Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Jimmy Carr returns to Bangkok in January
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/09/2023
» Fans of adult humour and deadpan delivery should mark January 27, 2024, on their calendars.
Katanyu Complex
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 25/03/2022
» A discussion surrounding the concept of katanyu, which is often translated to being grateful or showing gratitude towards one's parents or those who've been kind to you, entered Thai society's zeitgeist last week unintentionally, as a by-product of another online drama.
Town of peace and tranquility
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 18/09/2020
» Living up to its name, Santiburi is a slice of peace and quiet on the secluded 300m stretch of Mae Nam Beach in Koh Samui.
Tech show at malls reopening
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 22/05/2020
» Malls reopening on Sunday has brought with it many curious things, besides the possibility of selling your privacy to the govt just to get in, multiple checking-in-and-out you need to do while hitting different shops and cardboard dragons as your new dining companions. While strolling and practising social distancing, one may also come across innovations that have been put in place as part of the new shopping norm. It seems like major malls are trying to get one up on each other in terms of high-tech measures against Covid-19 to put shoppers' minds at ease. At the risk of sounding like a mall maniac (and being a free ad for malls), here are a few examples of technology spotted at various mall reopenings for your curiosity. Their effectiveness against Covid-19 (or originality) may not be guaranteed but their gimmicky effect is.
Necessity is the Mother of Invention: Covid-19 Edition
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 20/03/2020
» The C-word has us all worried, confused and clean out supermarket shelves. The televised address by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday didn't help much and the temporary closure of various venues until March 31 certainly does not. A few venues have taken extra measures and have temporarily shut shop, namely theCommons Thonglor, Beam and Demo. I'm pretty sure the list is going to get longer in the coming weeks.
#BehindTheHashtags
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/03/2020
» Many student protests that were partly set off by the dissolution of Future Forward Party over the past two weeks has also ushered in new hashtags into the lexicon of Thai social media. At the time of writing, it has been reported that there are 28 hashtags associated with campus protests. Some are humourous while others carry strong political stances and sharp gibes. Whether you agree with these students who've chosen to make their voices heard, it's better to get used to their protest hashtags as more student flashmobs are on their way (but many speculate that the designation of Covid-19 as a dangerous communicable disease may be used as a tool to suppress them). Not to mention, an online campaign calling for people to wear black on Fridays as a symbol to oppose dictatorship began last Friday.
Amari anew
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 31/01/2020
» Amari Pattaya, which underwent major renovations last year, now offers the new Amari Suites and original-but-fully-rejuvenated Amari Tower. It immediately gives guests a sense of arrival with its vast and spacious lobby at Amari Tower. The receptionists work with their backs to a huge and beautiful wall panel created by Italian artist Alex Turco. It shows different shades of blue, fitting to Amari Pattaya's beachside location. Look above and you'll see a very long rattan chandelier that resembles the clouds. Living up to its family-friendly status, a counter is dedicated to a children's check-in. Yep, you read that right. A young guest who's below the age of 12 can "check-in" and receive vouchers and small gifts. Gimmicky, definitely yes. But it should make the kids feel special and welcome. And who wouldn't like that?
Subject(s) (That) Matter
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 24/01/2020
» Two things that recently happened made me wonder about the definition of education in Thailand. First, a uni professor in Phitsanulok drafted a new course called "My Beloved Country" but the board rejected it, saying its purpose isn't in line with that of a general education course. The professor said his subject encourages students to "understand and appreciate their own values, as well as values of others, society, culture and nature". It sounds fine and dandy until you see his list of 18 guest lecturers consisting of controversial figures, some of whom are seen as aligning themselves with the government. So, if you disagree with them, would you be considered disloyal to Thailand or something? Second, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang ordered all schools under BMA to have their students sing the royal anthem after they sing the national anthem before classes every morning to remind them of Thailand's three pillars -- nation, religion and monarchy -- which I humbly think the kids are reminded of plenty already.
Predictions for 2020
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 03/01/2020
» We're less than 72 hours into 2020 and I would like to help you, dear readers, ease back into your routines. Here are a few of my somewhat educated guesstimates of what this year has in store for us.
Seoul Searching
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 23/11/2018
» Although officially having opened in May, the Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Botanic Park recently came into full bloom when the adjoining Seoul Botanic Park opened last month. Well, the property has the new park in its name after all.