Showing 1 - 10 of 10
Hiding in plain sight
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/12/2020
» I'm no fan of paintings but I understand folks who are able to enjoy a visual feast by masters such as the likes of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci or Vincent Van Gogh. I do the same every time I find myself in a magnificent landscape. Indeed, Mother Nature is my favourite artist.
THAI flying to 7 destinations this month
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 08/09/2020
» THAI Airways is selling one-way tickets for international flights to seven destinations in Europe and Asia this month. The special flights are intended for foreigners and Thais (especially those studying or working abroad) who need to leave the Kingdom for Munich, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Copenhagen, Taipei or Hong Kong.
A place where time stands still
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/07/2020
» Despite what the science says, time seems to pass at different speeds. In areas like Si Yan, Samsen and Bang Krabue -- which are all part of Dusit district in Bangkok -- it's as if time hasn't passed into the 20th century.
A stroll back in time
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 02/07/2020
» A refreshing breeze blew from the other side of the river, greeted by cheerfully rustling leaves of land and aquatic plants along its expansive path. Different kinds of egrets, thanks to their sizes and bright white plumage, could easily be spotted foraging near the waterside, but faint chirps in the air also revealed the presence of numerous other birds hiding among the foliage. In the river, a monitor lizard emerged from the dense floating patches of water hyacinth and swam leisurely in the open to the far bank. Meanwhile, along the lively yet tranquil waterway line traditional-style wooden houses built on tall stilts, some with boats moored at the water's edge.
When you're free to move about the country
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 07/05/2020
» It's going to be a while before we find out whether or not the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, the mass scrambles for alcoholic beverages, and the exodus over the recent long weekend will reverse the trend of the pandemic control in Thailand that seems to be going well. Let's hope they won't. At the same time, let's not forget that in many parts of this small world, the Covid-19 situation is still not getting any better.
A time for solitude
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 26/03/2020
» Starting on Thursday, Thailand is under a state of emergency. Hopefully, this will help the country cope with the Covid-19 pandemic more effectively. At the time of writing, a full lockdown is not yet announced. But in line with the emergency decree, it's likely that social distancing will no longer be urged but enforced. Only with people staying calmly at home will it be possible to keep the highly contagious virus under control. China has shown that such stringent measures worked. If everybody complies, it should bring a good result here, too.
A lesser-known side of Chinatown
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 12/03/2020
» Song Wat road is merely 1.2-km long, but it still might take you a few hours to walk from one end to the other, especially if you are a history lover or a shutterbug.
No longer places to just pass by
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 29/08/2019
» Mae Sot city in Tak province is widely known as one of the Kingdom's largest hubs of border trade. However, for holiday-makers, it's often overlooked. I, for one, have made brief stops in Mae Sot several times, on my way to Umphang to its south, to Mae Sariang and Mae Hong Son to its north, and even to Mawlamyine, the capital of Myanmar's Mon State to the west.
Outing extraordinaire
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 25/04/2019
» Less than 40km from the capital and packed with an assortment of attractions, Nakhon Pathom's districts of Nakhon Chai Si and Phutthamonthon (the latter neighbouring Bangkok's Thawi Watthana district) are a great destination for a day trip.
Past glory revived
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 18/10/2018
» While millions of tourists flock to Tha Tian and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) each year, a lot of Bangkok residents tend to avoid the area due to traffic jams and lack of parking space. If it has been quite a while since you've been to this old quarter, it's time to set a date for a revisit and witness the charming results of its recent makeover. If you don't think you can fall in love with this history-rich part of the city, come again and test your heart.