Showing 61 - 70 of 138
What's in a (vaccine) name?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 16/07/2021
» While medical professionals and the public are urging the govt to provide mRNA vaccines as the main choice of inoculation to better fight the Covid-19 surge, there are also crazy claims about mRNA vaccines that express doubts over it. These claims are so cray-cray that I've decided to retell them for your entertainment.
Lost in Translation
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 25/06/2021
» At the risk of sounding nostalgic, I enjoy Googling things from decades gone by (exhibit A: Thai vintage ads in my past editor's notes). The Thai language version of famous Hollywood movie posters is another blast from the past I think is highly underrated, especially if you're a language nerd/film buff. Back then movie posters had to be recreated by Thai artists, who hand-painted them, along with creative copywriters, who came up with catchy titles and taglines in Thai.
When the Streetlights Go On
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 18/06/2021
» Lampposts have posed a lot of questions since last week. If you've been around Thailand, you're bound to spot fancy lampposts that are equipped with sculptures at the top. These sculptures represent something unique about their locality like what a province is known for or simply are mythical creatures. They are nothing new in Thailand but become the new talk of Thai town after people raise questions, rightfully so, about their costs and necessity. Some suspect good old corruption and collusion between local govt officials and the contractors who built them. They are paid for by the taxpayers' money, after all.
Taxi Timeline
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 11/06/2021
» Taxi service in Thailand is about to enter a new drive after the Cabinet recently approved a draft regulation to allow the use of private cars for transport apps. The draft by the Ministry of Transport is expected to be put to use this month or within July. When enacted, vehicles with up to seven seats that are registered as personal cars can double as taxis via the apps.
Wake Up And Smell the Durian
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 21/05/2021
» You know it's summer when boob/moob sweat stains appear on your clothes when you go out for a quick lunch. You know it's summer when khao chae floods your newsfeed and 7-Eleven feels like a sanctuary from the sunlight. You also know the hottest time of the year has arrived when you smell the durian.
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.
Cultural And Religious Authorities Have Bigger Tilapia To Fry
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 07/05/2021
» A Thai dessert shop in Samut Songkhram got creative by introducing alua in various shapes of Buddha amulets, whose pictures of which went viral last week. Various cultural and religious authorities -- shock horror -- cried foul over this idea.
Modern Advertising Oops
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 14/05/2021
» If you've been a regular reader of mine (and thank you so much if you are), you know I'm a bit obsessed with advertisements. They can be an unintentional source of controversy and comedy, if not done right. Here's a few of modern advertisement that perhaps need a second thought.
Vintage Ads that Won't Run Today
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 23/04/2021
» I love browsing through Thai old-timey print ads from the yesteryears for the nostalgia and quirks from the past they bring. Mirinda was B1 per bottle and Ovaltine was purported as a drink of choice for ladies who wanted to have glowing skin.