Showing 11 - 20 of 20
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.
Teenage screams all through the night
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 27/06/2017
» Last Friday, "Britney Spears Live In Bangkok" became the fanciest party in town when diehard fans came dressed to the nines in iconic Britney looks. School uniforms with mini skirts. Bright red jumpsuits. Electric blue stewardess attire. There were some who went rogue with Thai traditional costumes and life-size cardboard cut-outs from Crossroads. Plushy pythons also made a popular prop to emulate that time when Spears draped a python on her body for the I'm A Slave 4 U performance in 2001.
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.
Selective sympathy in an anonymous society
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 05/08/2015
» The past weekend has been quite a long one for many - four days of vacation and Buddhist religious activities. It was a weekend that was defined by merit-making and people saying no to alcohol. The abstinence lasted for two days. Thong Lor was deserted on Friday night - a phenomenon for Bangkok.
Spotting a bad egg
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 21/07/2015
» When rumours spread that fake eggs were circulating in markets last month, consumers were sure to panic.
The horror comes alive
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 16/10/2014
» Sentosa is getting a taste of horror. The Singaporean amusement park has contracted a case of fear inspired by Thai ghost stories, and for a second year in a row, the Sentosa Spooktacular is ready for Halloween with haunted twins, dark graveyards and brain-tingling visuals.