Showing 1 - 10 of 18
Rising rents threaten the vibrant street food scene of the once-booming Banthat Thong Road
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 09/06/2025
» As night fell, neon signs gradually lit up Instagrammable restaurants and cafes. Despite pouring rain, tourists were taking photos of a dessert shop's logo of a boy holding a bun at an iconic intersection. Some eateries were teeming with customers, with a long queue of them spilling onto the sidewalk. Some, less popular, saw staff sitting idle. Others put up advertisement for lease.
Recalling Bangkok's dark side
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 16/06/2022
» Many places are veiled in darkness. Arguably, they were once -- or still -- a reminder of things that should be left unsaid. You may entertain the thought of them, but should not make them known. Who wants to hear of social evil and death? But these places can offer a deeper understanding of what our city is made of.
Reminiscing a bygone time
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 13/04/2022
» The novel coronavirus pandemic has subdued Khao San Road for more than two years. It was not until recently that the neon-lit street showed a flicker of life. However, officials have banned the annual water fight to avoid the risk of an outbreak for the third year running, dashing hopes of a revival.
Regulate in moderation
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 14/03/2022
» 'Section 32 has been very painful to me," said Wichian Inkraidee, an owner of Kacha Kacha, a Japanese restaurant. He was blacklisted and faced a hefty fine for breaking the draconian alcohol law. In the last hour of 2014, an inspector on patrol found an image of a glass of beer on the menu, which was claimed to promote drinking.
Hom is where the heart is
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 10/01/2022
» In Nakhon Phanom, rice fields in yellow-gold are gone with the wind. Late in the year, farmers expect to reap the fruits of their labours only to be broken by substantial loss. Harsh winds damage some rice crops, resulting in everything from bills to unpaid tuition fees. Year in, year out, nothing changes.
Carrying on the legacy
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 13/09/2021
» Located in front of the Chinatown Rama theatre in Bangkok, Ouan Pochana has sold guay jub (rolled rice noodle soup) for over 50 years. Famous for peppery clear broth, the dish is served with crispy pork belly, internals, egg, and small patonggo (fried dough). It won the Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2019.
For all mankind
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 04/08/2021
» Over 60 years ago, Moscow launched a beach ball-sized aluminium satellite, Sputnik 1, into space for the first time in history. Its beep radio signal kicked off the space race between the Soviet Union and America at the height of the Cold War. When US astronaut Neil Armstrong landed on the Moon, his small step became "one giant leap for mankind".
State of confusion
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 09/06/2021
» The Mor Prom platform met its doom on the day of its launch. A large number of people flocked to register for the Covid-19 vaccination, causing the system to break down temporarily due to overwhelming demand. Bookings for people over 60 and patients with seven chronic diseases experienced a bumpy ride ahead of the mass vaccination starting earlier this week. While the application's name is translated as doctors are ready, people joked that doctors are actually not.
A cure-all for their wallets
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 08/02/2021
» The notion of "panacea" has long captured the human imagination. In Greek mythology, Panacea was the goddess of healing. She was the daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine, who was the son of Apollo the physician and a mortal woman. With the blood of Gordon, Asclepius can bring the dead back to life, which angered the gods and culminated in his downfall.
Expats welcome Biden's victory
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 16/11/2020
» After four turbulent years under US president Donald Trump, American expatriates in Bangkok are saying the victory of president-elect Joe Biden promises to bring back some "normality" to their lives.