Showing 41 - 50 of 383
Theatre of the absurd
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 28/11/2022
» Last week, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Tourism Authority Thailand announced that 8,745 people from Surin province succeeded in setting a new record of "the highest number of people folding fabric animals simultaneously" in the Guinness World Record. This event was part of the Elephant Festival, an annual event in Surin. Organised by the Surin provincial administration and TAT, the event of folding fabric into elephant dolls aimed to boost tourism since numbers had dropped due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Organisers also hoped the event would promote Surin fabric, which is a signature product of the province.
It seemed a good idea at the time
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 27/11/2022
» The annual elephant festival in Surin attracted more than the usual attention last week after featuring an attempt to enter the hallowed Guinness Book of Records. Alas, the only record achieved was that hundreds of student "volunteers" roasted in the sun, exposed for hours to high temperatures reaching 39C.
Rivers need urgent care
Oped, Editorial, Published on 08/11/2022
» Today, Thailand celebrates Loy Krathong, a festival held to honour the mythical goddess Phra Mae Kongkha -- the personification of the kingdom's rivers.
Firetraps need fixing
Oped, Editorial, Published on 01/11/2022
» Saturday's tragedy in South Korea's Itaewon district has raised concerns about the management of crowded entertainment areas in many cities around the world.
Rishi Sunak is a new and old-fashioned Tory
News, Published on 27/10/2022
» It is a nice coincidence that Rishi Sunak has won the leadership of the Conservative Party, and hence the prime ministership, on the most important day of Diwali, the "festival of light" celebrated by Hindus, along with Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists. Diwali supposedly marks the triumph of "light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance". It is also associated with wealth and prosperity. In February 2020, Mr Sunak took his oath of office as chancellor of the exchequer holding a copy of the Bhagavad Gita and celebrated Diwali by putting lights outside his official residence at Number 11 Downing Street. He will now be the first Hindu to become UK prime minister. His time in office will hinge on his ability to deliver a reasonable measure of prosperity to a country that is in dire economic straits.
Rising S Korea deepens ties with Asean
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 20/09/2022
» To witness the dynamism of South Korea's rise and its relationship with Asean and each bloc member, it is important to attend the reception marking the national day of Vietnam.
Come Rain or Shine
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 16/09/2022
» Everyone and their mother are well aware that floods suck, period. But give it to the Thais who manage to make the most of the rains as shown in these pictures, which I hope will lighten up the heavy rain (with no intention to glamourise it).
Joking aside, it's time for a quick groan
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 28/08/2022
» The news has been rather gloomy lately and it feels like an appropriate time for some light relief. What better than to check out which jokes from stand-up comedians were voted the funniest at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe which concludes tomorrow. Unfortunately this year's offerings are either not particularly funny or I can't understand them. Perhaps I'm getting too ancient to appreciate modern wit. Anyway prepare yourself for a few quick groans.
Boosting Northeast India-Thailand ties
Oped, Published on 12/08/2022
» The northeastern part of India is a very important component of India's "Act-East Policy" as it shares land borders with Myanmar. As many as four states of Northeast India, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram share borders with Myanmar.
Upcoming AMM facing uphill tasks
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 26/07/2022
» The Asean Foreign Ministerial Meeting (AMM) next week will be a test of its centrality and relevancy as never seen before. The annual meeting has to confront sensitive new and divisive issues that will require the 55-year-old bloc's collective wisdom, commitment and foresight.