Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Overlooked treasures
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 31/01/2019
» If you make a northward journey to Phrae via Highway 101, just before you reach the provincial capital, you'll pass Sung Men. As you rush along the highway that cuts through the small town, you'll find Wat Sung Men right on the roadside.
Helping villagers help themselves, over the decades
Business, Chatrudee Theparat, Published on 02/03/2018
» Recognised by the international community as a leader in the field of local development, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation is being tasked with spearheading rural development under the government-initiated Pracha Rat public-private collaborative scheme.
Empowering the sightless
Business, Apornrath Phoonphongphiphat, Published on 29/01/2018
» Walking up a dim and narrow staircase would give anyone feelings of trepidation. The walls are painted black, darkening the walkway, forcing customers to tread carefully with each step and read the short messages written on each stair.
Displaced Syrians cross the Rubicon
Spectrum, Published on 16/07/2017
» When Khaled Khashet fled Syria over four years ago, he was the first of his immediate family to uproot and leave everything behind. He said "it was time", a feeling not yet echoed by his loved ones but upheld with conviction by himself, perhaps through his experience in the Syrian army, which he fortuitously left just months before war broke out.
The future’s written all over your face
Spectrum, Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai, Published on 22/11/2015
» Born and raised in a large Chinese family, 32-year-old Hong has always been familiar with the traditions of her ancestors. Her mother strictly follows every ritual and ceremony. Besides all the important customs, they are also strong believers in Chinese physiognomy, otherwise known as the art of face reading.
Chatuchak vendors sold short in struggle for survival
Spectrum, Published on 22/02/2015
» Weerapoj Petch-chamnan had not even heard of Chatuchak weekend market when, at age 10, he travelled there from Surat Thani to help his brother run a small clothing shop. But as he navigated his way through the labyrinthine network of cramped, steamy alleyways, he sensed an opportunity.
Tough town endures its latest tragedy
Spectrum, Phil Thornton, Published on 30/03/2014
» Mae Sot is a tough town. It has to be. Located on a remote part of the Thai-Myanmar border it has seen its share of armed conflict, battered refugees, natural disasters and other hurts. Last week the town was thrown into a maelstrom of grief after a bus carrying 53 of its villagers plunged over a cliff killing 30 and seriously injuring another 23.
Rocketing retail sector unlikely to slow down
Spectrum, Published on 24/03/2013
» One of the most promising sectors in Thailand's property market is undeniably retail. At present there are a total of 6.21 million square metres of retail space across 323 developments in Bangkok. With an occupancy rate of up to 96.5%, the retail market offers good growth prospects over the next five years. According to the Thai Shopping Centres Association, up to 120 billion baht worth of additional investment will be pumped into the retail sector.
Is 'White Prison' making Bang Khwang a darker place?
Spectrum, Ezra Kyrill Erker, Published on 17/03/2013
» Bang Khwang Central Prison is undergoing a transformation under an initiative aimed at ridding the notorious "Bangkok Hilton" and eight other facilities of drugs and other contraband. The "White Prison" policy came into effect last May under new director Vasant Singkaselit. Under the policy, visitors have been banned from bringing food, clothes or other items for prisoners; even books are banned. Prisoners are allowed to meet visitors once a day for 45 minutes, up to two visits a week, while visitors can only seen one inmate per day. Inmate workshops have been cancelled, punishments have become harsher and access to help in case of medical or fire emergencies has been limited.