Showing 1 - 10 of 20
Laugh, paint, heal
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 10/02/2025
» Happy squeals and laughter from almost 50 young children filled a cosy village hall on a recent Sunday morning in Wiang Kaen district, Chiang Rai. They were pointing at a man dressed comically in a green crocodile costume panicking over his missing teeth. Outside, the weather was 14C. The children sported colourful jackets, some with Moo Deng printed on them.
All for pride, pride for all
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 27/06/2022
» Silom Road was packed. I don't think anyone -- not even the organisers -- anticipated such a scene. What a turnout it was on the first Sunday of June when crowds flocked to the area to join the Pride parade. There was music and dancing. Lady Gaga's Born This Way blasted from the stereo. Feathers and sequins sparkled in the late afternoon sun. And in the midst of all the fun, there were voices of the people calling for marriage equality, sex workers' rights and the fall of patriarchy. For equal rights. For equality.
Equality falls short
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 27/07/2020
» Push to legalise same-sex civil partnerships a step in the right direction but work still remains to ensure LGBTI have the same rights as everyone else
More than just a fad
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 21/07/2020
» The air fryer is undeniably the hottest cooking appliance of 2020. Its concept of frying food without -- or at least using significantly less -- oil while producing somewhat similar end products has attracted the attention of those pursuing a healthier diet (without sacrificing too much on flavour) for the past few years. However, its popularity has been revived in recent months as people have turned to home-cooked meals amid Covid-19 lockdown measures.
Changes in Chiang Mai
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 26/02/2020
» The sound of the marching band sent a wave of excitement through the colourful crowd gathered at the Chiang Mai Religion Practice Center. Rainbow flags were flying. There were people of all ages, and even cute puppies, all eager to take their first steps at the annual Pride parade set in the beautiful northern capital.
Irish eyes smiling
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 24/02/2020
» Wedding bells are ringing. Celebrations of love take place worldwide this month.
New ways of life
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 05/02/2020
» Explore possibilities for the way we can live at Bangkok Design Week 2020 (BKKDW), now ongoing in the Charoen Krung neighbourhood of Bangrak district until Feb 9.
A kiss is still a kiss
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 23/12/2019
» What's a better way to send off 2019 than a big smooch? The gay kiss at parliament last week shook the entire country. Outcries about the inappropriateness of such a public display of affection at a "sacred" place were loud. The symbolic expression was met with polarising responses, even from LGBTI people themselves. Even liberal politicians who called for equal rights apologised for it. Honestly, saying sorry for a kiss seems ironic under a roof where far worse things have taken place. Unfortunately, the public reaction has been mostly negative. The message was inadvertently lost, and many people forgot why the couple kissed in the first place: to advocate for marriage equality.
Time to break free
Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 01/08/2019
» Remote working has so many benefits, for employer, employee and the environment, more companies are turning on to it
Time to break free
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 01/08/2019
» The ability to work remotely has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more professionals are moving away from the traditional office environment. Many now opt to take their work on the go, choosing their own preferred space to work in, which could be their home, co-working space, coffee shop, beach, mountain, abroad -- essentially anywhere. The idea is that they're no longer confined to a single location, like their main office. No more 9-to-5 working routine at an office cubicle.