Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Hiding in plain sight
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/12/2020
» I'm no fan of paintings but I understand folks who are able to enjoy a visual feast by masters such as the likes of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci or Vincent Van Gogh. I do the same every time I find myself in a magnificent landscape. Indeed, Mother Nature is my favourite artist.
Mercury falling, spirits rising
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 10/12/2020
» The Colours of Doi Tung Festival is one of Chiang Rai province's best-known annual events. Every weekend and public holiday in December and January, a fair featuring the sale of food and goods by hilltribe people and other ethnic groups living in Doi Tung and nearby mountains is held near the Mae Fah Luang Garden, a famous attraction that is part of Mae Fah Luang Foundation's Doi Tung Development Project. The idea is to draw more visitors to Doi Tung and enable the villagers to benefit from the high season.
Place of peace and tranquility
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 19/11/2020
» Ask any Thai to mention the names of the five islands that immediately come to mind, chances are Koh Sichang would be included in the shortlist, maybe even the first. This small island 12km off the coast of Si Racha, Chon Buri, is the closest to the capital.
Roaming in the gloaming
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 05/11/2020
» It was pouring like crazy. I was lucky to find refuge in a noodle shop before getting soaked. It had rained twice since the morning. So far, including the days when I was on Koh Phayam, I never got a chance to shoot -- or even see -- a clear blue sky.
Island of unspoilt charm
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 11/10/2018
» Nothing lasts forever. But no less true is the fact that certain things do last longer than expected. The peaceful and simple lifestyle of the rural communities on Koh Sukon of Trang province is an amazing case in point.
Tastes of Kuala Lumpur
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 26/07/2018
» I love Thailand. The more I travel, the more I realise how lucky I am to have been born and raised in this country. But when it comes to durian, it's a different story.
Return to Ko Lanta Yai
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 19/04/2018
» Three years ago I wrote in this column about a biking route in the northern part of Ko Lanta Yai, the elongated island of Krabi province that lends its name to Mu Ko Lanta National Park. That was the only one of my visits to Ko Lanta Yai when I failed to make it to Laem Tanot, the beautiful cape at the southern tip where the park's headquarters and the island's iconic lighthouse are located.
Honouring Dad
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 05/12/2016
» As far back as I could remember Dec 5, the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has always been considered the National Father's Day. Today is the first time in the lives of millions of Thais to observe this important occasion without the beloved royal father figure.
To the Mekong and beyond
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 19/11/2015
» The mighty Mekong marks the border between Thailand's northeastern region and Laos. With the second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge providing a land link since 2006, the town of Mukdahan has served as a convenient gateway from Thailand to the Lao town of Savannakhet on the other side of the river.
Take a stand on taxis, general
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 22/01/2015
» The bitter account of a Japanese educational volunteer's latest experience at Suvarnabhumi airport, which he referred to as "a disgrace to Thailand", has been all over the internet in the past few days. Originating on Facebook, where it since has been shared more than 1,600 times, Koki Aki — known as Kamen Rider among some of Bangkok's underprivileged children after visiting them dressed as the motorcycle-driving Japanese superhero — complained about poor service at the airport, especially in regards to taxis.