• LIFE

  The GURU compilation

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 25/11/2016

  » So far this year we've featured many of the freshest sounds of Thailand's music scene. Musically, 2016's been good, with many indie acts finding success and recognition. As the year wraps up, we want to show you even more talents that deserve love (and listening to) from us.

• LIFE

  A funny stranger in her own home

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 21/07/2017

  » Unpleasant experiences can be a source for comedy. That seems to be the case for Simiran "Simi" Srinarula, a 20-year old student studying Media & Communications at Macquarie University in Sydney. Simi combines her experience as a Thai-Indian and her wittiness into funny skits. Her Facebook and YouTube handle Kaek Kee Kui (fb.com/kaekkeekui) — which unofficially translates to talkative Thai Indians — is where you can find some funny sketches that she has done all by herself. Simi manages to poke fun at things she has experienced in Thai society as a Thai of Indian descent, while slipping in an important message here and there. One video where she made fun of questions that she got asked as a Thai-Indian recently went viral and earned her some media attention. There is some strong language in her videos but we think they are funny and definitely worth checking out.

• OPINION

  Intern Intel

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 19/10/2018

  » Part of my job is to -- ahem -- supervise bright-eyed interns who come through GURU's door for an experience they won't be able to buy somewhere else. To benefit any aspiring interns out there, I would like to share a few points based on real-life experiences to help make internship a valuable experience for you.

• LIFE

  What's in a Thai name?

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 02/11/2018

  » One aspect about Thai culture that many visitors may be curious about or find fascinating is how we are named, as there seem to be some unwritten rules governing it. This week, I would like to shed some light on this unique aspect of Thai culture while airing my grievances with my fellow Thais who have encountered incidents regarding their names. Our struggle is real.

• LIFE

  Am I a Social Media Addict?: Checklist

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 28/06/2019

  » This Sunday is Social Media Day and you can read more about it in our cover story. Given millions of social media users in Thailand (and the fact that everyone seems to be glued to their phone screens), why hasn't this day become a thing here already? To celebrate the day, I've come up with a checklist to help you figure whether you're addicted to social media or not.

• LIFE

  Turning art into life

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 16/08/2019

  » Illustrator Phannapast "Yoon" Taychamaythakool took on her biggest canvas to date at MRT Wat Mangkon where she created murals for Nescafe. Beautiful Chinese imageries fit the station's location in Yaowarat and come alive via AR technology. Her illustrations have adorned various canvases from mooncake packaging to a hi-end speaker. She had a major exhibition earlier this year at Gaysorn Village, while Gucci and Instagram are among the leading brands that have commissioned her. Guru spoke to Yoon about her journey as an artist.

• OPINION

  Music Is A Weapon

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 30/04/2021

  » Last Friday, singer-songwriter Trai "Boy" Bhumiratna released a song in support of the medical frontliners in the ongoing battle against Covid-19. He later said in a Facebook post that someone had criticised him for not reflecting on the government's shortcomings. He replied, in gist, that music isn't a weapon but is healing and consoling, and he doesn't think of politics with every breath he takes. This didn't sit well with netizens who brought up his past involvement with the PDRC movement that ultimately led to Prayut Chan-o-cha's premiership.

• OPINION

  Wake Up And Smell the Durian

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 21/05/2021

  » You know it's summer when boob/moob sweat stains appear on your clothes when you go out for a quick lunch. You know it's summer when khao chae floods your newsfeed and 7-Eleven feels like a sanctuary from the sunlight. You also know the hottest time of the year has arrived when you smell the durian.

• OPINION

  More Ways to Help

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 23/07/2021

  » There are many ways to help people who've been affected by the current surge of Covid-19. While providing free meals and donating to hospitals and organisations are among the firsts that come to mind, there are other ways that you may not be aware of. Here are a few.

• OPINION

  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.

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