Showing 1 - 6 of 6
A show of strength
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 16/09/2022
» Over the past few years, American superheroes have dominated the movies in cinemas and series on various streaming services. That is likely to continue since Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe consists of planned releases in 2023 and 2024, while DC Extended Universe also has at least five films to be released next year. Last month, a reboot of the Red Eagle, perhaps Thailand's best-known superhero, was also announced for a planned release in 2024. Guru thinks home-grown heroes need long overdue love from us, so here are some of the memorable ones for your reading pleasure.
Give Thai Children A Real Gift
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 07/01/2022
» Thailand's English proficiency is on the decline for the third consecutive year, according to a global survey conducted by Education First. The survey, which was announced in November last year, ranked 112 countries that don't use English as their official language in order of their English Proficiency Index. Thailand is No.100, being the lowest ranking country in Southeast Asia. In 2020, we were at 89 and in 2019, we were at 74. Not so promising.
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.
(E)Special(ly) (Ironic) Days
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/12/2019
» The point of setting up holidays and special days is to celebrate or observe a cause, a thing or an event of significance. But as I scan through the 2020 calendar (to plan to use all of my days off in advance), I can't help but find that some special days in Thailand have taken an ironic turn.
Reading Between the Words
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 26/07/2019
» Sometimes when you read Thai news stories, you may come across certain phrases or words that show up again and again. They are often terms that mask something that's less pleasant or perhaps too blunt to be said outright.
Crossword Puzzle: Thai PM Candidates Edition
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 22/02/2019
» As the March 24 election nears, the number of opinion polls have increased. On Sunday, one poll in particular caught my eyes. Super Poll announced the result of a survey, which I unofficially translate to "The Public’s Concern During Election Season". What made this poll stand out is that when they asked people about their specs for PM candidates, they use cryptic descriptions such as "Man in his 50s. Former leader of this country with high position" and "Man in his 40s. Former exec. A political activist." Instead of simply using their actual names like other polls? They did that to avoid violating any election rules, perhaps.