Showing 401 - 410 of 410
Thinking outside the box
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 16/03/2012
» Sometimes it's easy to get frustrated with Thailand's lack of logic when it comes to problem solving. For example, we're constantly warned about the threat of Bangkok sinking, yet developers continue to build hotels, condos and shopping centres, eroding the urban landscape. Ask a student a question that requires critical thinking, and expect a blank stare in response. Politicians go on about making society better, when in reality all they do is give themselves undeserved pay rises and free iPhones.
You're fired!
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 09/03/2012
» What's the riskiest thing you've ever done at the office? Stealing your boss's hair from his/her desk to use in a voodoo doll? Taking a secret nap in the meeting room? Coming to work unwashed after partying all night? Or just generally slacking off? We have all done a thing or two that management would frown upon (if they came to know of it). And you should be careful because, unlike esteemed MPs and high-ranking officials, Somchais and Somyings get fired every day for their mistakes and sometimes for causes you can't imagine. We've selected five cases of extraordinary sackings which, in hindsight, reveal tips to help you keep your job or at least give you some ideas to go out with a bang.
Smallroom Big Music
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 24/02/2012
» Amid the hordes of K-pop clones, 15-minute stars from talent shows, and manufactured pop idols, indie music label Smallroom stands tall for making small players big in the Thai music industry. Gender-bending Gene Kasidit's solo debut Affairs ranges from electro rock to drum 'n' bass and disco, layered with personal verse. Slur has hooked many with their blend of rock and pop. The Richman Toy doesn't play around with their upbeat rock and roll and humorous lyrics. The label will host a free concert to celebrate its 12th anniversary titled "Til These Days" tomorrow (see Shows, P23). We talk to different roomies in the Smallroom to see how the label has enjoyed enduring success.
Dine on Time
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/02/2012
» Have you ever played around in the kitchen? It's fun, sweaty and can be a little naughty. I spend hours doing it whenever the opportunity arises. I'm talking about preparing food such as vegetables and salami rather than hiding them, of course.
Off the beaten track
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/02/2012
» There are certain must-see attractions for first-time visitors to Thailand: Patpong, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Khao San Road, an elephant show, ladyboy cabaret, Hua Hin, a Full Moon party, some more beaches... But with all this distraction, visitors might miss out on the atypical attractions your average tour guide doesn't know about. To do our part in promoting the miracle that is Thai tourism, we have selected five lesser-known villages where visitors can discover Thais living in unique ways.
Urban picnic
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 10/02/2012
» Dining among nature in the centre of Bangkok isn't the stuff of fairytales anymore. No longer do you have to experience the tragedy of attempting a picnic lunch at Lumpini Park, and being attacked by pigeons, turtles and monitor lizards in the process. Break free from the shackles of a faux-flora-and-fauna joint, where views of the concrete jungle loom like a dark shadow.
In the name of love
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 10/02/2012
» Love is indeed a strange and powerful force. It can make us do crazy things like stare at the phone willing our darling to call for the fifth time of the day. It can make us spend a year's salary impressing our khun noo girlfriend with an LV bag despite an unwavering credit card debt. It can drive us to hide in the bushes behind the object of our affection's house, going through their trash in the hope of finding a lock of their hair to use in a love spell.
The scientific artist
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 27/01/2012
» WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GENETIC ENGINEERING? I personally like the subject matter and wanted to question it through my artwork. Unlike artists in the past that worked under common genres such as portraiture, animals or landscape, art has becomes more personal with artists incorporating their own interests in their work. Genetically engineered animals and plants are now a reality and I think we still don't fully know the effect they can have on human beings.
Chinese life Cycle
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 20/01/2012
» For non-Chinese people, Chinese New Year (Jan 23) probably conjures images of dragons, lions and ang pao. But there is much more than simply these things to the Chinese way of life. You really don't know what goes on in the life of a Chinese unless you're born one. And, as the resident Chinese-descendant of the Guru team, I feel it's my duty to offer insight into the different stages of Chinese life in Thailand so you can enjoy the upcoming Chinese New Year like a true Chinese no matter what age or ethnicity you are. Kung Hei Fat Choy, everyone.
Consumers Unite!
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/01/2012
» What do you do when sen lek arrives at your table instead of the sen yai that you ordered? What will you do in protest when dtac's service inevitably goes down again? How about taxi drivers who won't take you to your destination unless you accompany them on a joyride to a gem store first?