Showing 1 - 10 of 10
When the Streetlights Go On
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 18/06/2021
» Lampposts have posed a lot of questions since last week. If you've been around Thailand, you're bound to spot fancy lampposts that are equipped with sculptures at the top. These sculptures represent something unique about their locality like what a province is known for or simply are mythical creatures. They are nothing new in Thailand but become the new talk of Thai town after people raise questions, rightfully so, about their costs and necessity. Some suspect good old corruption and collusion between local govt officials and the contractors who built them. They are paid for by the taxpayers' money, after all.
What's in the Nickname?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 01/01/2021
» It's a year-end tradition for Thai media to anoint figures in the political world with nicknames (with a varying degree of sarcasm). On Monday, their nicknames were revealed and -- in case you had been busy with the New Year celebration since Christmas -- I'm here to explain the idea behind some of them. g
Kids (and adults) say the darnedest things
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 10/01/2020
» Tomorrow is National Children's Day and, instead of telling you where to take your children/nieces/nephews to climb tanks and watch a fighter jet show, I decided to flip the script. You see, a little one can say something out-of-left-field and humorous. The same can be said for adults who sometimes give damnedest responses, comments or excuses despite their years of wisdom. Here are a few examples of when adults say the darnedest things, Thailand edition.
Keeping up with Thai hashtags
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 18/11/2016
» The social media sphere has been a breeding ground for new Thai words, phrases or hashtags that are used in posts, shared content and news stories. They spread so quickly I doubt the Royal Society of Thailand is able to keep up. For the sake of edutainment for all the immediate learners of the Thai language, as well as my fellow Thais out there, here are eight popular online phrases of recent times. Just in case, you know, you want to be down with the kids.
Thai Education 4.0
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 23/09/2016
» Pictures of Thai university students dressing up as Adolf Hitler and China's Red Guards were circulated online earlier this week. Apparently, they mimicked these historical figures lightheartedly while doing a Nazi salute during their faculty's activity.
Hic, hic, hooray!
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 02/08/2013
» Today (Aug 2) is indeed one of the most important dates of the year - it's International Beer Day. Hooray! Beginning in 2007 in Santa Cruz, California, the brew-fest has grown into a global celebration that takes place in 50 countries, including Thailand. While the Thai authorities may appear super vigilant when it comes to drinking, we think this day can be celebrated so long as you're responsible about it. So that's why we're here to help you honour International Beer Day (IBD) like a mature adult. Bottoms up!
To catch a Thai thief
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 18/01/2013
» We often think the Thai police force suck at their job (but are productive when it comes to gimmicky initiatives such as Ja Choey 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0), but we guess sometimes it doesn't matter because criminals aren't such smart cookies themselves. (That's probably why they chose a life of crime in the first place.) To give police some slack, we've found incidents that show how hilariously some stupid criminals got nabbed by the authorities for your entertainment. Don't do illegal things and/or be this stupid, kids.
Draw Something
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 22/06/2012
» While most of us have outgrown the "draw-on-the-wall-and-get-yelled-at" phase, Jirachai "Keng" Taweesarn is still there. The 27-year-old turned his family's house into a gallery of nightmarish cartoonish monsters, and he didn't stop there. Keng has drawn on everything from a toilet seat to a motorcycle, a water cooler, his own body and more.
You're fired!
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 09/03/2012
» What's the riskiest thing you've ever done at the office? Stealing your boss's hair from his/her desk to use in a voodoo doll? Taking a secret nap in the meeting room? Coming to work unwashed after partying all night? Or just generally slacking off? We have all done a thing or two that management would frown upon (if they came to know of it). And you should be careful because, unlike esteemed MPs and high-ranking officials, Somchais and Somyings get fired every day for their mistakes and sometimes for causes you can't imagine. We've selected five cases of extraordinary sackings which, in hindsight, reveal tips to help you keep your job or at least give you some ideas to go out with a bang.
Not just your Average Do-Gooder
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 13/01/2012
» HOW DID YOU GO FROM BEING A DRUG-ADDICTED DELINQUENT TO A VOLUNTEER WORKER?