Showing 1 - 4 of 4
The paradox of pity
Life, Parisa Pichitmarn, Published on 21/05/2018
» Thais are notoriously hopeless when it comes to the songsarn factor. Translated to English, the word means to pity or feel sorry for -- a trait ingrained in Thais as much as to be sabai sabai and never on time.
A culture of mindless excessiveness
Life, Parisa Pichitmarn, Published on 06/08/2015
» Just a few weeks ago, I discovered Ik Junoon (Paint It Red), an infectiously catchy song that played in the 2011 Bollywood flick Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. I've obviously been in a black hole of sorts to miss this instantly popular song and hit road trip movie, but it still wasn't the song that left the most lasting impression. Only when I actually looked at the YouTube screen as I was listening to the music was I blown away by the visuals that accompanied the ambient house music.
Robbing from the rich, but giving to whom?
Life, Parisa Pichitmarn, Published on 26/09/2014
» Life has meaning again, now that Downton Abbey has returned to our TV screens, its fifth season beginning last Sunday. Its otherworldly visuals continue to draw me in, with the upstairs goings-on of the aristocrats and the downstairs drama among the servants still as captivating as ever. I actually have to remind myself every time I watch an episode that people from another continent in this world of ours actually lived like this less than 100 years ago: that cooks had to dine separately from the rest of the servants in a stately home; that members of the upper class changed clothes as often as five times a day; that it was inconceivable that a proper lady or gentleman would have to perform actual work to earn a living.
Are we losing our last saving grace?
Life, Parisa Pichitmarn, Published on 01/10/2013
» As Thailand creates itself a new low in practically every segment of society (whether it be education or economy), I can no longer rest assured that the saving grace of our nation _ the service-mindedness and tourism industry related to five-star hotels _ will continue to be our pride, and something Thais can change the subject to whenever the conversation heads towards the PM's mispronounced word-of-the-day. My misadventure in a (supposedly) immaculate five-star hotel that most recently mushroomed onto Ratchadamri's landscape took place last Friday _ an example of how we need to look at ourselves long and hard if we still want to make more money from serving people, whether locals or tourists.