• TRAVEL

  Dusit unveils 11th property in China

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 03/10/2023

  » Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, represented in China by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, expands its foothold in China with the opening of Dusit Thani Mogan Mountain, Huzhou — the 11th luxury Dusit-branded property in China.

• OPINION

  Dos and Don'ts With Thai Numerals

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 03/06/2022

  » An online petition on Change.org to replace Thai numerals with Arabic counterparts in government documents sparked a big debate online. The petitioner cites convenience for the public, abiding by the international standard and ease of use of digitised versions of these documents as the main reasons. Those who are against this idea are upset since they deem that such petition would remove one of the uniquenesses of Thai culture.

• OPINION

  Popcat fever

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 20/08/2021

  » How many pops have you made? Popcat website/game took Thai internet by storm over the weekend. And the furry frenzy was still going strong at the time of going to press. ICYMT, here's a summary of the online feline phenomenon so far. Yes, cat pun very intended.

• OPINION

  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.

• 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

  Modern Advertising Oops

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 14/05/2021

  » If you've been a regular reader of mine (and thank you so much if you are), you know I'm a bit obsessed with advertisements. They can be an unintentional source of controversy and comedy, if not done right. Here's a few of modern advertisement that perhaps need a second thought.

• 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).

• LIFE

  The jam

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 09/10/2020

  » Jarrett Wrisley and Paolo Vitaletti, the dynamic duo behind Appia, Peppina and Soul Food Mahanakorn, are also the brains behind Jam Jam Eatery & Bar, the sole restaurant at newly-opened Asai Bangkok Chinatown.

• LIFE

  Fit for mum

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 07/08/2020

  » Ruen Nappagao, Bangkok Air Catering's new Thai restaurant, serves a 10-course set menu in celebration of Mother's Day. If you want to go big to show appreciation to your mum, this may just do the trick.

• OPINION

  Subject(s) (That) Matter

  Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 24/01/2020

  » Two things that recently happened made me wonder about the definition of education in Thailand. First, a uni professor in Phitsanulok drafted a new course called "My Beloved Country" but the board rejected it, saying its purpose isn't in line with that of a general education course. The professor said his subject encourages students to "understand and appreciate their own values, as well as values of others, society, culture and nature". It sounds fine and dandy until you see his list of 18 guest lecturers consisting of controversial figures, some of whom are seen as aligning themselves with the government. So, if you disagree with them, would you be considered disloyal to Thailand or something? Second, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang ordered all schools under BMA to have their students sing the royal anthem after they sing the national anthem before classes every morning to remind them of Thailand's three pillars -- nation, religion and monarchy -- which I humbly think the kids are reminded of plenty already.

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