Showing 1 - 10 of 41
Reforming Thai cinema
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 03/06/2024
» It has been eight months since the National Soft Power Strategy Committee was established under the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Meanwhile, the Thai film industry, supported by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency, has not seen any significant changes.
Tackling climate change
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 02/04/2024
» Climate change has caused several negative effects such as intensified extreme weather, rising sea levels and disruptions to food systems all over the world. To raise awareness of climate change and move towards solutions, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation recently organised the forum "Climate Change: Multidimensional Problems And Impacts On Thailand" at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam and on its Facebook page MHESIThailand.
Getting soft power right
Life, Published on 08/01/2024
» After three months in office, the Srettha Thavisin government has raved on about populist policies in the guise of digital wallets and soft power projects that will create income to boost our declining economy. With optimism, we learned that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai party leader and head of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC), has drafted a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost festivals and creative industries. It is welcoming news to hear this government is priortising art, music, literature, design, fashion, film, food, games, sports and festivals as essential sources for the creative economy. Where this enormous chunk of budget will come from, like digital wallets, remains to be seen.
Cultivating the future
Life, Tatat Bunnag, Published on 15/11/2023
» In the heart of Southeast Asia, where the sun kisses the lush landscapes of Thailand, agriculture stands as a testament to both the nation's heritage and its economic prowess. Fields of rice sway gently in the breeze, rubber plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, and orchards burst with the vibrant colours of tropical fruits. This picturesque scene, however, conceals intricate challenges that the agricultural sector faces in the contemporary era.
Very soft Thai power in the making
Life, Published on 20/09/2023
» Since the recent return of Thaksin Shinawatra after 15 years of self-exile to Bangkok and the parliamentary selection of Srettha Thavisin as Thailand's 30th prime minister on the same day, politics and culture have unfolded with drama and excitement.
Messages hidden in art
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 14/06/2023
» Nakhon Phanom airport was established during the Vietnam War to facilitate the transportation of supplies and troops for the US military. The airport served as a strategic location for the US Army to access Vietnam by flying over Laos which borders Thailand.
Ancient art moves to modernise
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 10/05/2022
» After a two-year hiatus, Thanyaporn Khongkrathok, 17, and her friends dusted off their kaleidoscopic bird-like costumes. When the curtain was raised, they danced gracefully to pay respect to their ancestors. Thanyaporn has practised nora, the southern performance art, from an early age because she wants to preserve it.
The healing power of art
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 05/04/2022
» Seated at an easel, a boy put his heart and soul onto blank paper. With bold brush strokes, he painted a red house with six yellow fish. As Tommy put it in Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, art says what is inside of you. Little does anybody know this is part of art therapy for patients with rare diseases.
Building a sustainable future
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 29/10/2021
» Clad in face masks, urban dwellers brave not only the coronavirus but also smog. Bangkok has been suffocating in polluted air from various sources that release greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere.
Class of Covid-19
Guru, Suthivas Tanphaibul, Published on 20/08/2021
» Stepping out into the world as a fresh graduate during a pandemic has been undeniably difficult. Transition into adulthood is tough enough without Miss Rona, who has caused the decline of job opportunities, an unstable political situation and loss of life experiences, to name a few on the tip of the iceberg. However, this is a reality that millions of young Thais face today. Guru speaks to a few to learn about their beginnings at adulthood and resources they can turn to for help.