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Muse, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 21/01/2017
» When Nalin Vanasin, a 43-year-old entrepreneur and mother of two, volunteered to work for Neilson Hays Library, she remembered seeing many eyebrows raised. A few of her friends even asked whether people still go to the library. Such a condescending attitude is somehow understandable. In our digital world, physical books are going out of date. Libraries, known as the fortresses of intellectuals for over two millennia, have become relics of the past.
Culture through song
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 21/12/2016
» In recent years Chiang Mai has become more than just a destination to enjoy the cool season. It has become a hub for traditional and contemporary arts and culture. "Hmong Songs Of Memory Hmong Threads Of Life", at Tamarind Village, is a small part of the northern city's art scene.
Thai architects win awards at international event
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 22/11/2016
» Thai architecture is going through a watershed moment. We have witnessed interesting designs, such as the ultra-modern MahaNakhon building, a number of conceptually designed community malls, and good public spaces. Some projects are designed by foreign architects and many by local talents. At the international level, good news concerns Thai architects winning awards at this year's World Architecture Festival.
When the price isn't right
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 21/11/2016
» Regardless of the market price, khao remains a symbol of life and sustenance, of joy and sometimes pain, especially for farmers who tend to the minuscule grains. Rice is in our mouths, but given its economic and cultural importance, it also occupies a special place in Thai people's hearts.
Sharing one's gifts
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 21/10/2016
» Witoon Krungthong has been pedalling his bicycle around sois and communities to offer cloth dyeing services for 18 years. The industrial textile industry may have made the profession of artisan cloth dyeing redundant, but Witoon still finds customers willing to pay him to turn their clothes black.
Roiling on the river
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 11/10/2016
» Yossapon Somboon is staring out at the Chao Phraya. He's standing at Phra Sumen Fort on Phra Athit Road, with its green park that offers one of the best spots to look at the river. There is a giant cork tree. There are slopes and well designed terraces where visitors come in the evening to rest, picnic or just look at the water. Nearby is the ancient fort, a traditional community -- a tranquil scene, a pocket of peace in the bustling capital.
Seizing energy
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 29/06/2016
» 'What if we can capture the sun and put it in a box?" Park Jaeyoung, an astrophysicist who once worked at the nuclear research centre Los Alamos National Laboratory in the US, told students and guests at Khon Kaen University, his eyes reflecting his enthusiasm as passion lit up the room.
Iron man
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 10/06/2016
» Banjerd Lekkong, who grew up in his father's garage and whose intricate iron-welded sculptures are being exhibited in a New York gallery, is an outlier among Thai artists. The 47-year-old did not graduate from any art school -- neither Poh Chang or Silpakorn University, the most respected training grounds for local artists. His works have never been displayed in a local museum or gallery. Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre (BACC) turned down his proposal for an exhibition. Private galleries did the same. The only show he had was a brief display at Amarin Plaza, a shopping mall.
From TV lights to Buddhist enlightenment
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 18/05/2016
» Vuthithorn "Woody" Milintachinda, the TV host and producer, once described himself on his Facebook profile as "a person of 365 different personalities", a pronouncement justified by his eclectic background -- son of a diplomat, former New Yorker, talented TV-show host and successful executive of a media production company.
Unconventional conservationist
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 02/03/2016
» By look and temperament, Sasiprapa Raisanguan, a 22-year-old staff member at the Centre for Protection & Revival of Local Community Rights (CPCR), doesn't fit the stereotype of a Thai conservationist. She is no starry-eyed tree-hugger clad in natural-dye cotton, nor does she have a hemp rucksack or ride a bicycle to reduce her carbon footprint. At our interview in Chiang Mai, Sasiprapa arrives on her motorcycle, which she calls "a practical choice" to getting around the northern city where her office is.