Showing 1 - 10 of 14
Checklist: How Thai-Chinese are you?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 28/01/2022
» Thais of Chinese descent, my people, the Chinese New Year will soon be upon us and it's time to look at and appreciate our quirks, nuances and legacy. Let's celebrate by finding out how Thai-Chinese are we with this just-for-fun checklist. The more you tick, the more Thai-Chinese you are, obvi. Happy Chinese New Year, everyone!
The Sacredness Of Thai Degrees
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 21/01/2022
» A Facebook post by a doctor went viral last week and sparked a much-needed and perhaps overdue debate regarding the graduation ceremony at Thai universities. She claimed her employer friends wouldn't consider hiring graduates who didn't attend the ceremony to accept their diplomas from a member of the Thai royal family for fear of them being troublemakers. Being conferred your diploma by a member of the Thai royal family is a relatively new norm that started in the reign of King Rama VII. I would like to offer my personal experience regarding the tradition and my two satangs on the topic.
#WhyDoesP'ToonRun?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 31/12/2021
» The short and sweet answer is that he invites people to join a recently-announced virtual run, which starts tomorrow, to raise money for 109 Matayom 3 students from very poor families so they can move on to an upper Matayom or a vocational level education.
Stop Indoctrinating Kids With Backward Ways of Thinking
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/09/2021
» Tests for Thai students that unintentionally expose a backward way of thinking are nothing new. You can laugh them off as pathetic, embarrassing and archaic aspects of the Thai education system but, IMHO, they should be taken more seriously. They should not be part of the Thai education system whatsoever, especially in 2021.
Music Is A Weapon
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 30/04/2021
» Last Friday, singer-songwriter Trai "Boy" Bhumiratna released a song in support of the medical frontliners in the ongoing battle against Covid-19. He later said in a Facebook post that someone had criticised him for not reflecting on the government's shortcomings. He replied, in gist, that music isn't a weapon but is healing and consoling, and he doesn't think of politics with every breath he takes. This didn't sit well with netizens who brought up his past involvement with the PDRC movement that ultimately led to Prayut Chan-o-cha's premiership.
Subject(s) (That) Matter
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 24/01/2020
» Two things that recently happened made me wonder about the definition of education in Thailand. First, a uni professor in Phitsanulok drafted a new course called "My Beloved Country" but the board rejected it, saying its purpose isn't in line with that of a general education course. The professor said his subject encourages students to "understand and appreciate their own values, as well as values of others, society, culture and nature". It sounds fine and dandy until you see his list of 18 guest lecturers consisting of controversial figures, some of whom are seen as aligning themselves with the government. So, if you disagree with them, would you be considered disloyal to Thailand or something? Second, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang ordered all schools under BMA to have their students sing the royal anthem after they sing the national anthem before classes every morning to remind them of Thailand's three pillars -- nation, religion and monarchy -- which I humbly think the kids are reminded of plenty already.
Predictions for 2020
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 03/01/2020
» We're less than 72 hours into 2020 and I would like to help you, dear readers, ease back into your routines. Here are a few of my somewhat educated guesstimates of what this year has in store for us.
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.
Checklist: Are You a Good Politician?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 30/08/2019
» □ Yes. But I didn't berate them or try to flex my muscles. I naturally speak loudly.