Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Progress and setbacks
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 21/12/2020
» This year has seen a lot of development regarding LGBTI communities in Thailand, around the world, and even on-screen, and although Covid-19 has led to more stigma and discrimination, there were still victories in some places
Equality falls short
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 27/07/2020
» Push to legalise same-sex civil partnerships a step in the right direction but work still remains to ensure LGBTI have the same rights as everyone else
A kiss is still a kiss
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 23/12/2019
» What's a better way to send off 2019 than a big smooch? The gay kiss at parliament last week shook the entire country. Outcries about the inappropriateness of such a public display of affection at a "sacred" place were loud. The symbolic expression was met with polarising responses, even from LGBTI people themselves. Even liberal politicians who called for equal rights apologised for it. Honestly, saying sorry for a kiss seems ironic under a roof where far worse things have taken place. Unfortunately, the public reaction has been mostly negative. The message was inadvertently lost, and many people forgot why the couple kissed in the first place: to advocate for marriage equality.
The neverending quest for identity
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 25/11/2019
» THE WORLD OF LGBTI LITERATURE
The scourge of fake news
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 09/07/2018
» Last week before the 12 boys and their football coach trapped in Tham Luang cave had been located, dubious online news sources proclaimed they had been found, prompting cheers on Facebook -- only to be dismissed minutes later. The next day, the cycle repeated. Later in the week, there was even "news" of a body being found, believed to be one of the boys. It spread and was later snuffed, since it simply wasn't true.
Women's talk
Muse, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 09/04/2016
» At a yoga studio café one weekend, we found Pornrat Vachirachai having lunch by herself. But even though she was sitting alone, her eyes weren't just focused on the plate in front of her, or her smartphone screen -- they roamed the place with inquisitive curiosity.
Breaking the cycle
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 29/03/2016
» An illegal abortion facility was uncovered by police in Sakon Nakhon earlier this year. Syringes, needles, gloves and vinegar were found inside the seemingly abandoned house, which opens for service only upon request.
Pleasure at the fairground
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 24/11/2015
» Forget hazardous flying lanterns of the North. This Loy Krathong Festival, make your way to the old-school ngan wat, or temple fair, and while many temples around the country have put up fairgrounds to celebrate the Full Moon night of the 12th lunar month, none can beat Bangkok's oldest and most legendary ngan wat Phu Khao Thong.
Was there plastic in your tofu?
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 20/10/2015
» Tofu skin, one common ingredient often found in Chinese cuisine and used a lot during the current vegetarian festival, made headlines just recently when it was reported that fake tofu skin was being sold in some rural markets, and even in Chinatown.
Lying makes the world go around
Muse, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 10/10/2015
» ‘Would you like anything to drink?” asked a young waitress. I shook my head and declined her offer. Yet, the lady sitting across from me insisted on ordering me a glass of cold water.