Showing 1 - 10 of 27
Fascinating Fonts
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/07/2022
» The Thai alphabet has an aesthetic appeal that has inspired many creative and artistic works. Since today is National Thai Language Day and to honour Thailand's mother tongue, here are a few noteworthy Thai-font-inspired works and the creative minds behind them.
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.
Taxi Timeline
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 11/06/2021
» Taxi service in Thailand is about to enter a new drive after the Cabinet recently approved a draft regulation to allow the use of private cars for transport apps. The draft by the Ministry of Transport is expected to be put to use this month or within July. When enacted, vehicles with up to seven seats that are registered as personal cars can double as taxis via the apps.
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.
Don't Shoot Down A Child's Dream
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 19/03/2021
» What do you want to be when you grow up?
Thailand: The Land of...
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/11/2020
» I'm sure, I'm not the only one who has been rethinking Thailand's nickname The Land Of Smiles. According to Win Lyovarin, two-time S.E.A. Write winner and 2013 National Artist for Literature, Britisher David Lander, creative director at an ad agency, should be credited for coming up with the phrase. Lander came up with the slogan in a pitch for the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Fun fact: The Land Of Smiles is also the title of a German operetta, which premiered in 1929.
If Thai politics were good... part 2
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 04/09/2020
» #IfThaiPoliticsWereGood returned as a trending hashtag on Twitter earlier this week. The heavy rain may help give it a boost as people have taken to it to air grievances about the status quo, paint an ideal picture of Thailand and even made light of Thai politics. Here are a few memorable ones for your entertainment (and commiseration).
Hairy situation
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 10/07/2020
» Schools are back in session and so is the debate over the student hairstyle. A new batch of pictures of students whose hair got cut or shaved poorly against their will, as a form of punishment, by their teachers has been recently circulated online. We're probably getting another set once the next hair inspection day comes. Last Friday, student activists submitted a petition to the Ministry of Education asking for clarity over the hairstyle rule. You see, the ministry has already allowed students to wear their hair long so long as it's neat and complies with other conditions. However, a few schools still take it upon themselves to cut students' hair that they deem "inappropriate".
Support the real heroes
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 27/03/2020
» Thai comic artists are displaying their artworks online to show support for medical staff, the frontline soldiers who risk their lives to combat Covid-19 in many countries worldwide, in an online campaign titled "Support Our Heroes".
Govt plans that sound like bad ideas
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 21/02/2020
» Pardon me, dear readers, for the headline betrays my inadequacy in wordsmithery. You see, I put as much effort into coming up with it as the following esteemed people perhaps with their "ideas". It seems you can always count on the government for questionable plans but these three recent examples take the cake. Read on for your entertainment (which may be tinged with hopelessness).