Showing 1 - 10 of 12
Sex work lures African women to Pattaya
Spectrum, Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai, Published on 17/09/2017
» Sea, sand and sun are what most people expect when they come to visit Pattaya. But one thing that makes Sin City so infamous is its wealth of nightlife and entertainment venues. For this beachfront city, the day seems to stretch on endlessly into the wee hours.
Trading up from terror
Spectrum, Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai, Published on 06/08/2017
» With the ongoing deep South insurgency in Thailand, it's hard to imagine how the provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat can start tackling issues like development when the threat of violence still lingers. The sounds of bombs and gunshots are a regular part of people's lives.
Tainted by a sordid tradition
Spectrum, Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai, Published on 21/05/2017
» For Note, a 42-year-old freelance journalist in northern Thailand, there's nothing bigger or more exciting than welcoming government officials from the central office in Bangkok. The officials visit for inspections, meeting with locals and talking to the local media. The trip is usually well organised from the moment they arrive until they leave the area.
Transcending the front lines
Spectrum, Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai, Published on 02/04/2017
» When thinking back on her life, Jess can recall some things that she's not proud of. But of all her the bad experiences, there is one that stands out to her -- one that never fails to make her feel sinful to think about.
No sex please, we're Thai
Spectrum, Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai, Published on 26/02/2017
» It started off as nothing more than a small fishing village on the Gulf of Thailand. Its long sweeping bay was dotted with a few boats and shacks where the villagers lived. Then a group of 500 American soldiers stationed at a military base in Nakhon Ratchasima were driven to Pattaya on June 29, 1959, for a week of rest and relaxation (R&R). They rented several houses at the southern end of the beach from a prominent local, Luang Sunthorn, thus opening a Pandora's box for this sleepy fishing village.
The rice man cometh
Spectrum, Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai, Published on 06/11/2016
» Born and raised in the rice-growing centre of Surin, Maytar Kochai, 52, is certain he knows about two things — the prized Hom Mali grain and poverty.
US envoy says LGBT rights fight won't stop after Orlando tragedy
News, Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai, Published on 19/06/2016
» June was supposed to be a month of celebration for the LGBT community in the United States -- not only is it LGBT Pride Month, but it also marks a year since the Supreme Court ruled to recognise same-sex marriage.
Bigotry on the boil over halal project
Spectrum, Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai, Published on 13/03/2016
» Muslim businessman Kavinthorn Wongluekiat, 62, was born and bred in Chiang Mai and hopes he can make his home town prosperous for generations to come. As chairman of the Chiang Mai Islamic Committee (CMIC), Mr Kavinthorn is the driver of a plan to build a halal industrial estate on the outskirts of Chiang Mai which he says would generate tens of billion in baht in annual exports.
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.
Summer dreams dashed in divisive beach clean-up
Spectrum, Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai, Published on 19/04/2015
» For many Westerners who visit Thailand, the ideal tropical holiday means lounging on a sunbed on the beach, having a massage while the cool ocean breeze sweeps through, and ordering food and drinks from vendors who ply their wares along the sandy coast.