• 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

  Jurassic Park vs the weekend warrior

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 17/11/2016

  » How far have you ever travelled on your bicycle? Today let's go even farther. I'll take you all the way to the age of ancient reptiles.

• OPINION

  A drought of understanding

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 09/05/2016

  » Tonight there will be a new moon. According to the Thai lunar calendar, tomorrow will be the first day of the sixth month. And that reminds me of the classic Thai country song Fon Duen Hok (Rain Of The Sixth Month) and its famous description of rice fields at this time of year, when the air is moist with light rain and filled with the resonating frog calls that mark the beginning of monsoon season.

• 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

  Humble museum holds keys to past

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 10/09/2020

  » Entering the main hall of Chiang Saen National Museum in its namesake border town 64km or so northeast of Chiang Rai downtown, I was greeted by three beautiful seated Buddha images from the 16th century. Each had a pretty chubby body and a round face with a prominent chin and a closed-lips smile, typical of Chiang Saen, aka Lanna, style.

• TRAVEL

  Explore hidden gems outside Bangkok

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/09/2020

  » The other day when I learned that the Tourism Society, an academic network of communities that run tourism operations, was planning an outing to Ban Sala Daeng Nuea and nearby sites of interest, my heart leapt with joy. This Mon community by the Chao Phraya River is one where the residents still cherish their cultural heritage. Located in Pathum Thani's Sam Khok district, which is only 37km or so from Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, where I live, Ban Sala Daeng Nuea and its namesake temple are among those places in adjacent provinces that I've long wanted to visit but somehow never got the chance to.

• 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

  Easy-peasy Chinese on TikTok

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 19/05/2020

  » TikTok, one of the most downloaded social media apps in recent years, is rapidly attracting more users during the lockdown period with fun and creative short videos. But the contents the popular platform offers cover not just lip-syncing, singing, dancing, stunts, pranks and crazy challenges.

• LIFE

  The other side to Pattaya

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/01/2020

  » Na Klua may not be the most prominent mark on the Pattaya tourist map. But for some, a trip to the popular resort city wouldn't be complete without a visit to the northern end of town. Indeed, a growing number of holidaymakers, myself included, see Na Klua as a worthy destination in its own right. With its old-town charm, street art, inexpensive fresh seafood, seaside picnic areas and more, what's not to love?

• LIFE

  Back to the basics

  Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 02/01/2020

  » On the breezy top of the limestone cliff on the east side of Doi Pha Phueng, 1,600m above sea level, I zipped up my jacket and let the sights and sounds of the natural surroundings soak in. Before me was a sea of forest-clad mountains, bathed in the warm rays of the morning Sun. The air was filled with blissful silence, with faint songs from invisible birds occasionally seeping in from the canopy below.

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