Showing 1 - 10 of 22
Artists rally to save the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 23/08/2023
» Hemmed in on all sides by construction, colourful paintings are nailed to the metal sheet fences of an age-old community. Inside, there is thoughtful mixed-media artwork, performances and memorabilia left behind in the wake of displacement. Artists are campaigning all-out for the protection of the Chao Mae Thap Thim Shrine ahead of a first court ruling that could result in demolition at the end of the month.
A shot for good health
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 20/09/2022
» Coronavirus vaccines can reduce disease severity and fatality, but the emergence of new strains has raised questions about their effectiveness and future vaccination strategy. Some vaccine makers are rolling out variant-specific boosters to head off the Omicron surge, while others are developing pan-coronavirus vaccines that will hopefully offer protection against all variants.
Abode of the gods
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 04/08/2022
» Cicadas sang a chorus as the forest opened out. I peered into the darkness and traced the distant contour of a monumental religious complex, a remarkable feat of human civilisation. Keyed up with my first visit, I crossed a floating bridge, a soon-to-be-dismantled construction, over a large moat in the midst of lush vegetation. Before dawn, I arrived at Angkor Wat.
Biotech breakthrough in virus vaccines
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 12/04/2022
» The National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (Biotec) recently announced the success of developing a pseudotyped virus for a Covid-19 vaccine and drug trials.
Debunking the endgame theory
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 18/01/2022
» Like all viruses, SARS-CoV-2 adapts for survival. First identified in South Africa in November, the new variant of concern, Omicron, has now swept across the world. It carries a large number of mutations, including those on the spike protein, which are thought to increase transmissibility. However, studies have found that it causes milder infection than previous variants.
Pandemic progress
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 29/11/2021
» When the Covid-19 crisis unfolded two years ago, researchers scrambled to uncover the source of and cure for the killer virus. At the time, there were no medicines. Soon after, vaccine development kicked off, giving hope of protection to us all.
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.
Pandemic parenting
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 11/08/2021
» Phannakan Sreetheamsak recalled feeling lonely as an only child and decided she would have two of her own so they could keep each other company. She gave birth to the first child three years ago. Her second pregnancy occurred during the very difficult time of Covid-19. She took pains to avoid risks until the baby opened its eyes in March. Her relatives and friends were not allowed to visit them in hospital -- a departure from the traditional large family gathering.
Divided we fall
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 28/06/2021
» In 2019, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stormed an election campaign rally stage with a promise to end turmoil and move the country forward. He managed to survive attacks from all sides, from an oath gaffe to anti-government protests. However, nobody imagined that the coronavirus would present a real challenge to his rule. After 18 months, the crisis has battered the country with 218,000 infections and 1,600 deaths so far.
State of confusion
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 09/06/2021
» The Mor Prom platform met its doom on the day of its launch. A large number of people flocked to register for the Covid-19 vaccination, causing the system to break down temporarily due to overwhelming demand. Bookings for people over 60 and patients with seven chronic diseases experienced a bumpy ride ahead of the mass vaccination starting earlier this week. While the application's name is translated as doctors are ready, people joked that doctors are actually not.