Showing 1 - 10 of 13
The history of Siamese erotica
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 18/10/2025
» In high school, Artyasit Srisuwan saw his friends bring erotic books to class. Teachers confiscated the material and scolded them, but Artyasit did not take the genre seriously until over a decade ago when he got to know Luang Vilaspariwat, known as Kru Liam, a pioneer of erotic literature in the early 20th century, and wanted to write a thesis about it. Due to the lack of primary sources, his adviser convinced him to change the topic.
Riding the green wave
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 27/06/2022
» Only two weeks after decriminalising cannabis, Thailand is experiencing a green rush. Since June 9, when the legalisation of marijuana for home and commercial use took effect, almost 1 million people registered to grow it with food and drug officials, while more than 40 million have checked out the registration platform. There's a growing public interest in the cash crop -- though some farmers remain doubtful -- and it is paving the way for "cannabis journalism".
Preserving traditions
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 16/05/2022
» Hidden in an alley near a train station, Kongleechongsun School had been out of use for years. For outsiders, it could easily go unnoticed. Founded over a century ago by merchants of Chinese descent, the school experienced many interruptions including state control. It was not until the end of World War II that descendants rebuilt the now-defunct school.
Heritage is not soft power
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 02/05/2022
» Harvard University Professor Joseph Nye coined the term "soft power", or the ability to obtain preferred outcomes by attraction, rather than coercion or payment, in his book Bound To Lead in 1990. However, he has since seen his brainchild, scribbled out on his kitchen table, grow in scope of application and distance.
Preserving an ancient art
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 26/04/2022
» Despite a two-year hiatus, Nutchanat La-ongsri commanded a stage with unwavering power. Donning a large headpiece, she pulled on a white costume with a red strap tied on her upper body. Her back rose up like a bird's tail. She pressed her hands in front, showing silver bracelets and nail tips. After a wai kru ceremony, she staged a play in nora kaek, the dying breed of performance art from the Deep South.
Carrying on the legacy
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 13/09/2021
» Located in front of the Chinatown Rama theatre in Bangkok, Ouan Pochana has sold guay jub (rolled rice noodle soup) for over 50 years. Famous for peppery clear broth, the dish is served with crispy pork belly, internals, egg, and small patonggo (fried dough). It won the Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2019.
Rebel courage can be a force for needed change
Oped, Thana Boonlert, Published on 03/09/2021
» Clad in khaki uniform, a civil servant gave a three-finger salute even though he knew he could face a disciplinary probe. Nevertheless, he made a moral choice in defiance of the rules and norms that expect bureaucrats to remain politically impartial.
Growing climate of fear
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 25/05/2021
» Like other immigrants, Chutikan Hoover remembered the thrill of stepping foot in the US -- the land of opportunity -- for the first time nearly two decades ago. She now lives with her husband in Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, and runs a licensed spa business.
The verdict is in
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 19/05/2021
» With Thailand's Covid-19 mass vaccination programme expected to kick off next month, many people are pondering which vaccine is best for them. So far, the country has given over 2.2 million doses of the Sinovac and AstraZeneca shots to priority groups, such as frontline medical and healthcare workers.
Protest 'will be a test for tolerance'
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 19/09/2020
» A veteran academic and peace advocate predicted that Saturday's anti-government rally would be a test case for tolerance in Thai society.