Showing 31 - 40 of 60
Subject(s) (That) Matter
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 24/01/2020
» Two things that recently happened made me wonder about the definition of education in Thailand. First, a uni professor in Phitsanulok drafted a new course called "My Beloved Country" but the board rejected it, saying its purpose isn't in line with that of a general education course. The professor said his subject encourages students to "understand and appreciate their own values, as well as values of others, society, culture and nature". It sounds fine and dandy until you see his list of 18 guest lecturers consisting of controversial figures, some of whom are seen as aligning themselves with the government. So, if you disagree with them, would you be considered disloyal to Thailand or something? Second, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang ordered all schools under BMA to have their students sing the royal anthem after they sing the national anthem before classes every morning to remind them of Thailand's three pillars -- nation, religion and monarchy -- which I humbly think the kids are reminded of plenty already.
Guru Awards 2019
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 27/12/2019
» It's tradition for media to look back at the year that's about to end with some sort of recap. Therefore, I would like to commemorate 2019 with Guru-style awards for people and moments that may get overlooked. g
Dynamism needed
News, Postbag, Published on 18/12/2019
» I don't look forward to street demonstrations, but it has become apparent that our leaders don't have the mindset necessary to face the challenges that are facing Thailand.
555 Headlines
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/11/2019
» Looking at your newsfeed can give you a sense of doom and gloom these days. Venice faces its worst flood in 50 years. Koala becomes "functionally extinct" because of the (at the time of writing) ongoing bushfires in Australia. Another Thai factory was shut down and workers were laid off en masse. If you need a break from bad news like I do, you're in luck. Here are three funny headlines -- unintentionally or not -- to lift up your mood.
What If?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 04/10/2019
» What if the government decides to allocate budgets for weaponry and freebies and spend them on other causes? Let's entertain that thought. Shall we?
The glue doesn't stick
News, Postbag, Published on 16/06/2019
» The excuse that the "skewed scales must have been due to poor glueing during its making" offered by the director of the Chumpholphonphisai School in explanation for the controversial Wai Kru flower arrangements as reported in the Bangkok Post's June 15 edition, is priceless.
Time to come clean
News, Postbag, Published on 15/06/2019
» Re: "Cops scrutinise MP's posts", (BP, June 11).
Time to embrace diversity
Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 01/04/2019
» We are living in the golden age of information, where technology allows us to broaden our horizons, acquire knowledge and connect with billions of people around the world with the click of a button. Access to unlimited and instant information is transforming the way we live, work and play.
The world knows where you've been
Life, James Hein, Published on 16/01/2019
» A reminder for those operating in the digital world. This includes the internet, your phone, social media and basically anything in the public sphere. You can all but guarantee that everything you post online is eventually available to everyone. It doesn't matter what promises your provider might offer -- and maybe they're even being as honest as they can be -- eventually your data will turn up on a public server somewhere. The golden rule is simple: if you don't want everyone to see something, then don't post it anywhere on public networks.
Three new maxims for surviving the next era of tech
News, Farhad Manjoo, Published on 30/11/2018
» Nearly five years ago, in my very first "State of the Art" column, I offered a straightforward plan for how to survive what was shaping up to be a turbulent time in the tech world.