Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Farewell to a maestro
Life, John Clewley, Published on 10/04/2024
» The world of molam has been in mourning since news emerged that Thailand's greatest phin player Thongsai Thap Thanon passed away on March 20 at his home in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani, at the age of 77. The phin is a two- or three-stringed Isan Lao lute that is part of the trinity of molam instruments, along with the iconic khaen (free reed bamboo mouth organ) and the sor (fiddle).
Musical exchanges
Life, Published on 02/04/2024
» A completely packed Thailand Cultural Centre (TCC) was witness to a truly awe-inspiring concert on March 22, as a top visiting orchestra, the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (TSO), took to the stage to officially mark the opening of its brand new, brave initiative called "Asia Project".
Getting soft power right
Life, Published on 08/01/2024
» After three months in office, the Srettha Thavisin government has raved on about populist policies in the guise of digital wallets and soft power projects that will create income to boost our declining economy. With optimism, we learned that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai party leader and head of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC), has drafted a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost festivals and creative industries. It is welcoming news to hear this government is priortising art, music, literature, design, fashion, film, food, games, sports and festivals as essential sources for the creative economy. Where this enormous chunk of budget will come from, like digital wallets, remains to be seen.
Curtains for Chinese opera?
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 27/02/2023
» "Hurry up," shouted a crew member who climbed up onto a makeshift stage. Casting sidelong glances, performers, half-clad, looked in the mirror and concentrated on applying layers of make-up. Nearby, a motley bunch of musicians and technicians double-checked their instruments. A stream of chatter from a growing audience -- without any partition between the theatre and real life -- put unintended pressure on the band.
Windows into the past
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 09/09/2021
» Despite the government's relaxation of lockdown measures, recreational venues remain restricted and many office workers are still working from home. To satisfy bookworms and those interested in Thailand's rich history and wisdom, the National Library of Thailand (NLT) is arranging an online exhibition named "10 Books From The Valuable Ancient Documents Of The National Library".
Stories behind the faces
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 14/12/2020
» While Bunditpatanasilpa Institute's khon troupe is touring the country as part of a new show featuring an episode of The Mighty King Rama Of Solar Dynasty, the Queen's Gallery is celebrating world-renowned Thai craftsmanship and traditional performing arts with the "Khon Mask" exhibition, which is on view until this Sunday.
Travelling post-Covid
B Magazine, Published on 05/07/2020
» With the government's Rao Tiew Duay Gan scheme launched to boost domestic tourism as well as the recently-announced Songkran holidays which were moved from April to the end of this month, vacationers are drafting some itineraries to satisfy their wanderlust as many leading hotel chains and tourist attractions are offering several options of specially crafted holiday packages with extra benefits.
Sipping tea in the forest
Life, Karnjana Karnjanatawe, Published on 06/02/2020
» Tea pickers, each having a bamboo basket on one side, walked in a row on their way out of a tea plantation. It was late afternoon. The sky was clear and the sunlight was about to turn yellow. My travel companions and I ambled along the same road but in the opposite direction of the tea pickers. We were on our way to the tea farm to have our tea-picking experience.
Baroque and roll
Life, Published on 16/12/2019
» Pro Musica, under the direction of Leo Phillips, presents "Baroque Divas", a concert featuring three supremely talented guests at Siam Society, Asok Road, on Thursday at 7pm.
A life of diplomacy
Life, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 16/08/2019
» Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun will give a speech in tribute to the late former deputy foreign minister Visutr Arthayukti at the launch of his biography on Sunday.