Showing 11 - 20 of 278
Thailand's kookiest competitions
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 22/07/2022
» Every country has its own share of kooky competitions, and that's also true for Thailand. From the search for a Guanyin avatar to the Peta-would-surely-disapprove swimming competition, here are a few for your entertainment.
Blasts from the past with Thai film posters
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 08/07/2022
» Thai posters of Hollywood films have rightfully gained something of a cult following (movie pun intended). They are an art form in their own right since Thai artists took the liberty of creating local versions of famous Hollywood films and reimagined them in a new light by hand, often adding key moments from the plot almost to the point of revealing spoilers as opposed to the subtle approach of their originals, which depicted just enough to pique your curiosity.
(Un)masking 101
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 01/07/2022
» The mask mandate has been lifted in anticipation of downgrading Covid-19 to an endemic, which comes into effect today. The biggest question you may have right now as we're going through this transitional period, heading back to the old normal, is probably when and where you can unmask. However, if you think you can free your face from any coverings and leave your mask at home, you should read the following first. Here's what you need to know before you mask (or unmask).
No more casual sexism
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/06/2022
» Last Friday, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha made another insensitive verbal blunder. You may say, "Hey, Pornchai, aren't you used to this by now?" but I would argue that this latest (and hopefully last one) merits a response from yours truly, delivered with the utmost respect as always.
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.
Tips on getting Thai tattoos
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 10/06/2022
» Earlier this week, a French Muay Thai champ went viral not for his killer moves but for his tattoo of the Thai word for Thai boxing spelled wrong. Instead of มวยไทย (muay Thai) being inked on his arm, his tattooist mistakenly inked ฆวยไทย.
Dos and Don'ts With Thai Numerals
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 03/06/2022
» An online petition on Change.org to replace Thai numerals with Arabic counterparts in government documents sparked a big debate online. The petitioner cites convenience for the public, abiding by the international standard and ease of use of digitised versions of these documents as the main reasons. Those who are against this idea are upset since they deem that such petition would remove one of the uniquenesses of Thai culture.
Meaningful Music
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 20/05/2022
» Hip-hop group Thaitanium made a "comeback" with a song called Por Mueng (I'm Your Dad) earlier this week. I put a quotation there because the song has been met with harsh backfire as its lyrics, which are both in Thai and English, contains explicit lines, which can be construed as misogynistic and condescending towards the younger generation of hip-hop artists.
The Chadchart Effect
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 27/05/2022
» It's only fitting that when Chadchart Sittipunt, the most meme-able political figure in Thailand, has been named the next Bangkok governor, it should be commemorated with, well, more memes. Let's take a look at some of the most viral moments inspired by his run and eventual landslide win for the post of Bangkok governor.
Draconian School Rules
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 13/05/2022
» As if Thai schools aren't being known to be dictatorial enough, reportedly a school in Surin has taken it up a notch with excessive rules to supposedly promote patriotism for Thailand's three pilars: Nation, Religion and Monarchy.