Showing 1 - 8 of 8
Light flickers in US, fades in Thailand
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 30/11/2020
» For a good part of November, the world was gripped by a tumultuous fanfare that is the US election. And even before the very last votes were counted, relief and joy were already felt in many communities, not only in America but perhaps across the world. For better or for worse, Donald Trump's reign is coming to an end, and the world now looks to President-elect Joe Biden in the hopes that his win will let voices from the marginalised LGBTI community become louder. Biden promised to enact the Equality Act, a civil rights law that will protect LGBTI people from discrimination within his first 100 days in office among other things.
Beware of ghosts
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 05/10/2018
» In this Halloween month, Asian horror is demanding a fair share of the spotlight.
Let there be light
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 27/02/2018
» Outdoor cinema, or nang klang plaeng, rose and fell and has risen again, its popularity reflecting the changes in technology and taste of Thai viewers. Once suffering due to home entertainment and the spread of multiplexes into rural areas, outdoor cinema, having found a footing, has made a surprising comeback.
Screening LGBTI hope in China
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 06/04/2017
» Fan Popo handed out two postcards to those he talked to. One of them has a picture of two women -- both dressed in wedding gowns -- in each others loving embrace. The other was a group picture of drag queen performers.
Letting go of unhealthy foods
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 04/07/2016
» Every day, Phra Pisit Siriwathatano would leave his temple at dawn to conduct a daily alms round in his neighbourhood of Nonthaburi. Taking about two hours, the monk later returned to the monastery with a full alms bowl and a large sack filled with food offerings from Buddhist laymen and laywomen. Sometimes, people would also visit the temple to offer lunch to him and other monks.
A star reborn
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 08/01/2016
» The Bangkok Planetarium -- along with the prime minister's chair and tanks -- has been one of the capital's most popular destinations on Children's Day for many years. After 50 years in operation, the planetarium recently underwent its first major facelift; the ceremony to unveil it was held on Tuesday, just in time for Children's Day tomorrow.
The new Brahmins
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 12/10/2015
» A man dressed in white blew into a conch as if it were a horn. Joss sticks were burning. Heads bowed but people's lips were praying. A screenplay on a golden tray was engulfed in a cloud of white smoke. Surrounding the tray was a feast which included a pig's head, Thai golden desserts, fruit, boiled eggs and seafood.
From exile to acceptance
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 10/07/2015
» 'Every journey starts with one step. So today is one step for a long journey," said Burmese activist Aung Myo Min in the documentary film This Kind Of Love. During the scene, he was standing inside a Bangkok BTS Skytrain. He was on his journey home to Myanmar after 24 years of exile.