The tuk tuk drivers have already got their Santa hats out, Christmas trees decorated with flashing party lights are popping up in shopping centres and tourist areas, discreetly separated from Buddhist temples. Yes, it's Christmas time in Bangkok yet again.

While the Philippines, South Korea and Singapore may have higher proportions of Christians than other Asian countries, Thailand always seems to be the magnet for expats and tourists around Christmas as Asia's arguably most tolerant country. Singapore may have their Orchard Road Christmas lights, but outside of the commercial areas, the accoutrements of Christmas are far less evident. And while Malaysia is rightly proud of their multi-ethnic society and a public holiday schedule characterised by celebrations for holy days of all the world's major religion, no Asian city can quite match the joys of celebrating Christmas with a significant expat and tourist population of old and new friends.

Even the Thai coppers have come to the party, extending the much criticised 2 am closing times to 4 or 5am on the key nights of Xmas eve and New Years eve and maybe more.

A quick survey of Western Christmas and New Year preparations last night revealed party going already in full swing. Formal buffets and restaurants abound of course at around 500 to 2,000 Baht per head, complete with promises of visits from Santa. But even more in the spirit of Christmas are the number of local watering holes putting on free Xmas spreads for locals and friends. It is there, where "ringing the bell" returns far more than the expense of putting on the turn, that the real spirit of Christmas for the Asian expat and those unfortunately separated from their families at this time really shines.

Thankfully, gas (petrol) stations in Thailand have agreed to ban the sales of alchohol during the New Year season. Every year, alchohol-related car crashes account for most of the carnage and sorrow at this time.

A merry Christmas to all...

The discreet charm of honesty: Noted last night, a sign painted discreetly along the side outside walls of the Irish pub in Bangkok's Washington Square off Sukhumvit, along with their other tag lines such as "Purveyors of quality wine and spirits" - "...We cheat tourists and drunks..." Given the price for a Guinness (280 Baht), one may be tempted to agree... though to be fair its a standard price for up-market watering holes in the Land of Smiles. On the other hand their cottage pie and weekend roasts are great value, though they need to be told to ease up on the salt in the former.