Showing 1 - 10 of 19
'Soft power' plans need more work
Editorial, Published on 17/12/2023
» Thai rapper Milli, mango sticky rice, and moo krata. These are among the things which the previous and current governments have proclaimed as examples of Thailand's "soft power". Confused? So are those who are in charge of developing and promoting the idea.
Soft power sells best when not force-fed
Arusa Pisuthipan, Published on 07/08/2023
» South Korea knows how to sell its products. Apart from K-entertainment, the country has also popularised K-merchandise through pop culture. From fried chicken and ramyeon cup noodles to egg drop sandwiches and soju, instant coffee and dietary supplements, we have seen countless products from South Korea in series and movies successfully create a huge customer base in Thailand.
Thai soft power, or a soft sales job?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 31/01/2023
» Last week Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-cha issued a new soft power policy to promote Thai culture as part of efforts to attract international visitors. Upon close scrutiny, what the government is trying to do is actually raise revenue. In a nutshell, it is a sales pitch, nothing more.
A grim year rescued by Paddington Bear
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 25/12/2022
» It is customary at this time of the year to take a not-too-serious look back at the events of the past 12 months. It is not that easy because it's been a pretty miserable year highlighted by the madness of the war in Ukraine.
No need for blows in martial arts row
News, Nisit Intamano, Montakarn Suvanatap and Kittipaisalsilp, Published on 19/12/2022
» Khmer traditional martial arts, or "Kun Lbokator", was among this year's 22 new inscriptions to Unesco's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (ICH), as announced at the 17th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, which was convened from Nov 28 to Dec 3 2022, in Rabat, Morocco.
Bid for UNHRC seat needs care
Oped, Yawee Butrkrawee, Published on 13/10/2022
» In late September 2022, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai announced Thailand's bid to be a member of the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2025 cycle. While this is a bold, welcome move, self-reflection is much needed.
Meaningful Music
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 20/05/2022
» Hip-hop group Thaitanium made a "comeback" with a song called Por Mueng (I'm Your Dad) earlier this week. I put a quotation there because the song has been met with harsh backfire as its lyrics, which are both in Thai and English, contains explicit lines, which can be construed as misogynistic and condescending towards the younger generation of hip-hop artists.
You can't beat mangoes and sticky rice
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 08/05/2022
» I was tucking into some delicious khao nieo mamuang (mangoes and sticky rice) at a friend's house the other day and the conversation inevitably turned to teenage Thai rapper Milli, (Danupha Khanatheerakul) and her eye-catching performance at the Coachella music festival in California.
Smells like a scam
Oped, Postbag, Published on 06/05/2022
» Re: "Fast-money trail", (PostBag, May 5). I agree with most right-thinking people like Samanea Saman (BP, May 5) that the Thai Pass fiasco may be a simple money grab led by insurance companies forcing worthless Covid policies on tourists.
'Soft power' goal proves a tough nut to crack
Oped, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 03/05/2022
» The government's plan to harness "soft power" to propel Thailand into becoming a leading country of the world may sound impressive.