Showing 41 - 50 of 62
Lend a hand
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 01/05/2020
» The number of individuals and restaurants giving out free food to those affected by the pandemic has restored our faith in humanity. If you wish to contribute to those in need, here are a few organisations looking for help.
Covid-19 Terminology
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 10/04/2020
» Are you a covidiot or a covidient? You can probably guess the meaning of both portmanteaus. The former is used to describe people who disregard social distancing and other rules regarding the Covid-19 pandemic that have been put in place while the latter is the opposite and comprises of "Covid-19" and "obedient". Hope you're all the latter.
Movies for All
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 14/02/2020
» Chatchai Aphibanpoonpon, founder of Klong Dinsor, is the man behind Pannana, an app that helps blind people enjoy movies through audio description. The 35-year-old Thammasat alumnus talks about his mission to better the lives of people with disabilities through several projects.
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?
Uniquely Thai Logic
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/01/2020
» A school in Pathum Thani was recently exposed for having the controversial policy of gauging the loudness of students singing the national anthem. They were so serious about it that they divided the students into three categories, based on how loud they are: green, yellow and red. If a student is given green, then they pass. Yellow means they have to sing it twice. Red means they have to sing it thrice. WTF, you ask? This idea is supposed to measure how much students love Thailand. The louder they sing, the more patriotic they are. Simple logic. Of course, the school scrapped this unnecessary practice after receiving overwhelmingly negative feedback from the public. Simple logic, too.
Kids (and adults) say the darnedest things
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 10/01/2020
» Tomorrow is National Children's Day and, instead of telling you where to take your children/nieces/nephews to climb tanks and watch a fighter jet show, I decided to flip the script. You see, a little one can say something out-of-left-field and humorous. The same can be said for adults who sometimes give damnedest responses, comments or excuses despite their years of wisdom. Here are a few examples of when adults say the darnedest things, Thailand edition.
Santa Clauses are coming to town
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 20/12/2019
» We catch up with Michael Biedassek (right) and David Pfizenmaier (left), the Thaigers (Thai-German, got it?) who are behind various campaigns for positive social changes. Michael is the managing director of bangkokvanguards, a purpose-driven travel operator that raises awareness of Bangkok's unexplored communities.
Questions for Future Miss Universe Thailand
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 13/12/2019
» It seems every Thai was talking about Miss Universe 2019 earlier this week (and I'm sure we'll be hearing about it for another week). Even though our Fahsai didn't win the title, she reached the top five and made us proud. What got people talking so much, besides how gorgeous she looked, was how she answered the question, which many think was picked for Thailand. MC Steve Harvey asked her, "Government surveillance is used to keep many nations and their people safe. But some believe this invades our right to privacy. What is more important to you, privacy or security?" Fahsai gave a PC answer, saying the government should find a way to keep people safe without invading people's privacy. A very safe answer but how would you come up with an answer to a complicated question in 30 seconds? A few people said her safe answer was because she wanted to return to Thailand.
(E)Special(ly) (Ironic) Days
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/12/2019
» The point of setting up holidays and special days is to celebrate or observe a cause, a thing or an event of significance. But as I scan through the 2020 calendar (to plan to use all of my days off in advance), I can't help but find that some special days in Thailand have taken an ironic turn.
Krabi's Piece of Paradise
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 01/11/2019
» Pimalai Resort & Spa lives up to its name, which is derived from Sankrit, meaning a piece of paradise. Your journey to get there is an experience in itself. Guests are whisked away comfortably (and for free) in a minivan from Krabi Airport to an exclusive jetty to board a Pimalai boat. While onboard, you can nurse a cold drink while taking snapshots against the deep blue sea and various islands along the way.