Showing 1 - 10 of 11
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.
Curtains for Chinese opera?
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 27/02/2023
» "Hurry up," shouted a crew member who climbed up onto a makeshift stage. Casting sidelong glances, performers, half-clad, looked in the mirror and concentrated on applying layers of make-up. Nearby, a motley bunch of musicians and technicians double-checked their instruments. A stream of chatter from a growing audience -- without any partition between the theatre and real life -- put unintended pressure on the band.
Sipping tea in the forest
Life, Karnjana Karnjanatawe, Published on 06/02/2020
» Tea pickers, each having a bamboo basket on one side, walked in a row on their way out of a tea plantation. It was late afternoon. The sky was clear and the sunlight was about to turn yellow. My travel companions and I ambled along the same road but in the opposite direction of the tea pickers. We were on our way to the tea farm to have our tea-picking experience.
Crown of respect
News, Postbag, Published on 26/03/2019
» On DVD I have just finished watching seasons one and two of The Crown, the acclaimed docudrama which follows the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II up until the early 1960s. I understand that season three is in production and that it will continue this scrutiny of Her Majesty and the royal family.
New kettle of fish
Business, Chatrudee Theparat, Published on 10/09/2018
» Santichai Jongkiartkajorn, 64, a farmer in Betong district of Yala province, has lived off rubber for years. He and his family endured harsh conditions over the past few years as rubber prices remained relatively low.
Smuggling Thai culture by film
Life, Karnjana Karnjanatawe, Published on 23/06/2017
» A group of Chinese fans of Thai actress Davika Hoorne shouted her nickname -- "Mai! Mai!" -- as she slowly walked out from the gate at the arrivals hall of Shanghai International Airport. They had prepared bouquets of colourful flowers and a large bunch of 999 red roses for the admired star of Phi Mak Phrakanong and 20 Mai U-Turn Wai Huai Jai Return (Suddenly Twenty).
Mindfulness through animation
Life, Sasiwimon Boonruang, Published on 03/01/2017
» On Jan 12, the digital version of dhamma textbook Cittanagara : The Miracle Of Mind City will be officially launched, allowing an easier and more enjoyable understanding of Buddhist teachings and principles.
Organic is the way to go
News, Saiarun Pinaduang, Published on 12/11/2016
» The free-fall in rice prices has sent an economic and political jolt across the country, and in the process highlighted how "thinking small" and modest-scale farming just might hold the key to the survival of farmers.
Sad, melancholic rhythms
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 31/10/2016
» Since Oct 14, one day after the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the sounds of conch shells, bugles, pipes and drum beats, followed by the melancholic tones of classical music, have been heard from the Grand Palace six times a day. Each session lasts about 15 minutes and often makes many mourners nationwide burst into tears. This royal tradition is called prakhom yumyam.