Showing 1 - 10 of 19
When art gets stifled
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 21/11/2022
» 'Art is short, a case is long," read a banner. Students apparently hijacked the well-known motto "art is long, life is short" by Prof Silpa Bhirasri, the father of Thai modern art, in protest of Chiang Mai University's legal action against its own lecturers and a student who "trespassed" on the art centre to exhibit works, some of which might challenge those in power, last year. It is a case in point for stifling democracy in Thai art.
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.
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.
PM must embrace youthful ingenuity
News, Editorial, Published on 25/10/2020
» Although the October 6, 1976 massacre marked a bloody end to the hope of student activists in the aftermath of the popular uprising three years earlier, the spark ignited by the 1973 generation has flickered back to life this year as protests led by a new student movement have flared up across the nation.
An unexpectedly successful protest
Oped, Philip J Cunningham, Published on 23/09/2020
» A new generation of Thai protesters has broken into the open, and while their defiant self-image as the generation that will finally fix things may be naive, they have already left their mark with the unexpectedly successful demonstration at Sanam Luang in the heart of old Bangkok on Sept 19-20.
Arrests will fuel dissent
Oped, Editorial, Published on 21/08/2020
» With the arrests of more activists in connection with their role in the July 18 rally at Democracy Monument, which was organised by the Free Youth group, the country is inching once again toward political strife.
Politicisation of running in Thailand
News, Published on 17/01/2020
» Never before has the sport of running become so politicised in Thailand. The recent Wing Lai Lung, "run against dictatorship", as a show of dissent against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has taken Thai politics into a new frontier. While running has become a popular sporting medium for social causes and business-related outings over the past two decades, its new role as an outlet for political expression is attributable to Thailand's pervasive and entrenching repression. The anti-Prayut run was matched by a pro-Prayut "walk to cheer uncle", as the elderly prime minister is also known by his nickname as "Uncle Tu", highlighting Thailand's longstanding polarisation and portends tension and confrontation that could spell more trouble ahead without some kind of compromise and mutual accommodation.
Frenchman's music not to the regime's ears
News, Ploenpote Atthakor, Published on 14/06/2019
» A short clip featuring a song mocking a once well-known musical ditty, We Will Keep Our Promise, by junta leader and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, has become an instant hit. Yan Marchal, the clip maker, a budding songwriter and singer, has shot to fame overnight.
Army chief sings out hateful blast from gory past
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 19/02/2019
» The anti-communist song Nak Phandin or "Useless Weight to the Land" is so loaded with hateful political baggage it could have sunk army chief Gen Apirat Kongsompong's career.
Guru Awards 2018
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 21/12/2018
» It's a tradition for media to recap the year that is about to end. As the editor of an esteemed publication (I am talking about Guru, in case you were wondering) I would like to do so -- in my own style. Here's the announcement of winners of the Guru Awards 2018. Let's see who are our recipients! g