Showing 81 - 90 of 113
Transcending limitations
Muse, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 14/05/2016
» Back in April 2013, Yutthapong Gul-oung's life irrevocably changed when she decided to join a 10km run in her hometown of Kanchanaburi -- with no practice or preparation beforehand. The day before the run, she was shopping for her running shoes.
Quick financial fix
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 02/05/2016
» Inside an air-conditioned room, a man with a grim face sat behind a tall counter with a metal barrier separating him from incoming clients. Suddenly, someone approaches him with a piece of jewellery in hand. After inspecting the item, the man names his price. After a negotiation, a contract is then signed as a promise for the client to pay back his loan plus interest and reclaim the item. Then, the client walks out with a handful of cash. The entire process lasts only a few minutes.
The cost of companionship
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 18/04/2016
» All pet owners would agree that some of the most difficult times in their lives come when their pets get sick. Those who can afford it will have a choice of taking them to private animal hospitals and veterinary clinics where services and treatment can be provided readily, in a pleasant environment, at a high cost. But pet owners who cannot afford the hefty bills must seek help from public clinics and hospitals, and the experience is not so different from public hospitals for people: long queues and hours of waiting in a not-always pleasant atmosphere.
Don't lose face
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 29/02/2016
» Thais have a colloquial saying, that "committing good deeds now will make you beautiful in your next life. But getting work done on your face will make you look beautiful in this life". This saying explains everything about how much Thai society puts value on cosmetic surgery. From double eyelids, a pointed nose to looking decades younger -- bring it on.
Not just a pet love
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 24/02/2016
» It can be a struggle to lift a dog weighing 30kg up and strap it into a wheelchair -- a stainless steel frame with two wheels fixed on it. But that's what Siriporn Kritsanaphiphat, aged 35, has been doing every day for almost three years for her pet Boonrawd.
Tackling global ignorance
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 16/02/2016
» There are certain things that Randy Berry feels have no place in the future world he wants for his children and that includes discrimination and violence against individuals of various sexual orientation and gender identity. To him, these issues shouldn't even exist in 2016.
Jungle aid
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 19/01/2016
» After a few wrong turns on a dusty dirt road and quick rides across shallow creeks, our songthaew full of volunteers from Jungle Aid -- a private charity that provides a medical clinic and community development assistance to people living in remote areas of Thailand -- came to a stop at Pa La U Noi Village. Situated two hours away from downtown Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, the village is sprawled amid the hills, with bamboo houses, children running in tattered clothes, young mothers and stray animals completing the scene.
A star reborn
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 08/01/2016
» The Bangkok Planetarium -- along with the prime minister's chair and tanks -- has been one of the capital's most popular destinations on Children's Day for many years. After 50 years in operation, the planetarium recently underwent its first major facelift; the ceremony to unveil it was held on Tuesday, just in time for Children's Day tomorrow.
The rainbow round-up
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 15/12/2015
» Most-discussed LGBT issues in 2015 and what to look for in the year to come.
Delivering sustenance
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 07/12/2015
» Like every Monday night, a long row of homeless and poor people wait outside the Giant Swing in Phra Nakhon district of inner Bangkok. Their eyes light up as the long-awaited red car rolls to a stop on the curb. Many breathe a sigh of relief. They won't have to sleep on an empty stomach tonight.