Showing 1 - 10 of 14
Written in blood
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 21/07/2025
» In 2015, Joe Freeman and Aung Naing Soe noticed the prominent status of poetry in Myanmar politics. At the time, both journalists heard that Maung Saungkha, a 23-year-old poet, posted a poem about having a tattoo of an unnamed president on his penis on Facebook. Saungkha, however, was charged for defaming former president Thein Sein under telecommunication law, serving a six-month jail term.
Rebirth in exile
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 30/06/2025
» On a poster, Phnom Penh glows dimly from afar. Flickering on the other side of the Mekong River, rows of buildings dissolve, blending with water and sky in the blue hour of twilight. This photo and a whisper are an invitation to stargaze the city glimmering in the distance.
Tales of queer migration
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 19/06/2023
» There is a border that defines the contour of his identity. Only by crossing it can Jaokhun Promchana be the man he wants to be. After moving to the US, he studied a new language and toiled in the kitchen. Holding a dream close to his heart, he went the extra mile to join the US Navy and police. Currently, he is running a restaurant with his wife. From the outside, he looks no different from other men, but in his expired documents, a name and its title are a reminder of the former self that he already shed.
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.
Lessons of history
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 13/10/2021
» After decades of military authoritarianism, student demonstrators in Bangkok began to call for the restoration of constitutional rule and a return to democracy. In the face of the challenge, the entrenched generals refused to negotiate and arrested the protest leaders, claiming they were influenced by communism. It paved the way for the popular uprising of Oct 14, 1973.
Defeating an earlier pandemic
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 07/06/2021
» In London, Sompol* can know his HIV status almost immediately. He registers on a website and fills out a questionnaire. Even illegal immigrants can avail themselves of this free service because it doesn't require ID and visa status checks. In two days, a white parcel of self-test kits arrives on his doorstep.
Genomics hub plan mooted by webinar
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 06/06/2020
» The government is moving to stimulate growth in the medical industry as the coronavirus outbreak has stoked public demand for healthcare products and services, a forum was told this week.
Pandemic is disrupting travel plans
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 04/05/2020
» When Alexis Luckey and Sam Matthias set foot in Bangkok in March, they never expected their journey would be turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic. However, after spending a month at a local quarantine centre in Nonthaburi, the couple decided to put off their plans to return to the United States.
Pakistanis celebrate heritage
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 23/03/2020
» The Pakistani diaspora in Thailand on Monday celebrates its national day and the laying down of foundations of the independence of the Muslim-majority state in South Asia.
Tourists back govt but also extend stays
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 29/01/2020
» Chinese tourists in Thailand have expressed confidence in their government's attempt to curb the coronavirus outbreak by sealing off Wuhan.