Showing 1 - 10 of 24
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.
The best pop culture moments of the year
Life, Tatat Bunnag, Published on 28/12/2022
» While 2021 was a little dull, 2022 blessed us with some pretty big pop culture moments. Now 2023 is just around the corner, but before we take a step into the future, we need to review all that has happened and recap the highs and lows for the year. In pop culture, it seemed like every month there was something new and crazy happening. Here are the biggest moments from 2022 we couldn't stop thinking about.
Top of the (T)-Pops
Guru, Suthivas Tanphaibul, Published on 18/03/2022
» Taking most of the limelight in the Asian music industry is the K-Pop wave or Korea pop music. The genre has successfully connected people who are poles apart in origins while also shedding light on non-Western music and pop culture. Thai pop music, in particular, has flown under the radar for quite some time, with only a few names appearing on and off on global stages. However, with the power of social media, T-pop has become a rising tide during the last couple of years. Guru presents a quick look at up-and-coming Thai pop artists along with quick interviews with them.
The art of K-Pop reaches new heights
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 22/12/2020
» Despite the cancellation of concerts and music gatherings in 2020, a lot of things have been happening in the world of K-pop.
Faces behind the stars
Life, Tatat Bunnag, Published on 19/10/2020
» Whether you're just a casual fan or a full time "blink", everyone can take delight in the fact that South Korean pop sensation Blackpink -- an all-girl group -- teamed up with Netflix. Recently, a documentary about the group titled Blackpink: Light Up The Sky was released to overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Out of the shadow of the Cold War
Life, Published on 24/09/2020
» The Cold War saw the birth of the persuasive power of cinema. In the early 1950s, the United States decided that psychological warfare was needed to thwart communist threats in Southeast Asia and so it set up a propaganda unit to produce movies, documentary films, cartoons and pamphlets to provoke a red scare among the people. The United States Information Services (Usis) was also active in Thailand during this decade of sinister geopolitics. Its main responsibility was to produce a number of narrative and documentary films which would be screened around the country to promote American-style democracy and caution people against the deadly dominance of communism.
What 2020 has already brought
Life, John Clewley, Published on 07/01/2020
» Likay in Klong Toey seemed like a good way to kick off the New Year. I spotted a very small stage while I was down at the market earlier last week. It was in the old part of the market, which is about to be upgraded. I asked around and was told that the likay troupe Mere Da Tam was performing last Saturday, in the early evening.
Biting the hand, boxing bout brings out the passions
News, Mae Moo, Published on 18/08/2019
» Young star speaks his mind
Mourning three legends
Life, John Clewley, Published on 13/08/2019
» Three legends died recently, each one of whom made important and distinctive contributions to their own musical cultures -- molam producer and impresario Theppabutr Satirodchompu, South African musician and bandleader Johnny Clegg, and New Orleans songwriter, pianist and bandleader Art Neville.
Made in Thailand
Guru, Published on 05/07/2019
» To say that Thailand has been getting global recognition lately may be a bit of an understatement. After all, it's not a secret that it's a famous tourist destination with plenty of beautiful beaches and street food that's been topping lists for years now. Of course, these are only just a few things Thailand is well-known for but we don't really have the time to get into all of that (*cough* rigged election *cough*). However, people from the outside may have a narrow view of what Thailand and its culture really is, but fortunately, there are things that help put a spotlight on these things. The next instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise is filming right now in parts of Thailand, including Krabi where its governor stated that the film would be a "great advertisement for the nature, culture and history of the kingdom". Erm sure, that's what the Fast and Furious franchise is all about anyway. While the film will most likely be more about cars zoom-zooming and vroom-vrooming, there are a number of shows on TV that give a better focus on Thai culture. Here are a few.