Showing 1 - 10 of 26
All for pride, pride for all
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 27/06/2022
» Silom Road was packed. I don't think anyone -- not even the organisers -- anticipated such a scene. What a turnout it was on the first Sunday of June when crowds flocked to the area to join the Pride parade. There was music and dancing. Lady Gaga's Born This Way blasted from the stereo. Feathers and sequins sparkled in the late afternoon sun. And in the midst of all the fun, there were voices of the people calling for marriage equality, sex workers' rights and the fall of patriarchy. For equal rights. For equality.
Restaurateurs adapt to new normal
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 20/05/2020
» For Somsak Rattanawanwimon, the owner of Kuai Tiao Pak Mor Yon Yook, a vintage-style steamed rice dumpling noodle restaurant in Bang Yai market, running a food business during the pandemic has been challenging. Once filled with diners and people queuing outside on a busy day, at one low-point during the pandemic, his shop had no customers at all.
An oasis in the desert
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 20/03/2020
» In Oman, one of the most anticipated events of the year is the Muscat International Book Fair, which was first held in 1992.
Changes in Chiang Mai
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 26/02/2020
» The sound of the marching band sent a wave of excitement through the colourful crowd gathered at the Chiang Mai Religion Practice Center. Rainbow flags were flying. There were people of all ages, and even cute puppies, all eager to take their first steps at the annual Pride parade set in the beautiful northern capital.
Humanity vs nature
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 16/12/2019
» 'Let's go to Khao Yai," a friend recently suggested via text. Along with her invitation, she attached a picture of a woman sitting amid beautiful flowers, clouded with faded hipster filter. It was an online review saying a blossoming garden in a Khao Yai resort was now open to all visitors for free. The sight of the gorgeous winter flowers drew me in. I said yes.
A developing legacy
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 24/07/2019
» Inside the theatre, spotlights illuminated the stage, sparks flew and confetti dropped as a tall figure in an elegant sparkling gown walked forward with a smile and waved to the cheering crowd. A crown was soon placed on her head. It was another joyous night at Tiffany's Show Theatre in Pattaya last Saturday, where its famous transgender beauty pageant Miss Tiffany's Universe crowned its 22nd winner to continue the legacy of the first, biggest and longest-standing stage for Thai transgender women.
Good times, good relations
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 03/05/2019
» The recent Thai Festival in Seoul was indeed a sight to behold. It's not often people can dance to molam and luk thung at Cheonggye Plaza, or eating som tam while lounging leisurely by Cheonggyecheon Stream. But the two-day event recently held in South Korea proved a delight for Thais as well as local Koreans and other foreigners.
Fashioning a culture
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 12/12/2018
» Chiang Mai Design Week 2018 is now under way to highlight creative designs and crafts that can be found in everyday life in the northern capital.
The finish line
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 17/07/2018
» When the gates opened, the jockeys drove hard and the horses thundered out on the grassy racetrack. The crowd of fortune-seekers went wild cheering for the horses they'd bet on. Some clutched a pair of binoculars. Others had eyes glued to the big screen. In the background, the announcer detailed the race's progress. After just over a minute, the horses covered 1,200m and crossed the finish line. While some continued to cheer, most of the crowd fell into a collective sigh.
Rainbow on the silver screen
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 28/05/2018
» Some of the many LGBTI films now playing or coming soon to Thailand