Showing 1 - 10 of 182
Rhythms of the Northeast
Life, John Clewley, Published on 21/02/2026
» The first Maha Morlum Festival, a showcase soft power event, was held in Maha Sarakham from Feb 13-14 and World Beat travelled to the Isan province to enjoy the two-day, one-night immersive experience promised by the event's organisers.
Straddling two worlds
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 11/12/2025
» When I visited Istanbul for the first time, I learned a joke from Gocke, my local guide, who goes to work by undersea train every day. "But you can't see anything," she laughed. For her, it takes only four minutes to cross from Asia to Europe, under the Bosphorus Strait that divides the ancient city.
A new classic
Life, Nianne-Lynn Hendricks, Published on 07/11/2025
» The second of only two Vietnamese restaurants with a Michelin green star, Lamai Garden in Hanoi lives up to its accolade.
A lifelong volunteer
Life, Thana Boonlert and Arusa Pisuthipan, Published on 30/10/2025
» From the day Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother was crowned in 1950, she was the greatest supporter of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej as his reign began in the same year. The Queen Mother always accompanied His Majesty on royal duties in many provinces across Thailand, near and far.
The beat goes on
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 20/10/2025
» Many traditional performances have lost popularity because they fail to adapt with the times. Molam is an excellent example of an Isan performing art that has incorporated modern features with traditional characteristics and remains popular today.
Passing of a giant
Life, John Clewley, Published on 11/10/2025
» Sad news reached the World Beat desk this week that Prof Dr Terry E. Miller of Kent State University in the US passed away on Oct 1. He was 80 years old.
Elton John shines in new documentary
Life, Published on 22/09/2025
» A new documentary titled Touched By Gold was recently released by the World Gold Council as a powerful exploration of gold's enduring influence on culture, creativity and society, told through the voice and life stories of Elton John.
Molam master passes
Life, John Clewley, Published on 15/07/2025
» World Beat journeyed to Roi Et province last week to attend the funeral of Assoc Prof Jarernchai Chonpairot, who passed away on the July 5 aged 83.
Boosting the Northeast
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 03/07/2025
» To further develop the creative economy in the Northeast, the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), Khon Kaen province and Alliances teamed up to create the Isan Creative Festival under the theme "Isan Soul Proud". The festival is presented through three industries -- entertainment and content; handicrafts, arts and design; and food.
When musical theatre goes gangster
Life, Alongkorn Parivudhiphongs, Published on 05/06/2025
» Produced by Scenario and directed by Takonkiet Viravan, Gangster 2499 The Musical is a new stage adaptation of the iconic 1997 Thai film Dang Bireley's And Young Gangsters. The musical reimagines the gritty world of 1950s Bangkok gangsters through a dynamic theatrical lens.