Showing 1 - 10 of 58
Tinglish test
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 20/04/2018
» At the risk of sounding like a grammar Nazi, it irks (and amuses) me every time when I see Tinglish. Why? Because even in their less-than-perfect constructions, you get what they are trying to say, albeit not right away.
Driving Test: Bangkok Edition
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 14/10/2016
» In a bid to make the roads safer, the Department of Land Transport recently announced a plan to raise the pass mark from 90% to 100% on the multiple-choice driving exam. Soon you'll have to answer all 50 questions correctly to obtain a driving licence. Of course, people can appear responsible on paper but they can actually, in real life, be jerks on the road. But if that extra 10% somehow makes the roads 1% safer, don't you think it's worth our collective effort to strive for full marks? This new requirement is expected to be in effect next year so, in the meantime, you can take my very own driving exam to find out how responsible a driver you can be (or whether you should never be allowed on Bangkok's roads, for the sake of everyone else).
Mini Khon Thai Test
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 26/08/2016
» Army chief Gen Theerachai Nakvanich recently urged people to look out for anything suspicious in their communities in the wake of the recent bomb attacks, while adding new Thai characteristics to everybody's knowledge. He said, "Thai people don't wear hats or glasses in the mall. Carrying a backpack is also suspicious too."
How Thai Chinese are you?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 16/02/2018
» As the editor (and the Thai-Chinese token of this magazine), I would like to celebrate Chinese New Year with a fun test to gauge how Thai-Chinese you are. I mean, according to Theraphan Luangthomkun's Language, Nation And Development In Southeast Asia, it was estimated that there are about 26 million Thais of full or partial Chinese descent. So, Happy Chinese New Year to about 40% of the Thai population, I guess.
Thai tongue twisters
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/07/2022
» Happy National Thai Language Day! July 29 has been designated by the Cabinet as Thailand's National Thai Language Day since 1999. Although it isn't a day off, we should take some time off to appreciate how rich and beautiful the Thai language is. And to celebrate Thailand's mother tongue, here are a few Thai tongue twisters to practise with friends for some guaranteed fun, from noob to god level.
What's in a (soi) name?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 24/06/2022
» At the front of practically every soi in Bangkok, you'll notice a pole with a blue sign with white letters at the top proclaiming its name. However, if you look closer you may find many sois in Thailand can brighten your day with their curious names. Here are a few for your entertainment.
A good old-fashioned melee
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/06/2016
» Sire, there's a battle brewing in Nonthaburi! And I, your humble serf, have embarked on a long and arduous (taxi) journey to reach the Medieval Village in Bang Yai to witness the melee miself. Milords and miladies, allow me to present thee 10 things thou should know before joining a medieval battle there.
Stop Indoctrinating Kids With Backward Ways of Thinking
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/09/2021
» Tests for Thai students that unintentionally expose a backward way of thinking are nothing new. You can laugh them off as pathetic, embarrassing and archaic aspects of the Thai education system but, IMHO, they should be taken more seriously. They should not be part of the Thai education system whatsoever, especially in 2021.
A staycation for pawrents
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/10/2021
» Standing 40-storey tall amid leafy surroundings, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok celebrates its first anniversary this month. An oasis in the city where you (and your pet) can escape to for a green respite.
Easing Up
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 01/10/2021
» Today marks the reopening of 10 more business venues in 29 dark red provinces as restrictions against Covid-19 have been further eased. I know you're going out today (it's TGIF after payday, after all) and here are a few highlighted measures to know before you head out.