Showing 1 - 10 of 87
Unsafe label a wake-up call
Oped, Editorial, Published on 26/07/2024
» The latest report on Bangkok being named the 30th most dangerous city in the world for tourists should be a wake-up call for policymakers to put more effort and resources into improving the safety and conditions in the capital -- instead of just running promotional campaigns and events.
Tales of Nessie won't stop resurfacing
Roger Crutchley, Published on 21/04/2024
» Today happens to be the 90th anniversary of the famous photograph claiming to be that of the "Loch Ness Monster". It was on April 21, 1934, that the Daily Mail carried the iconic front page pix of what became known as the "surgeon's photograph" because it was taken by London doctor Robert Kenneth Wilson.
Bolstering UK-Thai shared interests
Oped, Published on 20/03/2024
» Britain and Thailand are two nations on either side of our world. And yet, returning to Bangkok this week, I am struck by our many similarities.
Eras Tour a wake-up call
News, Editorial, Published on 11/03/2024
» In the brouhaha surrounding Taylor Swift's exclusive concert deal with Singapore, the Thai government -- instead of trying to emulate our nice neighbour's shrewd stratagem in paying artists not to play in neighbouring nations -- should focus on the fundamental problem that Thailand, despite being a preferred tourist destination, is not a priority choice for acclaimed concerts.
A painful ride with a certified horn honker
Roger Crutchley, Published on 04/02/2024
» Despite the frustration of sitting in endless jams, I've always felt Bangkok motorists display remarkable restraint when it comes to using horns. Unlike many cities in the world it is rare to hear a chorus of angry car klaxons. Things are admittedly a bit different on the provincial highways with buses and trucks not averse to giving a blast on their air horns with the clear message "Get out of the way."
Inspirations for travel
Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 21/08/2023
» When I visited Ayutthaya Historical Park last week, I noticed some tourists posing for photos among the ruined temples while wearing classic period attire. My companions and I started to perspire under the brilliant blue sky and soaring temperatures, but they carried on happily exploring various places to take in the nostalgic atmosphere. I could not help but admire how eager they were to enjoy their vacation.
Soft power sells best when not force-fed
Arusa Pisuthipan, Published on 07/08/2023
» South Korea knows how to sell its products. Apart from K-entertainment, the country has also popularised K-merchandise through pop culture. From fried chicken and ramyeon cup noodles to egg drop sandwiches and soju, instant coffee and dietary supplements, we have seen countless products from South Korea in series and movies successfully create a huge customer base in Thailand.
Climate change is killing our summer
News, Published on 31/07/2023
» Most of us have an idea of summer in our heads. It generally involves beaches. Americans head to their coasts -- avoiding only fog-shrouded San Francisco -- and Europeans to the Mediterranean or Aegean. We all strip down to near nakedness and sit around in the sun, occasionally frolicking in the ocean waves. We aim to return home tanned and toned. If you come from another planet and don't know what I am talking about, watch the Barbie trailer.
Durian powers Sino-Thai friendship
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 04/07/2023
» When it comes to the evolution of Sino-Thai relations, one must put aside all the geopolitical determinants and even such subjects as the current Russia-Ukraine war, the ramifications of the US-China standoff and tourism. The topic is durian, which serves as the weathervane of their long-standing bilateral ties. The durian, known worldwide as the "King of Fruits", is more than just a sticky, thorny and, yes, smelly fruit; they also define the nature of the five-decade-old Sino-Thai relations.
Save our fading modern architecture
Oped, Published on 30/03/2023
» If you are reading this, you probably hope that we will start taking better care of our historic architecture here in Thailand. But you might not immediately think of our modern buildings constructed during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.