Showing 11 - 20 of 23
Exploring Thailand in one day
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 26/04/2018
» Thirty-six years ago, the 10-year-old me felt excited to see the replicas of more than 100 historic monuments, life-sized and smaller, in one place. Many other Thai students must feel the same since one of the must-sees on any school study trip is Muang Boran (Ancient Siam) in Samut Prakan province. Nowadays, Muang Boran has become a Thai art and culture learning centre and also a popular setting for the filming of TV series and movies.
A reluctant star
Life, Ariane Kupferman-Sutthavong, Published on 19/12/2017
» Jay Fai usually opens her shop around 3pm. But these days, no matter how early you get to Mahachai Road, it's likely you'll find a commotion and a line of people waiting for a seat. Plastic chairs have been put out on the footpath, but an army of cameras and phone-toting would-be customers still stand in front of the kitchen and reservation tables, hoping to catch a glimpse of the "omelette queen" herself.
Moulded by music
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 04/12/2017
» His trembling hands work with bamboo wood and turn it into Thai xylophone and gong wong mallets. Despite difficulties as a result of a stroke he suffered years ago, Chalor Jaichuen, one of the country's last craftsmen who still makes Thai xylophone and gong wong mallets by hand, maintains the dexterity of an expert.
Performing arts for the royal funeral
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 23/10/2017
» On the grounds of Sanam Luang this Thursday, dancers will dance, puppeteers will weave their magic and singers will croon sad songs. This is the time of mourning, but there is a centuries-old tradition of the royal court to host festivities on the occasion of a royal funeral. A wide range of majestic performances will grace the stages from 6pm on the royal cremation day until early the following morning.
Soi Sesame
Life, Parisa Pichitmarn, Published on 05/10/2017
» Ryan Dillon knows tables around the world intimately. "There's usually a lot of gum," he says from under a table at the Siam Kempinski's business centre. The American muppeteer was sitting on the floor under the table with his arms raised -- a position where he spends most of his time as the performer of Sesame Street's red furball Elmo. Recently in town last month, Dillon and Elmo were out and about in Bangkok to promote the new season of Sesame Street, which airs on MCOT Kids every weekend on 8am.
Heavenly rides
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 05/08/2017
» Like a journey through clouds towards heaven, marvellous royal chariots and vehicles will be moving smoothly and gracefully around the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang in a stunning procession for the royal funeral of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct 26. Amid great sorrow and mourning, everyone will be mesmerised by the grandeur of the royal ceremonies befitting the great king.
Isan scrolls depicting life of Buddha feature in new Zurich exhibition
Life, Published on 13/07/2017
» The first international exhibition of northeast Thailand's painted-cloth Vessantara Jataka scrolls has opened at The Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and will remain on view until mid-April 2018. Titled "Hin-Gabe", or "devotion", the exhibition includes other material objects and a video to explain the meanings and uses of the scrolls that depict the various lives of Lord Buddha.
A beautiful responsibility
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 05/06/2017
» Immediately after the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct 13 last year, a team of Fine Arts Department architectural specialists began their work to design the royal crematorium. Kokiart Thongphud -- known as the trusted right-hand man of the late architect Arwut Ngernchuklin, who designed several previous royal crematoriums -- knew that the responsibility would fall on his shoulders. That night his brain began to whirl, his hands skilfully moving the pencil, rulers and paper, his eyes focusing on the details.
Relentlessly restive
Life, Ariane Kupferman-Sutthavong, Published on 03/05/2017
» 'I think they're just selling clothes here," said one of three girls, as they walked out of the narrow, circular corridor leading to an exhibition space at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre.
Right man for the job
Life, Arusa Pisuthipan, Published on 01/08/2016
» From a farang-looking showbiz sweetheart who starred in a soap opera, television commercials and music videos 17 years back, today Christopher Benjakul is selling bread.