Showing 1 - 10 of 31
Thainess and surf-skating, a safe match?
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 01/04/2021
» The "Rattana Go Surf" surf-skating group, with the presence of a woman politician and luminaries who showcased their surf-skating skills on the city streets last Sunday caused a stir. It's no surprise. In contrast to the latest trend of surf-skating in Thailand, Sunday's crowd turned up in traditional Thai attire, while some women also showed up in Thai-style strapless tops and other participants put on royal-patterned shirts. I can only imagine how suffocating it would have been wearing costumes which are obviously not appropriate for sports. Not to mention, several joined the risky sport without protective gear, such as helmets, all while trying to balance themselves on a skateboard, side by side with moving cars and other motorised vehicles.
Could quarantine facilities be slacking?
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 29/10/2020
» Almost the same time the tourism authorities welcomed the first batch of long-stay tourists from China last week, local media reported a new infection, a Thai-French woman, who completed the mandatory alternative state quarantine (ASQ) and somehow, after she left, tested positive for the coronavirus.
Better ways to spend B22.5bn than on two subs
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 26/08/2020
» As I saw my Bangkok-bound train approaching Yala train station last week, I hoped the ride would be a perfect end to my nostalgic trip to the southern province, my second in recent years. In the latest visit I was glad the time-capsuled town showed signs of change, with new chic cafes, restaurants and hotels opening.
Out with old, in with new. So short-sighted
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 03/07/2020
» Days after Phrae's historic Bombay Burmah building was completely torn down, outraged local people fuelled public anger by sharing photos of the ruthless demolition on social media.
Absurd disease controls show govt is clueless
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 03/04/2020
» As I checked in for my trip home at Brussels airport last Sunday, I wondered if it would be a once-in-a-lifetime flight. A THAI employee had told me I might end up being the only passenger on the Bangkok-bound plane that afternoon.
Quick fixes will not stop spread of Covid-19
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 07/03/2020
» When an elderly couple who tested positive for Covid-19 were found not to have told the truth about their visit to a virus hotspot before they got ill -- vitally important information in the midst of an outbreak -- the whole country panicked.
White elephant spotted on new walking streets
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 30/11/2019
» The Bangkok Metropolitan (BMA) is planning to bring back popular walking streets in the city's three commercial hubs, namely Silom, Yaowarat and Khao San. The reason for the move is simple: to promote food shops and boost tourism as well as the economy.
Overlooked no longer
Life, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 31/07/2019
» Rungsima Kullapat, a Nakhon Ratchasima native, had seen the contrast of how the historical ruins in her hometown were being developed into tourist destinations, while the local way of life and the architecture on the streets were being overlooked by the state.
Must-visit cultural sites evoke pride
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 18/05/2019
» The 10 must-see cultural sites as announced by the Ministry of Culture have raised eyebrows and drawn criticism.
Street vendors' fate a hot issue as poll looms
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 15/03/2019
» During general election season, anything is possible. All of a sudden, the city's street food vendors, who were considered as "nobodies" -- if not, a nuisance -- in the eyes of state authorities, have now become the darlings of politicians vying for state office, with each promising to allow them to return to where they once hawked their products.