Showing 1 - 10 of 16
The gift of literature
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 08/09/2025
» Hailing from a rural village, Hin Pa toils back-breaking hours until he runs into his childhood friend, Bak Berd, who makes a living as a parasailor in Phuket. Spurred by his invitation, Hin Pa relocates to the island for better opportunities. In a memorable scene, a traveller hands him a book midair. Who would foresee that it inspires him to read more, venture into painting and cycle around the world?
In love, in law
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 30/06/2025
» Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom, director of the International Human Rights Division at the Ministry of Justice, spent more than 15 years working on the legalisation of same-sex marriage, which finally took effect early this year. She said, however, "it is just the first step to make everybody aware of equal rights".
Marching with pride
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 26/05/2025
» In the wake of this year's historic victory for marriage equality, campaigners are preparing festive events for Pride Month, reinforcing Thailand's ambition to become the world's most LGBTI-friendly destination.
The story of Book Depository comes to a close
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 26/04/2023
» It is time to bid farewell to Book Depository, which closes today.
Homage to nature
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 03/02/2023
» A mechanical watch is not just a timepiece, but a reminder of the unfinished mission of Seub Nakhasathien, who laid down his life for conservation in 1990. At the helm of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani, he suffered numerous setbacks from deforestation and poaching to poverty. And after eight months of stewardship, he cleared his decks, made a will and shot himself in his quarters out of frustration in a bid to raise public awareness of environmental protection.
A meeting of past and present
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 24/01/2023
» As time goes by, the past fades into oblivion. Like other artists, Tawatchai Somkong combs through piles of dusty history and finds something invaluable. He often visits antique shops when travelling abroad. Century-old sepia paintings are used for lavish adornment, and some are high-quality for museum display. In 2014, he began to create a collection of works that personally resonated with him.
Equality still a dream
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 09/01/2023
» In the lead-up to its second reading, the civil partnership draft bill marks a decade since its inception, dating back to a gay couple who were denied legal recognition in 2012 because the law limits marriage to a man and a woman. Given the conservatism of earlier decades, civil partnership was "the first brick" at a time when marriage equality was almost inconceivable. However, history is often ignored. Despite its long journey in conjunction with the new bill, the uphill push for marriage rights will remain an unfinished business under the current government.
Farewells teach us all to live for the moment
Oped, Thana Boonlert, Published on 01/07/2022
» When we bid farewell to something, it marks the end of a relationship. Saying it gives us a sense of ending. Saying goodbye reminds us of how vulnerable and uncertain our life is.
Weaponising Thainess with numbers
Oped, Thana Boonlert, Published on 03/06/2022
» The feud over an online campaign calling for Thai numerals to be scrapped in official documents isn't just about pragmatism -- it is a clash between the two ideologies which underpin Thai society.
A cult of nothingness
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 06/09/2021
» Last week, coup-installed senators convened in the corridors of power. When one senator tabled a motion for the virtuous council, I felt like we had travelled back in time to the Second World War. In 1939, the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram issued cultural mandates to strengthen Siam in the context of the global war.