Showing 1 - 10 of 79
Remembering the 'King of the Talking Song'
Life, John Clewley, Published on 13/08/2024
» National Artist and luk thung icon Phloen Phromdaen passed away on Aug 3, aged 85. He was one of the titans of the luk thung world, garnering the nickname Raja Phleng Phut (King of the Talking Song) for the spoken passages in the middle of his songs.
Farewell to a maestro
Life, John Clewley, Published on 10/04/2024
» The world of molam has been in mourning since news emerged that Thailand's greatest phin player Thongsai Thap Thanon passed away on March 20 at his home in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani, at the age of 77. The phin is a two- or three-stringed Isan Lao lute that is part of the trinity of molam instruments, along with the iconic khaen (free reed bamboo mouth organ) and the sor (fiddle).
A year of K-pop
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 26/12/2023
» One of the biggest K-pop stories in December has been the enlistment of the remaining four members of BTS for mandatory military service. On Dec 11, RM, the leader of BTS, and V, the vocalist, began their enlistment. The following day, two other vocalists, Jimin and Jungkook, entered training camps in Yeoncheon together. As the world's biggest boy band goes on hiatus, it will be interesting to see which rival claims the top spot in the absence of BTS.
Finding beauty in the everyday
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 04/07/2023
» The 12th White Elephant Art Award focuses on realistic and figurative art which refers to art that depicts everyday objects, figures or subjects in a realistic or true-to-life way. After The White Elephant Art Award announced a theme of "Cherish The World", two artists -- Jarun Pan-onta and Surapun Kwansaensuk -- drew inspiration from nature to create paintings. As a result, Jarun won the White Elephant Prize while Surapun won a special prize called the Khunying Wanna Sirivadhanabhakdi Award, created for the first time.
Harry shows Bangkok some Styles
Life, Kong Rithdee, Published on 14/03/2023
» The accessory du jour was the fluffy pink boa. The colour scheme was hot pink -- pink pants, pink boots, pink cowboy hats, pink eyeshadow, pink hijabs. Or if not pink, then anything in the tooth-aching shades of the rainbow. It was a lively, joyous sight on Saturday night, a show of hot-hue aesthetics in a defiant contrast to the brutalist concrete skeleton of Rajamangala Stadium. How I wish concrete-mad Bangkok could look like this every day!
Country comes to the city
Life, John Clewley, Published on 31/01/2023
» The All-Thidsa Molam Band was in Bangkok this past weekend to perform at the Thailand International Jazz Conference. World Beat caught up with band last Friday when they played two sets at Isan Spicy BBQ, a rooftop bar at the Jim Thompson Art Center.
Rocking the capital
Life, Tatat Bunnag, Published on 11/01/2023
» At 7.50pm last Saturday, nearly 50,000 fans also known as Blinks began to bring out their pink hammer-shaped light sticks that suddenly brightened the dark Bangkok sky, filling the large open-air space of Suphachalasai National Stadium on Rama 1. This was followed by the echoing sounds of screaming fans as Ji-soo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa finally appeared on stage. Some fans had actually waited for them since early morning that day.
Around the world
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 20/12/2022
» The past year was a good one for the K-pop industry. Both the kings and queens of K-pop -- BTS and Blackpink -- celebrated their successful breakthrough in the American music industry.
Bangkok reimagined
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 23/09/2022
» You may already have heard of Bangkok being compared to Blade Runner made real, given our neon signs, skyscrapers, dingy alleys, huge billboards, elevated motorways and busy roads. Flaws and all, Bangkok has inspired many artists to reimagine it in their own way, shining a different light on our beloved capital city. Its unique aesthetic has captured the imagination of many artists and filmmakers, and Guru has compiled a few noteworthy reimaginations of Bangkok for your entertainment.
Stirring national pride
Guru, Suthivas Tanphaibul, Published on 09/09/2022
» Although being a world leader is not Thailand's strong suit. We, Thais, do know how to find memorable ways to roar our name proudly and make sure others keep us alive in their thoughts. According to the Guinness World Records, many Thais have beaten world records in presenting Thai culture creatively and unexpectedly, which has made us proud. Guru has a small complication of what we have archived.