other grains. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/01/how-much-arsenic-is-in-your-rice/index.htm There was scare when cadmium was discovered in disturbing levels in rice in south China in 2013. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/22/world/asia/cadmium-tainted-rice-discovered-in-southern-china.html After what I've read, it raises my awareness but I certainly have no intention of stopping consuming rice. What I probably will do is soak in some water for a while before cooking. Thanks for the cooking tips, Abang. I'm always looking for new ways to use turmeric.

This BBC article presents a scientific approach to the question and an easy method one researcher says reduces arsenic levels by 80%: soak it in water overnight. http://www.bbc.com/news/health-38910848

Japan's NHK news reports that the Bangkok city government plans to redevelop the Klong Toey slums, and this has many residents on edge. Although they've been promised alternative accommodations, many fear that they'll simply be displaced as high-rise condos go up. The home to about 100,000, the slums occupy a space near a major subway stop and the Chao Phraya River. The report appeared as part of news acount praising a local developer for installing two unique soccer pitches within Klong Toey. Their design makes the field conform to the available space, a concept named one of the top 25 innovations in 2016 by Time magazine. http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/editors/1/bangkoksinnovativesoccerfields/

Have had 3 in-room massages (all in Bangkok and all arranged on line) and found one barely satisfactory and the other two less than satisfactory. In two cases is was simply lack of skill and in the third it was someone who had the idea that he should receive the massage. In all three it was buyer's regret. Having said that, I know others who have had generally good experiences. In addition to the cons mentioned above, the down side of in-room is if your bed is too comfortable, even a good masseur cannot do the job right because much of the motion is transferred through to the mattress. I like visiting different massage shops and selecting a masseur. You get to see masseurs in person. I generally avoid places where they want you to choose from a tablet. There are many good reviews in the forum by members who report first-hand experiences in Bangkok and Pattaya. You'll save time, money and frustration by benefiting from their experience. I'd recommend Arena or Banana Club as good places to start in BKK. Good luck!

Could you please tell me if that was per person or for both?

Beds at the Crowne Plaza are among the most comfortable hotel beds I've had the pleasure to sleep in.