Showing 1 - 10 of 18
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.
Heritage is not soft power
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 02/05/2022
» Harvard University Professor Joseph Nye coined the term "soft power", or the ability to obtain preferred outcomes by attraction, rather than coercion or payment, in his book Bound To Lead in 1990. However, he has since seen his brainchild, scribbled out on his kitchen table, grow in scope of application and distance.
New narrative needed on getting rich
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 17/01/2022
» Tips on how to get rich and succeed in business, if not in life itself, are rife in Thai social media, such advice having already occupied bestseller lists in local bookstores for years.
Can Thailand's vibrant media be self-regulated?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/07/2021
» Exactly 24 years ago this week, some 40-plus publishers and editors from all over Thailand came together to form the National Press Council to challenge the government of the day, which was trying to control them through regulatory measures. The council has since then used "social and peer pressure" and its code of ethics to maintain media professionalism. It has also served as a pillar for the Thai media to preserve freedom of expression.
Empathy is needed to bridge conflict
Life, Tatat Bunnag, Published on 21/12/2020
» Despite all the conflicts brewing in the country at the moment, there is no denying that this is an exciting time as several changes have provided us with a glimpse of the Thailand of tomorrow. Whether the demands are social, political, or regarding basic rights and equality in society, one of the most interesting developments is how the young generation is speaking up and making themselves heard.
Taweesilp's limelight fully earned
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 13/04/2020
» Taweesilp Visanuyothin is the "New Kid in Town" at the moment.
Army unwilling to yield to democracy
News, Erich Parpart, Published on 31/07/2019
» For the country like Thailand where the military staged two putsches within the past 13 years, a coup d'état should no longer be necessary.
Stop press intimidation
News, Editorial, Published on 02/01/2018
» The Thai Journalists Association wound up the year by issuing a depressing statement. It rated 2017 as yet another year where the free press was regulated and intimidated by the military government. The TJA said the regime hinders the media by restricting freedom of expression. And it says this causes public harm by not allowing examination and by barring criticism of the junta, collectively and individually.
'Bad Genius' exception to Thai film rule
News, Kong Rithdee, Published on 21/10/2017
» She cheats because she wants money, and because she believes the system has cheated her first. No politics please! The exciting Thai pop-culture news of the week was the box-office triumph of the Thai film Chalard Games Goeng (Bad Genius in English), an exam-cheating thriller packed with heart-racing set pieces in which bright students orchestrate an elaborate international cheating ring, outsmarting the system on the expense of their moral equanimity. When you're 17, perhaps that's a small price to pay.
Failing over rights, failing ourselves
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 08/09/2017
» As they posed before the media cameras, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen were all smiles. According to their official statement, they were both looking for joint prosperity as the two countries aim to boost cooperation.