• TRAVEL

  Float among the flowers

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 05/12/2019

  » After years of environmental issues, the lotuses and water lilies of Thung Sam Roi Yot have returned to the wetlands. Thousands of the flowers are now in full bloom.

• OPINION

  Adapting new handwashing solutions

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 18/05/2020

  » Considering its microscopic size, it's amazing how the novel coronavirus has easily kept us humans -- the species which rules the planet -- tamely at bay. Millions of people around the globe are now spending time confining themselves at home rather than venturing outside. As a result, various aspects of life, from finance to romance and so much in between, need to change. Some of these behavioural changes have already become or are predicted to become, the so-called new normal.

• TRAVEL

  Overlooked no longer

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 11/03/2021

  » Nam Tok Chet Sao Noi was one of the few national parks that I didn't want to revisit, mainly because it was overcrowded, dilapidated and poorly managed. Last year, however, I heard the ugly duckling of Saraburi's Muak Lek district has been transformed into a swan. So the other day when I got the chance to travel to those parts I decided to check it out.

• LIFE

  Bag a holiday bargain

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 23/02/2021

  » Thai Teaw Thai is one of the best fairs to hunt for good deals from hotels, resorts and other service providers in the travel industry. With the pandemic, which has resulted in such businesses struggling to survive, the upcoming 58th edition of the fair promises to have special offers that are more tempting than ever.

• TRAVEL

  Hiding in plain sight

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/12/2020

  » I'm no fan of paintings but I understand folks who are able to enjoy a visual feast by masters such as the likes of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci or Vincent Van Gogh. I do the same every time I find myself in a magnificent landscape. Indeed, Mother Nature is my favourite artist.

• TRAVEL

  Not quite a staycation

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 27/08/2020

  » Dying to get back to nature but national parks are so far away? Longing for an outdoor experience but you don't think you have enough time?

• LIFE

  A place where time stands still

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/07/2020

  » Despite what the science says, time seems to pass at different speeds. In areas like Si Yan, Samsen and Bang Krabue -- which are all part of Dusit district in Bangkok -- it's as if time hasn't passed into the 20th century.

• TRAVEL

  Where the lotus blossoms

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 30/07/2020

  » At the front end of a long wooden boat, I stood up to appreciate the full view of the natural world around me. There weren't as many lotus blossoms to be seen as in my previous visits years ago but the peaceful marshland was still full of life. A variety of plants and animals were still celebrating the life-giving rain that had stopped just a few minutes ago. It's hard to believe that in 2016 this very place became so dry that you could see the cracked soil surface. I hope that will never happen again.

• LIFE

  Safety first for holiday getaways

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/06/2020

  » After months of business suspension due to Covid-19, several hotels and resorts have resumed operation, and many more are soon to follow suit. Various promotions with special benefits are being offered to draw guests, and income, back to the properties. Still, despite immense travel cravings, a great many people may still feel uncomfortable to sleep at someplace other than home, and thus reluctant to take advantage of the opportunity.

• LIFE

  Rainy days & getaways

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 04/06/2020

  » Interprovincial travel is now possible, although with restrictions in certain cases. Historical parks and national museums are open. Many beaches are starting to see visitors from different provinces dying for a break from the unprecedented lockdown. Still, it's going to be a long while before tourism reaches the pre-pandemic level.

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