Showing 1 - 10 of 19
Explore hidden gems outside Bangkok
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/09/2020
» The other day when I learned that the Tourism Society, an academic network of communities that run tourism operations, was planning an outing to Ban Sala Daeng Nuea and nearby sites of interest, my heart leapt with joy. This Mon community by the Chao Phraya River is one where the residents still cherish their cultural heritage. Located in Pathum Thani's Sam Khok district, which is only 37km or so from Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, where I live, Ban Sala Daeng Nuea and its namesake temple are among those places in adjacent provinces that I've long wanted to visit but somehow never got the chance to.
A place where time stands still
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/07/2020
» Despite what the science says, time seems to pass at different speeds. In areas like Si Yan, Samsen and Bang Krabue -- which are all part of Dusit district in Bangkok -- it's as if time hasn't passed into the 20th century.
Ready to roam
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 18/06/2020
» For a lot of travel addicts residing in Thailand, with the fourth phase of the easing of pandemic control measures the situation is good enough to return to fun mode.
Adapting new handwashing solutions
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 18/05/2020
» Considering its microscopic size, it's amazing how the novel coronavirus has easily kept us humans -- the species which rules the planet -- tamely at bay. Millions of people around the globe are now spending time confining themselves at home rather than venturing outside. As a result, various aspects of life, from finance to romance and so much in between, need to change. Some of these behavioural changes have already become or are predicted to become, the so-called new normal.
Banding together to help those in need
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 29/04/2020
» Chula Marketplace, aimed primarily as an online marketplace for students and alumni of Chulalongkorn University affected by Covid-19, is one of the fastest-growing groups on Facebook. In just a couple of weeks, the group has grown to over 218,268 members and counting. However, to make the numerous products and services offered by members available to the wider public, the closed group recently launched a spin-off, which can also be accessed on Facebook.
The other side to Pattaya
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/01/2020
» Na Klua may not be the most prominent mark on the Pattaya tourist map. But for some, a trip to the popular resort city wouldn't be complete without a visit to the northern end of town. Indeed, a growing number of holidaymakers, myself included, see Na Klua as a worthy destination in its own right. With its old-town charm, street art, inexpensive fresh seafood, seaside picnic areas and more, what's not to love?
A walk through history
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 31/10/2019
» Across the Chao Phraya River from Chinatown are old neighbourhoods steeped in history. Over a hundred years ago, one of them was the home and playground of a goldsmith's daughter who decades later become the mother of two beloved monarchs. But the late Princess Srinagarindra was not the only historical figure who once called this area home.
The lesser-spotted wonders of Lucknow
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/10/2019
» After a three-hour flight from Bangkok, I found myself at an immigration counter of Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, aka Lucknow Airport. An expressionless officer flipped through my passport and made a gesture signifying that I follow the instructions on the fingerprint scanner and place the fingers of my left hand, minus my thumb, on it. Obediently, I complied. The machine flashed a green light. The officer shook his head.
No longer places to just pass by
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 29/08/2019
» Mae Sot city in Tak province is widely known as one of the Kingdom's largest hubs of border trade. However, for holiday-makers, it's often overlooked. I, for one, have made brief stops in Mae Sot several times, on my way to Umphang to its south, to Mae Sariang and Mae Hong Son to its north, and even to Mawlamyine, the capital of Myanmar's Mon State to the west.
New experiences in old Bangkok
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 15/08/2019
» The area you'll be reading about in this article is only around 1.2km². Yet, it's packed full of fascinating things to see and do, from Wang Burapha, Saphan Han and Sampheng, to Phahurat, Saphan Phut, Pak Klong Talat and Ban Mo.