Showing 31 - 40 of 125
New norms that don't make much sense
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 05/06/2020
» The phrase "new normal" has become the new cliché as Thailand eases restrictions on businesses and activities. You can go to a cinema without having to worry if anyone will see you bawl your eyes out during an emotional scene since the seats around you are empty. As we learn to live with new norms of everyday life, you may come across some that don't seem to make much sense. Here are a few for your entertainment.
#BehindTheHashtags
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/03/2020
» Many student protests that were partly set off by the dissolution of Future Forward Party over the past two weeks has also ushered in new hashtags into the lexicon of Thai social media. At the time of writing, it has been reported that there are 28 hashtags associated with campus protests. Some are humourous while others carry strong political stances and sharp gibes. Whether you agree with these students who've chosen to make their voices heard, it's better to get used to their protest hashtags as more student flashmobs are on their way (but many speculate that the designation of Covid-19 as a dangerous communicable disease may be used as a tool to suppress them). Not to mention, an online campaign calling for people to wear black on Fridays as a symbol to oppose dictatorship began last Friday.
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.
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.
Thainess Three Ways
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/01/2020
» Three budding Thai artists — Terdtanwa Kanama, Teerapon Sisung and Subannakrit Krikum — are having a group exhibition titled "Neo THAiiSM" at Joyman Gallery until the end of February. Each presents what does Thaiism means in their own way, resulting in a show that features a diverse range of works and techniques. We talked to the three 20-something Silpakorn alumni about their latest exhibition.
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.
Culinary crash course
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 20/12/2019
» I remember back when no kids would say they wanted to grow up and become a chef. Fast forward to the present day when becoming a chef has become a career of choice (with a side of celebrity) for many. Whether you aspire to be an Iron Chef, Masterchef, Top Chef, executive chef of a five-star hotel, chef-patron of a Michelin-starred restaurant (or just a better home cook), you can kick-start your culinary journey at Dusit Thani College.
For the (curious) records
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 13/09/2019
» It seems like not a month goes by without Thailand being recognised on a global scale. Recently, Bangkok beat Paris and London as the most visited city in the world for 2018, for the fourth consecutive year, according to a MasterCard ranking. Thailand's capital hosted 22 million overnight travellers. In the midst of the flattering and not-so-flattering world titles Thailand has received, you may not be aware of the times we receive recognition for rather peculiar feats. If your curiosity is piqued, allow me to present the strange/cool world records in the Land of Smiles.
Thailand's Miseducation
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/09/2019
» The conventional notion is that you can rely on textbooks as your source of basic knowledge on a subject matter that you're interested in, but that it isn't always the case in Thailand. You see, some Thai books or educational materials don't seem to care much about being factually correct and, sometimes, politically correct, too. Here are some recent examples for your miseducation.
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.