Showing 31 - 40 of 100
The scourge of fake news
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 09/07/2018
» Last week before the 12 boys and their football coach trapped in Tham Luang cave had been located, dubious online news sources proclaimed they had been found, prompting cheers on Facebook -- only to be dismissed minutes later. The next day, the cycle repeated. Later in the week, there was even "news" of a body being found, believed to be one of the boys. It spread and was later snuffed, since it simply wasn't true.
Respect my body
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 19/06/2018
» When the subject of sexual assault and sexual harassment is raised, people automatically think of female victims. But while women are clearly the most susceptible, another demographic group often overlooked is the LGBTI, and especially transgender women who are vulnerable to harassment and violence due to stigma and prejudice.
A zeal for New Zealand
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 07/06/2018
» The sky was gorgeous. That was the first thing I noticed about New Zealand after we left Auckland airport. Just the right shade of blue. The right amount of sunlight and cloud. Underneath the vast blue expanse, rolling green hills stretched as far as the eye could see. We were on our way to Rotorua, a city 230km southeast of Auckland, and luckily we were able to appreciate all the surrounding nature that led us to it. Plenty of sleep onboard Thai Airways' Royal Silk Class meant we landed feeling refreshed, ready to explore all the sights and adventures Rotorua has to offer.
Finding a new voice
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 23/05/2018
» Into its seventh season, The Voice Thailand, once a pioneer of the genre, now finds itself among a glut of television singing contests.
Unshackling gentle giants
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 07/05/2018
» After trading our sneakers for knee-length boots, we trotted down to the riverbank where a boat was waiting for us. It was a short crossing to the other side of Nam Khan River to meet the elephants that happily approached us for bananas and sugar cane. They had no chains around their ankles. The mahouts stood nearby, keeping watch with no hooks in their hands. Later, they guided the gentle giants to walk along with the humans trailing nearby on muddy ground. The atmosphere was very friendly and calm, with a picturesque landscape of jungle, river and sky surrounding us.
Life from Mars
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 03/05/2018
» The first thing we saw was a crown -- grand, golden and red -- emblazoned on a green curtain that covered the entire stage. Suddenly it was a mystery, and we were more than ready to find out what Bruno Mars had in store for his Bangkok leg of the 24K Magic World Tour, held on Monday and Tuesday. A concert on Labour Day? Yep, that was exactly what we all needed. Dance, sing and scream (and forget about work) -- that was how the night went for the attendees.
The Marvel gang teams up again
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 27/04/2018
» What does it cost to be a superhero -- the sacrificial, compassionate and good? And what does it cost, also, to be the bad guy? Does evil really have no soul? Or love? In the end, what can we eventually give up for the sake of the greater good?
Sexual harassment: The dark side of Songkran
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 11/04/2018
» The wet and wild water fest of Songkran is set to begin nationwide tomorrow and lasts until Monday. Alcohol consumption, road accidents and even indecent twerking are issues that have been addressed by authorities. This year, sexual harassment is another pressing concern that is finally being addressed.
Breathtaking beauty
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 04/01/2018
» It was a sunny morning when we left Pokhara, spending 90 minutes in a van before reaching the village of Nayapul where we would begin the longest trek any of us novices had ever attempted.
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.