Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Bangkok's clean streets, empty souls
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 10/11/2025
» Banthat Thong used to be a neighbourhood, not a concept. You could live here and find everything: restaurants, bookstores, hardware shops, clinics, banks -- even a place to have your shirts made. It was one of those streets where life unfolded upstairs and business happened downstairs. Today, it is something else entirely.
Put culture first in old town revamps
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 28/03/2024
» Will Thailand's old towns include their old communities as they are renovated? In many of these important districts, institutional owners of land are apt to evict legacy tenants to make way for redevelopment, threatening vintage architecture and eroding vibrant local cultures and ways of life.
More of city soul falls victim to 'gentrification'
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 10/09/2020
» At the same time when thousands of shoppers and netizens lamented the closure of 28-year-old Isetan Department Store, Bangkok lost one of its oldest food shops in Bang Rak district, known for its authentic khao mok gai (Thai chicken biryani) and oxtail soup.
Mall rush woes: But where are Thais to relax?
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 20/05/2020
» The country's second reopening on Sunday saw big crowds gather at department stores citywide amid fears that social distancing measures might be compromised. Most of the malls were full and Ikea in Bang Na had to close early in the afternoon as the number of customers exceeded the daily quota.
Stop the booze witch hunt, ban the cigs instead
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 06/05/2020
» When the government lifted the ban on alcohol sales this past Sunday, netizens shared a clip showing people scrambling hectically at a hypermarket to buy alcoholic drinks. Most people condemned the act. They seemed to link the buyers with the underprivileged people who have struggled to get 5,000 baht in relief money.
'Terminal' fears as Thais left in limbo abroad
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 15/04/2020
» On my last day of self-quarantine, a nurse from a public health centre in my neighbourhood called me, checking if I had any symptoms or signs of Covid-19. She was nice, trying to collect all the necessary information to make sure I am free of the virus. Afterwards, the centre will issue me a certificate saying that I've completed the home-quarantine and can resume my normal life.
Govt's response to crisis fails to meet the mark
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 20/03/2020
» After following news about how Thailand and countries in Europe have been tackling Covid-19 over the past few weeks, I notice a big difference.
White elephant spotted on new walking streets
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 30/11/2019
» The Bangkok Metropolitan (BMA) is planning to bring back popular walking streets in the city's three commercial hubs, namely Silom, Yaowarat and Khao San. The reason for the move is simple: to promote food shops and boost tourism as well as the economy.
Food apps trade convenience for plastic waste
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 22/11/2019
» Last week when my friends and I were hungry, we began to discuss possible options. Should we go out to a nearby restaurant, or grab leftovers from the refrigerator? One friend suggested using a food delivery service and everyone reached a consensus and agreed.
A helping hand
Life, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 12/11/2019
» A month after being hit hard by torrential rains, Ubon Ratchathani is returning to normality. The temporary shelters put up to house the victims are now being closed. But this isn't good news for everyone. The shelter that Namkang Sisat and her extended family are being housed in is set to close in the coming days. But they aren't ready to leave.