Showing 1 - 10 of 11
The Sacredness Of Thai Degrees
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 21/01/2022
» A Facebook post by a doctor went viral last week and sparked a much-needed and perhaps overdue debate regarding the graduation ceremony at Thai universities. She claimed her employer friends wouldn't consider hiring graduates who didn't attend the ceremony to accept their diplomas from a member of the Thai royal family for fear of them being troublemakers. Being conferred your diploma by a member of the Thai royal family is a relatively new norm that started in the reign of King Rama VII. I would like to offer my personal experience regarding the tradition and my two satangs on the topic.
Make Learning Fun
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 15/01/2021
» In the wake of the second wave of Covid-19 in Thailand, schools in 28 provinces have been ordered to close until Jan 31 and conduct online classes instead. One side effect that one may not see coming is that the new learning normal brings with it amusing and heart-warming stories from these online classes. Here are a few.
Thai inventions inspired by Covid-19
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 01/05/2020
» Covid-19 is the mother of invention as evidenced by various inventions many people have come up with. You may have already seen the new PPE-inspired uniforms introduced by AirAsia, which have been designed by Filipino fashion designer Puey Quinones, as it resumes operations today but we're talking more out of the box. Protective properties of these DIY creations I've spotted may not be 100% proven but all guarantee a smile if not a laugh.
#BehindTheHashtags
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/03/2020
» Many student protests that were partly set off by the dissolution of Future Forward Party over the past two weeks has also ushered in new hashtags into the lexicon of Thai social media. At the time of writing, it has been reported that there are 28 hashtags associated with campus protests. Some are humourous while others carry strong political stances and sharp gibes. Whether you agree with these students who've chosen to make their voices heard, it's better to get used to their protest hashtags as more student flashmobs are on their way (but many speculate that the designation of Covid-19 as a dangerous communicable disease may be used as a tool to suppress them). Not to mention, an online campaign calling for people to wear black on Fridays as a symbol to oppose dictatorship began last Friday.
Subject(s) (That) Matter
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 24/01/2020
» Two things that recently happened made me wonder about the definition of education in Thailand. First, a uni professor in Phitsanulok drafted a new course called "My Beloved Country" but the board rejected it, saying its purpose isn't in line with that of a general education course. The professor said his subject encourages students to "understand and appreciate their own values, as well as values of others, society, culture and nature". It sounds fine and dandy until you see his list of 18 guest lecturers consisting of controversial figures, some of whom are seen as aligning themselves with the government. So, if you disagree with them, would you be considered disloyal to Thailand or something? Second, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang ordered all schools under BMA to have their students sing the royal anthem after they sing the national anthem before classes every morning to remind them of Thailand's three pillars -- nation, religion and monarchy -- which I humbly think the kids are reminded of plenty already.
Beam me up!
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 23/08/2019
» Interest in extraterrestrial things (and beings) make a comeback to the Thai collective consciousness, thanks to asteroid 2006 QQ23 flying by and a viral video in which a local man, who claims to be a medium of Pluto God, warns humanity of 2020 doomsday in an alien tongue. This got us thinking about the local interest in UFOs and aliens, and how Thailand is linked to alien stories in a way that you may not be aware of. We aren't saying we believe in Pluto God or trying to convince you one way or another but there are many pieces of evidence (of varying degrees of credibility) of alleged alien visits to the Land Of Smiles and they are too fascinating not to share.
Breaking Boundaries
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 21/06/2019
» San Francisco-based digital artist Purin Phanichphant is one of many highlighted talents whose works are on display at W Bangkok for Hotel Art Fair 2019, which runs until June 23. The sixth edition of this annual art event returns with "Breaking Boundaries" and features more than 30 leading Thai and foreign galleries, as well as independent artists. Purin, who is showcasing his playful interactive arts, talked about his journey as an artist.
Subjects for Real-life Use
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 07/12/2018
» Daily News recently reported that King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang has introduced an astrology course for engineering students as a general study subject, which has been well-received by students. The professors involved insist that it isn't about pure superstition as astrology involves statistics, data collection and calculation.
Le Coup d'état à l'université
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 08/09/2017
» At first I didn't want to comment on the recent Chula scandal because, like a good Thai, you shouldn't criticise the educational institution that you graduated from, especially one with such history, pride and prestige. If you've been reading my editor's notes, you know I have poked fun at Uncle Tu many times -- he does give me a lot of material to work with! Yet, when it came to the establishment where I received my higher education, I was hesitant.
Savoury spin-off
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 08/07/2016
» Following the success of the first OSHA Thai Restaurant & Bar on Witthayu Road, OSHA Café recently opened at Asiatique as the more affordable younger cousin with all new offerings. This, by no means, the café is downsizing on flavour.