Showing 1 - 10 of 19
The visible threat
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 03/02/2025
» Late last month, Bangkok was ranked as the fourth most polluted city in the world, according to IQAir. The air quality index (AQI) in Bangkok reached 188 and PM2.5 was as high as 108 µg/m³, indicating unhealthy air quality.
K-pop's rollercoaster year
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 24/12/2024
» The biggest news in the K-pop industry in 2024 was the conflict between Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of Ador, and Hybe executives. Min was credited for creating visual branding for SM Entertainment's renowned groups such as Exo, Shinee and Girls' Generation. She is also renowned as a former executive producer behind the success of NewJeans, who stood out for their girl next door image and retro sound.
Reforming Thai cinema
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 03/06/2024
» It has been eight months since the National Soft Power Strategy Committee was established under the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Meanwhile, the Thai film industry, supported by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency, has not seen any significant changes.
Splitting hairs?
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 08/04/2024
» When Protpittayapayat School, located close to Suvarnabhumi airport, posted on Facebook that it will allow students to choose their own hairstyle to match their preference and gender identity, many people lauded the school executives and teachers for this action.
Is there a digital afterlife?
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 17/01/2024
» In the past, death and funerals used to be private affairs which involved only loved ones. However, with the advent of digitalisation, people today live in both the physical and digital worlds and have made death part of the digital realm.
No room for victim blaming
Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 30/10/2023
» Recently, Mai*, an 18-year-old part-time male employee at a private hospital, became a victim of sexual assault. The incident occurred around 1am after a foreigner asked Mai for directions to the restroom. Mai helped the foreigner and then headed for the same restroom. Unfortunately, Mai was subjected to a non-consensual sexual act there. He told reporters that he cried for help, but nobody heard.
An alarming rise in childhood obesity
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 03/10/2023
» According to the Ministry of Public Health, the number of obese children in Thailand has increased as of February this year. Around 13% of children aged between six and 14 fall victim to obesity while an estimated 13% of adolescents aged 15 to 18 suffer from the disease. Meanwhile, the percentage of obese children has risen from 4-5% to 9-10% for those below the age of five.
Buddhism's future called into question
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 30/05/2022
» 'Many of the new generation do not believe in Buddhism because of some monks' inappropriate conduct."
What to do with misbehaving monks?
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 16/05/2022
» Sunday marked Visakha Bucha Day which is the commemoration of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Lord Buddha. Buddhism is the largest religion in Thailand, but we cannot deny that faith in Buddhism has declined due to the inappropriate behaviour and misconduct of some monks.
Less comedy, more dhamma
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 20/09/2021
» A couple of weeks ago, two well-known monks -- Phra Maha Sompong Talaputto and Phra Maha Praiwan Worawano -- held a livestream talk show on social media that attracted 200,000 viewers. The chat led to several debates between their supporters and opponents since it was different from typical dhamma talks or dhamma preaching. The two monks used several teenage slang expressions and joked with their viewers who commented via the live chat. While Phra Maha Sompong focused on delivering his own jokes like a standup comedian, Phra Maha Praiwan, who knew many teenage expressions, giggled uncontrollably throughout the show. He was criticised for not being not calm or having self-control as a monk should.