Showing 1 - 10 of 20
Rainbow capitalism takes hold
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 28/06/2021
» Rainbows are washing over the city. It's Pride Month. On streets, walkways, walls, shoes, T-shirts, scarfs -- basically anything -- vivid colours of the rainbow have been splashed on the surface of places and things. It seems that many people -- in the private sector at least -- are very eager to celebrate Pride.
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.
Changes in Chiang Mai
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 26/02/2020
» The sound of the marching band sent a wave of excitement through the colourful crowd gathered at the Chiang Mai Religion Practice Center. Rainbow flags were flying. There were people of all ages, and even cute puppies, all eager to take their first steps at the annual Pride parade set in the beautiful northern capital.
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.
The craft of running performance
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 04/01/2018
» For a century-old business, thriving in today's competitive world is about embracing age-old craftsmanship while pursuing modern technical ideas. This principle was apparent when we visited Mizuno's head office in Osaka recently.
Coming to terms
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 20/11/2017
» A man with short hair -- wearing a sarong around his chest the way a woman would -- is seen frolicking alone happily on a crowded beach. Lost in his own world, he seems unfazed by the scrutiny and strange looks from children, women in hijab, and men in skullcap. In the background, the sound of Islamic prayers can be heard.
How an art form survives into old age
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 04/07/2017
» When the wooden sticks were struck together, forming a slowly building rhythm, a male performer in vivid costume emerged onto the stage, his face white with black and bright-red stripes -- in true kumadori (kabuki stage make-up) fashion -- to suit his role as a hero. On his head was an elaborate wig; in his hand, a katana (samurai sword), ready to strike.
US Ambassador stands proud
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 26/06/2017
» Our monthly round-up of LGBTI news
A beacon for tolerance
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 12/06/2017
» Smartly but casually dressed with a hint of colour, British Ambassador to Thailand Brian Davidson descended from the second floor of his residence within the British embassy on 14 Wireless Road and greeted us with a smile and quick hello. Soon, we found ourselves sipping iced lemonade inside a green room. A framed portrait of a beaming Queen Elizabeth II gazed down from the wall.
Voice of a queen
Muse, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 10/06/2017
» After almost four decades in showbiz, it's safe to say that pop diva Nantida "Tu" Kaewbuasai has accomplished almost everything. She is a veteran singer and actress with numerous hits under her belt. And very soon, Nantida is set to undertake her newest role yet -- lend her voice to the Thai dubbed version of the highly-anticipated HBO megahit Game Of Thrones Season 7.