Showing 1 - 10 of 42
Don't rain on my parade
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 03/07/2020
» It's a sad twist of fate that as quarantine restrictions have lifted, the rainy season is upon us. There may be many who want to get out and about, perhaps even the introverts like me may want just a tiny bit of socialising. But don't let the rain dampen your mood. If you and your friends want to hang out and have some fun, Guru's got a few fun spots even if it's raining cats and dogs.
We ain't Nate, mate
Life, Apipar Norapoompipat, Published on 21/07/2017
» Nathan Bartling, aka "My Mate Nate", is a hero to some and a low-life to many. The Mormon missionary-turned-local-YouTube star has been plastered all over the news this week once again -- finding himself on the end of public outrage after his latest stunt of trying to flatten coins on Bangkok's railroad tracks. The whole event may seem like an overreaction, but this hasn't been the first time that the 24-year-old American has angered locals and expats due to his juvenile stunts.
New kid on the block
Life, Published on 23/03/2021
» When Thai virtuoso rapper Nuttawut Srimok, better known as Golf F. Hero, realised that he had no notable song after working in the music industry for almost two decades, he decided to produce and release his first album, Into The New Era, in 2019. The seven-track album featured catchy high-quality songs and was an outstanding achievement that won him multiple prizes -- best artist and best album -- at Season Awards. By working hard, the rapper produced songs that music enthusiasts could sing along with at live concerts such as Suea Sin Lai (A Stripeless Tiger), Jam Keng (Slipped Your Mind) and Jam Loey Rak (Defendant Of Love).
Welcoming a new decade!
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 03/01/2020
» For those of you who may have missed it, we are in a new decade. Yes, you read that right. No, you are not hallucinating. Yes, we are all old. Welcome to the beginning of the 2020s where films like Back To The Future and Blade Runner are not just classics but the future worlds depicted in them are now effectively in the past; where years like 2050 and 2060 no longer sound ridiculous like they did back in the early 2000s and where those born in 2000 are 20 years old. It's a lot to take in, that's for sure. With every new year also comes the declarations of "New year, new me" posted all over social media and vocally announced at dinner tables everywhere. Resolutions are made and kept for a good two weeks or so before being thrown out the window. So instead of trying to expect things to happen that we aren't even sure will happen, let's take a look at the stuff that we're fairly certain will happen this year. Here's a couple of things to look forward to this 2020.
Made in Thailand
Guru, Published on 05/07/2019
» To say that Thailand has been getting global recognition lately may be a bit of an understatement. After all, it's not a secret that it's a famous tourist destination with plenty of beautiful beaches and street food that's been topping lists for years now. Of course, these are only just a few things Thailand is well-known for but we don't really have the time to get into all of that (*cough* rigged election *cough*). However, people from the outside may have a narrow view of what Thailand and its culture really is, but fortunately, there are things that help put a spotlight on these things. The next instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise is filming right now in parts of Thailand, including Krabi where its governor stated that the film would be a "great advertisement for the nature, culture and history of the kingdom". Erm sure, that's what the Fast and Furious franchise is all about anyway. While the film will most likely be more about cars zoom-zooming and vroom-vrooming, there are a number of shows on TV that give a better focus on Thai culture. Here are a few.
Harry shows Bangkok some Styles
Life, Kong Rithdee, Published on 14/03/2023
» The accessory du jour was the fluffy pink boa. The colour scheme was hot pink -- pink pants, pink boots, pink cowboy hats, pink eyeshadow, pink hijabs. Or if not pink, then anything in the tooth-aching shades of the rainbow. It was a lively, joyous sight on Saturday night, a show of hot-hue aesthetics in a defiant contrast to the brutalist concrete skeleton of Rajamangala Stadium. How I wish concrete-mad Bangkok could look like this every day!
Beyond the ropes
Guru, Pasavat Tanskul, Published on 19/10/2018
» In Bangkok's Charoen Krung area, tucked within an alley lies Maison Close, a dark bar/art gallery and home to some of the more uncommon tastes in art from abstract calligraphy to ero guro. However, as you enter the venue on some nights, art isn't the only focus but a blindfolded woman hung in suspension with ropes. The ropes have been tied up by a rope artist and her model serves as a canvas for elaborate and intricate patterns. Despite looking uncomfortable, the model, dubbed a rope bunny, is in a state of stillness and relaxation, with the ropes symmetrically wrapped around the curves of her body -- something beautiful or mesmerising. This is shibari or the art of Japanese rope bondage. Enter at your own risk.
Bangkok reimagined
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 23/09/2022
» You may already have heard of Bangkok being compared to Blade Runner made real, given our neon signs, skyscrapers, dingy alleys, huge billboards, elevated motorways and busy roads. Flaws and all, Bangkok has inspired many artists to reimagine it in their own way, shining a different light on our beloved capital city. Its unique aesthetic has captured the imagination of many artists and filmmakers, and Guru has compiled a few noteworthy reimaginations of Bangkok for your entertainment.
Stirring national pride
Guru, Suthivas Tanphaibul, Published on 09/09/2022
» Although being a world leader is not Thailand's strong suit. We, Thais, do know how to find memorable ways to roar our name proudly and make sure others keep us alive in their thoughts. According to the Guinness World Records, many Thais have beaten world records in presenting Thai culture creatively and unexpectedly, which has made us proud. Guru has a small complication of what we have archived.
A larger-than-life Aussie lit up Thailand
B Magazine, Andrew Biggs, Published on 07/05/2017
» The annual Australian TV awards called The Logies were on last week. Having been away from Australia for nearly three decades I can't get too excited about them, primarily because most of the winners were born after I left. Watching excerpts of the shows up for awards does remind me that one cannot confine a discussion about bad TV to Thailand only.