Showing 1 - 10 of 17
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.
Political Art Toys
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 30/07/2021
» The frustration against the status quo can be expressed in several ways. If you're a hip-hop artist, you can rap and rhyme about it in a viral music video. If you no longer give a damn, you can put a certain uncle on blast in your Facebook post and mention his official page (you know who you are). Even if you're just a bystander, you can't dodge political illustrations and memes on your newsfeed.
#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.
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.
555 Headlines
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/11/2019
» Looking at your newsfeed can give you a sense of doom and gloom these days. Venice faces its worst flood in 50 years. Koala becomes "functionally extinct" because of the (at the time of writing) ongoing bushfires in Australia. Another Thai factory was shut down and workers were laid off en masse. If you need a break from bad news like I do, you're in luck. Here are three funny headlines -- unintentionally or not -- to lift up your mood.
Sacred Figures Thai Mediums Should Channel Next
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 08/06/2018
» Unless you've been living under a rock (or just back from a meditation retreat), you can't really avoid news or posts regarding khon song jao (mediums) on your news feed. These people claim to be able to channel Hindu deities, past Thai kings (uh-oh, 112), characters from classic Thai literature and Doraemon.
Answering Uncle Tu's Questions (Again)
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/11/2017
» Recently, our dear leader Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha posed six new questions regarding new political parties, which critics have deemed as a way for his regime to pursue its own political interests.
When Thai Headlines Are Brutally Honest
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/09/2017
» Is it just me or do you also feel like you want to rewrite the headlines in your newsfeed sometimes, just so they appear more honest and straightforward? If so, you're in luck! I've reinterpreted the headlines of recent news stories with a dose of reality, purely for your entertainment.
No more casual sexism
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/06/2022
» Last Friday, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha made another insensitive verbal blunder. You may say, "Hey, Pornchai, aren't you used to this by now?" but I would argue that this latest (and hopefully last one) merits a response from yours truly, delivered with the utmost respect as always.
Making Internship Count
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 18/03/2022
» A Facebook post by a Chula student went viral last weekend and sparked a conversation surrounding the state of internships in Thailand. The sports science student was told to complete his internship next year, following a dispute with a higher-up while interning at a hotel. Apparently, he refused to do what he was told and got snappy in his reply via Line to the general manager. He argued that the uni could have done more for him as he had secured another company to continue his internship there instead.