Showing 1 - 5 of 5
Laws must guard all ethnic rights
Oped, Apinan Thammasena, Published on 24/10/2024
» One of the most important yet neglected issues in Thailand is the need to protect our indigenous peoples and their remarkable cultures. Over 60 ethnic groups contribute to the rich diversity of our society.
Getting soft power right
Life, Prof Apinan Poshyananda, Published on 08/01/2024
» After three months in office, the Srettha Thavisin government has raved on about populist policies in the guise of digital wallets and soft power projects that will create income to boost our declining economy. With optimism, we learned that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai party leader and head of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC), has drafted a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost festivals and creative industries. It is welcoming news to hear this government is priortising art, music, literature, design, fashion, film, food, games, sports and festivals as essential sources for the creative economy. Where this enormous chunk of budget will come from, like digital wallets, remains to be seen.
Very soft Thai power in the making
Life, Apinan Poshyananda, Published on 20/09/2023
» Since the recent return of Thaksin Shinawatra after 15 years of self-exile to Bangkok and the parliamentary selection of Srettha Thavisin as Thailand's 30th prime minister on the same day, politics and culture have unfolded with drama and excitement.
A pioneer in her field
Life, Apinan Poshyananda, Published on 28/12/2022
» Eminent conceptual and performance artist Marina Abramovic will be in Bangkok to give a lecture on "The History Of Long Durational Works Of Art And MAI". Over the past 50 years, Abramovic has earned worldwide acclaim as a pioneer of performance art. She has consistently tested the limits of her physical and mental endurance. Abramovic participated in previous Bangkok Art Biennales in 2018 and 2020. For this edition on the theme of "CHAOS: CALM", she is showing nine stunning video works, two of which were created in Thailand.
Fraternal dialogue
Life, Apinan Poshyananda, Published on 06/07/2022
» Reminiscent of the scene in Oscar-nominated film The Two Popes where Cardinal Julio Bergoglio (Jonathan Price) was led by the Swiss Guards up the long staircase to have audience with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins) at the Apostolic Palace, a group of Buddhist monks and laymen were guided by soldiers in colourful uniform towards the private quarters in Vatican City. Dazzling and brilliant shades of yellow and saffron worn by Theravada and Mahayana delegations contrasted strongly with Renaissance frescoes decorating walls and ceilings.