Showing 1 - 10 of 50
Getting soft power right
Life, Published on 08/01/2024
» After three months in office, the Srettha Thavisin government has raved on about populist policies in the guise of digital wallets and soft power projects that will create income to boost our declining economy. With optimism, we learned that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai party leader and head of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC), has drafted a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost festivals and creative industries. It is welcoming news to hear this government is priortising art, music, literature, design, fashion, film, food, games, sports and festivals as essential sources for the creative economy. Where this enormous chunk of budget will come from, like digital wallets, remains to be seen.
Bigmouth strikes Bangkok
Life, Gary Boyle, Published on 24/10/2023
» Shoplifters of the world unite and take the MRT, as Morrissey almost sang, because the English singer is making his debut on Thai soil. His 2016 concert was cancelled during a period of national mourning, but this time around downtown fans will be pleased to avoid the schlep to Moonstar or Impact, as Morrissey is playing the MRT-adjacent Samyan Mitrtown Hall on Nov 18.
Marina's soul searching in Bangkok
Life, Kong Rithdee, Published on 13/10/2023
» Like Dante guided by Virgil, Marina Abramovic drifts through the purgatory that is Bangkok chaperoned by the little monkey prince. After praying at shrines and temples of assorted spiritual inclinations, she is taken to the Monkey King (Pichet Klunchun), whose rhymed, melodic prophecy finally guides Abramovic to the prayer hall of Wat Pho where her salvation awaits clad in a saffron robe.
K-culture double for Thai fans
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 01/08/2023
» Two recent events took place in the K-culture world. First, Battle Trip 2 was filmed in Thailand, and Hwang Min-hyun announced he will hold his first solo mini concert in Bangkok.
Celebrating Rattanakosin art
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 16/02/2023
» The Year of the Rabbit provides an occasion for the "Gilded Black Lacquer Cabinet" exhibition at the historic Thaworawatthu Building to present a new collection, the majority of which is featured in the Gold-Motif Cabinets: Series 2 (Rattanakosin Era) Book 1.
After chaos comes calm
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 08/11/2022
» The third edition of Bangkok Art Biennale 2022 (BAB 2022) with its theme "Chaos: Calm" reflects obstacles that mankind encountered during the Covid-19 pandemic. Both chaos and calm are temporary states that are interchangeable according to situations and conditions.
Venice and the milk of dreams
Life, Apinan Poshyananda, Published on 15/08/2022
» Santa Maria Della Salute, also known as Saint Mary of Health, stands majestically at Punta Della Dogana by the Grand Canal in the city of Venice. In 1631, Venice experienced an unusually devastating plague when nearly a third of the population was wiped out. As a votive offering, the Republic of Venice vowed to build and dedicate a church to Our Lady of Health with objects of art that bore reference to the Black Death. In March 2022, after postponement due to Covid-19 that killed thousands in the city, the 59th Venice Biennale opened under the theme of "The Milk Of Dreams" and was welcomed like a warm delicious latte by the art world.
Fair celebrates Queen Mother's 90th birthday, Thai crafts
Life, Patcharawalai Sanyanusin, Published on 11/08/2022
» Interested members of the public are invited to witness the legacy of Thai craftsmanship during "Miracle of the Arts of the Kingdom" which will kick off Friday and run every weekend from 10am to 7pm until Aug 28, at the Arts of the Kingdom Museum in Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya.
Culture shock and crocodile encounters
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 22/06/2022
» Jatenipat Ketpradit, aka JKBOY, works full-time in interior design and spends his leisure time taking photographs in remote areas such as the Altai Mountains in Mongolia, Siberut Island in Indonesia and Ethiopia.
Performance in the wild
Life, Amitha Amranand, Published on 26/05/2022
» For Kok Heng Leun, memories of Pulau Ubin, an island northeast of mainland Singapore, go as far back as when he was a teenager.