Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Farewell to a maestro
Life, John Clewley, Published on 10/04/2024
» The world of molam has been in mourning since news emerged that Thailand's greatest phin player Thongsai Thap Thanon passed away on March 20 at his home in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani, at the age of 77. The phin is a two- or three-stringed Isan Lao lute that is part of the trinity of molam instruments, along with the iconic khaen (free reed bamboo mouth organ) and the sor (fiddle).
A year of K-pop
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 26/12/2023
» One of the biggest K-pop stories in December has been the enlistment of the remaining four members of BTS for mandatory military service. On Dec 11, RM, the leader of BTS, and V, the vocalist, began their enlistment. The following day, two other vocalists, Jimin and Jungkook, entered training camps in Yeoncheon together. As the world's biggest boy band goes on hiatus, it will be interesting to see which rival claims the top spot in the absence of BTS.
Stirring national pride
Guru, Suthivas Tanphaibul, Published on 09/09/2022
» Although being a world leader is not Thailand's strong suit. We, Thais, do know how to find memorable ways to roar our name proudly and make sure others keep us alive in their thoughts. According to the Guinness World Records, many Thais have beaten world records in presenting Thai culture creatively and unexpectedly, which has made us proud. Guru has a small complication of what we have archived.
Henry Rollins to play Bangkok show
Life, Post Reporters, Published on 03/08/2022
» Henry Rollins will be in town to present a stand-up comedy show as part of his "Good To See You 2022" spoken world tour at Aksra Theatre King Power, Rang Nam Road, on Oct 21 at 8pm.
Lessons from Korea on soft power
Life, Arusa Pisuthipan, Published on 28/03/2022
» South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae recently bagged the Best Actor title at the 27th Critics Choice Awards in Los Angeles earlier this month. This makes him the first Korean actor to take home the Best Actor accolade in the Drama Series category. Lee is known internationally for his lead role in the nine-episode survival drama Squid Game.
Game on
Asia focus, Pattama Kuentak, Published on 27/09/2021
» Not everyone aspires to a traditional career path, and while getting paid for playing games might sound far-fetched to some, it's becoming a lucrative niche for talented e-sports stars.
Stories from quarantine
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 11/06/2020
» When the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a lockdown that put many industries on hold, a group of filmmakers and actors from Nadao Bangkok banded together to make a series of short films from their home. The process is done almost entirely online, with no physical meeting between the cast and crew.
Made in Thailand
Guru, Published on 05/07/2019
» To say that Thailand has been getting global recognition lately may be a bit of an understatement. After all, it's not a secret that it's a famous tourist destination with plenty of beautiful beaches and street food that's been topping lists for years now. Of course, these are only just a few things Thailand is well-known for but we don't really have the time to get into all of that (*cough* rigged election *cough*). However, people from the outside may have a narrow view of what Thailand and its culture really is, but fortunately, there are things that help put a spotlight on these things. The next instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise is filming right now in parts of Thailand, including Krabi where its governor stated that the film would be a "great advertisement for the nature, culture and history of the kingdom". Erm sure, that's what the Fast and Furious franchise is all about anyway. While the film will most likely be more about cars zoom-zooming and vroom-vrooming, there are a number of shows on TV that give a better focus on Thai culture. Here are a few.
Say a little prayer for the Queen of Soul
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 19/08/2018
» One sunny morning in 1968, I had settled down to my customary reading of the Sunday newspapers on Hampstead Heath in London, when a couple sat on the grass near me. I was a little irritated when they switched on a transistor radio and was pondering giving them a lecture on the sanctity of peace and quiet. But then I heard the piano intro to <i>I Say A Little Prayer</i> and all was forgiven. A rare sunny day on the Heath with musical accompaniment by Aretha Franklin -- what more could one ask for?
The politics of trans acting
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 30/04/2018
» Kudos and controversy in film, and other happenings in this month's round-up of LGBT news