Showing 1 - 10 of 384
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?
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.
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.
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?
Moral conundrum
Oped, Postbag, Published on 15/01/2022
» Re: "Bill on media council gets cabinet nod," (BP, Jan 13). When we read in "Bill on media council gets cabinet nod" that "the exercise of media freedoms must not infringe on social mores", all who value good public morals will be deeply concerned. This must be so since being a social mores never has and cannot of itself guarantee that any belief, custom, or attitude is morally good.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.