Showing 31 - 40 of 58
Answering the Big Questions
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 30/06/2017
» If you haven't already heard, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has put forth four questions regarding politics and the future of Thailand that he would like all Thais to answer in designated locations across the country. However, according to various news reports, the turnout has been rather lukewarm. Dusit Poll recently revealed that 84.08% won't go to the said locations to answer his questions mainly because they have to work. If you have already seen the questions, you'll know that they aren't exactly easy to tackle and require some thought.
Questioning Media Reform
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 12/05/2017
» Over the past few weeks, to much of my dismay, the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) has been making progress in pushing for a draft media bill. First, they proposed an idea to levy penalties on unlicensed reporters with up to B60,000 fines and three years in prison, with the companies who hired them also facing similar consequences. Semi-fortunately, the harsh punishments were later dropped, but people who work in media still need to obtain certificates from their employers.
Thailand-Only Headlines
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/02/2017
» If you've pored over newspapers (in a desperate hope to find a story to base your editor's note) as much as I have, you can't help but notice the types of stories that make the front page or your Facebook newsfeed again and again. Here are nine Thailand-only headlines I've noticed from various news outlets on numerous occasions, along with my observations on them. Strictly for your entertainment.
Real-life Cases of Irony
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 03/02/2017
» Irony: a situation that transpires in contrary to what you would expect, with an amusing effect. If you're a news junkie, you'll probably notice many news stories in Thailand that jump right off our front page because of their ironies.
Guru's ethics test
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 20/01/2017
» Last Thursday, Bangkok Post, our publication's daddy, reported that PM Prayut Chan-o-cha wanted a moral and ethical sense test for students of all levels and suggested that schools should get students to write one page of Thai history. He said it would make them aware of their social responsibilities and duties.
Oh, the Places I won't Go!
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 13/01/2017
» The school fees mum and dad do pay,<br> so I'd better get some damn good grades,<br> But some of those teachers they scold, so grey,<br> or like to throw things in my face.
Don't fail the test
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 02/12/2016
» The Council of University Presidents of Thailand, CUPT, has suggested that the National Institute of Educational Testing Service introduces an English version of the national tests which Thai students take to apply for universities. This would hopefully give students who study in English programmes a better chance of entering higher education. It sounds reasonable since EP students aren't as good at Thai as those who study in the Thai programme. CUPT's secretary also said that the English tests should basically be translation of its Thai counterpart. This means we could possibly have the Ordinary National Educational Test (ONET) in both Thai and English in the near future.
Driving Test: Bangkok Edition
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 14/10/2016
» In a bid to make the roads safer, the Department of Land Transport recently announced a plan to raise the pass mark from 90% to 100% on the multiple-choice driving exam. Soon you'll have to answer all 50 questions correctly to obtain a driving licence. Of course, people can appear responsible on paper but they can actually, in real life, be jerks on the road. But if that extra 10% somehow makes the roads 1% safer, don't you think it's worth our collective effort to strive for full marks? This new requirement is expected to be in effect next year so, in the meantime, you can take my very own driving exam to find out how responsible a driver you can be (or whether you should never be allowed on Bangkok's roads, for the sake of everyone else).
Mini Khon Thai Test
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 26/08/2016
» Army chief Gen Theerachai Nakvanich recently urged people to look out for anything suspicious in their communities in the wake of the recent bomb attacks, while adding new Thai characteristics to everybody's knowledge. He said, "Thai people don't wear hats or glasses in the mall. Carrying a backpack is also suspicious too."
A good old-fashioned melee
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/06/2016
» Sire, there's a battle brewing in Nonthaburi! And I, your humble serf, have embarked on a long and arduous (taxi) journey to reach the Medieval Village in Bang Yai to witness the melee miself. Milords and miladies, allow me to present thee 10 things thou should know before joining a medieval battle there.