• OPINION

  Goodbye (It's Never Really Goodbye)

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 30/09/2022

  » At the risk of sounding cliché, I have good and bad news. Which one would you like to hear first?

• OPINION

  Don't be a bystander to mass famine

  Oped, Peter Singer, Published on 16/08/2022

  » In March 1964, The New York Times reported that 38 witnesses saw or heard a brutal, drawn-out, and ultimately fatal attack on a woman called Kitty Genovese, but none did anything to help her or even summoned the police. The report was later shown to be erroneous, but the "bystander effect" is real. As many psychology experiments have shown, an individual is less likely to come to the aid of another if they can see that other people who could help are not doing so.

• OPINION

  Thai tongue twisters

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/07/2022

  » Happy National Thai Language Day! July 29 has been designated by the Cabinet as Thailand's National Thai Language Day since 1999. Although it isn't a day off, we should take some time off to appreciate how rich and beautiful the Thai language is. And to celebrate Thailand's mother tongue, here are a few Thai tongue twisters to practise with friends for some guaranteed fun, from noob to god level.

• OPINION

  Loy Krathong Like It's 2021

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 19/11/2021

  » I don't think you really need to be reminded how ironic Loy Krathong is every year. But in case you need a refresher -- you thank the goddess of water by floating a decorated basket that ends up as garbage the next morning. Not to mention, bits from these baskets break off and contaminate water. What a way to show gratitude, huh?

• OPINION

  More Ways to Help

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 23/07/2021

  » There are many ways to help people who've been affected by the current surge of Covid-19. While providing free meals and donating to hospitals and organisations are among the firsts that come to mind, there are other ways that you may not be aware of. Here are a few.

• OPINION

  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.

• OPINION

  Taxi Timeline

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 11/06/2021

  » Taxi service in Thailand is about to enter a new drive after the Cabinet recently approved a draft regulation to allow the use of private cars for transport apps. The draft by the Ministry of Transport is expected to be put to use this month or within July. When enacted, vehicles with up to seven seats that are registered as personal cars can double as taxis via the apps.

• OPINION

  Himmapan Marshmallow

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 11/12/2020

  » #HimmapanMarshmallow trended during the long weekend last week, showcasing kawaii rendition of Thai mythical creatures founded at Buddhist temples in the north and the northeastern regions of Thailand. Why the hashtag? I guess Himmapan (magical forest) is because these creatures are mythical and marshmallows because they have been rendered roundish and cuddly.

• OPINION

  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.

• OPINION

  Dealing With A Covid-19 Side Effect

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 22/01/2021

  » One side effect of the Covid-19 pandemic that you may have overlooked (besides amassing a vast collection of hand sanitisers and exposing govt inefficiency -- kapow!) is more waste, especially plastic. Inevitably, it is exacerbated by our appetite for food delivery while we're WFH during this quasi-lockdown. The first wave saw an increase of plastic waste by 60% in Bangkok due to the higher demand for food delivery as estimated by Thailand Environment Institute in May last year. Thailand Research Development Insitute also claimed that one such order can contain up to seven pieces of plastic waste (so opt-out of utensils when you order please).

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