Showing 1 - 10 of 14
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.
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.
Stop the Madness
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 18/02/2022
» A very eccentric man by the moniker of K Roy-lan (K Hundreds of Million), who is said to be a real estate businessman, has been on a scary spree lately. On Feb 1, he stopped his car in the middle of the road in front of CentralWorld and released snakes. He later poured red syrup on his body and threw a glass bottle, while being in Siam Paragon. He then threatened to release snakes at Thammasart University and, most recently, carried a bag of snakes with him while staying in a hotel.
#WhyDoesP'ToonRun?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 31/12/2021
» The short and sweet answer is that he invites people to join a recently-announced virtual run, which starts tomorrow, to raise money for 109 Matayom 3 students from very poor families so they can move on to an upper Matayom or a vocational level education.
Popcat fever
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 20/08/2021
» How many pops have you made? Popcat website/game took Thai internet by storm over the weekend. And the furry frenzy was still going strong at the time of going to press. ICYMT, here's a summary of the online feline phenomenon so far. Yes, cat pun very intended.
When the Streetlights Go On
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 18/06/2021
» Lampposts have posed a lot of questions since last week. If you've been around Thailand, you're bound to spot fancy lampposts that are equipped with sculptures at the top. These sculptures represent something unique about their locality like what a province is known for or simply are mythical creatures. They are nothing new in Thailand but become the new talk of Thai town after people raise questions, rightfully so, about their costs and necessity. Some suspect good old corruption and collusion between local govt officials and the contractors who built them. They are paid for by the taxpayers' money, after all.
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.
Baht Better Spent
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 28/08/2020
» On Monday, the Royal Thai Navy defended its controversial purchase of two Chinese submarines at a humungous price tag of B22.5 billion (that's 11-digits, if you're wondering). The purchase incited online backlash for its inopportune timing, given the severe impact of Covid-19 on the economy. Not to mention, speculation of good ole corruption synonymous with a procurement project.
Superlative moments from the censure debate
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 28/02/2020
» At the time of writing, we were in the thick of the censure debate against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and five Cabinet ministers. It was scheduled to end yesterday at 7pm so, by the time you're reading this, you may be reeling in mixed emotions.
What If?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 04/10/2019
» What if the government decides to allocate budgets for weaponry and freebies and spend them on other causes? Let's entertain that thought. Shall we?