Showing 61 - 70 of 559
Connecting cultures
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 23/07/2020
» Have you ever pointed a camera at somebody and seen yourself through the viewfinder? One such moment happened to me over a decade ago while I was visiting a floating village on Siem Reap River, south of its namesake Cambodian city.
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.
A place where time stands still
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 16/07/2020
» Despite what the science says, time seems to pass at different speeds. In areas like Si Yan, Samsen and Bang Krabue -- which are all part of Dusit district in Bangkok -- it's as if time hasn't passed into the 20th century.
Museum dedicated to revered monk Man Bhuridatto reopens
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 14/07/2020
» Not long before the lockdown began, a museum dedicated to one of Thailand's most respected monks opened at Wat Pathum Wanaram, the religious oasis in Siam-Ratchaprasong shopping district.
Tower Club at lebua
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 09/07/2020
» Despite its international fame, I'd never been to this award-winning property housed in the iconic skyscraper crowned with a golden dome, and never felt I missed out on anything. Recently, however, I visited the hotel on the first day it resumed operation and realised I was wrong all along. This place has a few things unlike any other. On its reopening day, for example, its restaurant guests were asked to pay whatever they felt like. Surprisingly, it turned out none of the 100 or so guests paid less than the prices listed on the menu. Proceeds of 421,843 baht then went to charities.
A stroll back in time
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 02/07/2020
» A refreshing breeze blew from the other side of the river, greeted by cheerfully rustling leaves of land and aquatic plants along its expansive path. Different kinds of egrets, thanks to their sizes and bright white plumage, could easily be spotted foraging near the waterside, but faint chirps in the air also revealed the presence of numerous other birds hiding among the foliage. In the river, a monitor lizard emerged from the dense floating patches of water hyacinth and swam leisurely in the open to the far bank. Meanwhile, along the lively yet tranquil waterway line traditional-style wooden houses built on tall stilts, some with boats moored at the water's edge.
Park Hyatt Bangkok
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 25/06/2020
» I was kind of anxious as I entered the hotel's premises, not because it was my first time at the property but because it's the first time in three months that I was to spend a night away from the safety of my own home. However, as the check-in process began the worries started to dissipate. By the time I reached my sanitised room, I was already feeling at home. It was the first time I realised how much the feeling of being in a clean and safe place has to do with the meaning of the phrase.
Safety first for holiday getaways
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 24/06/2020
» After months of business suspension due to Covid-19, several hotels and resorts have resumed operation, and many more are soon to follow suit. Various promotions with special benefits are being offered to draw guests, and income, back to the properties. Still, despite immense travel cravings, a great many people may still feel uncomfortable to sleep at someplace other than home, and thus reluctant to take advantage of the opportunity.
Rainy days & getaways
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 04/06/2020
» Interprovincial travel is now possible, although with restrictions in certain cases. Historical parks and national museums are open. Many beaches are starting to see visitors from different provinces dying for a break from the unprecedented lockdown. Still, it's going to be a long while before tourism reaches the pre-pandemic level.
See the children play
Life, Pongpet Mekloy, Published on 11/06/2020
» A few decades ago, children playing outside was a common sight, even in Bangkok. Among the groups of youngsters roaming each neighbourhood, there tended to be not just friends but also siblings.