Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Thai society's religious diversity celebrated through landmarks, festivals
Life, Patrapa Premjit and Nattakorn Takam, Published on 15/05/2025
» Although Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand, the country is home to people of various faiths, resulting in a society rich in beliefs, ways of life and religious art that reflect cultural and religious pluralism.
Soft power struggles
Life, Apinan Poshyananda, Published on 05/06/2024
» Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's 10 months in office have proven to be full of optimism, entertainment and drama. His non-stop whirlwind trips to lure investors including Microsoft, Tesla, Formula One, Tomorrowland and Art Basel to Thailand earned him the image of the salesman on a Time magazine cover. With the government's 10-month report card out and future plans in discussion, there has been both applause and confusion.
Cool spots for Songkran
Life, Patcharawalai Sanyanusin, Published on 12/04/2024
» This year's Songkran festival is special since it is the first after the holiday was formally recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage event by Unesco four months ago. In Bangkok alone, grand celebrations and activities are awaiting revellers at shopping malls, temples and tourist attractions. Here are some recommended venues to take part in water splashing to promote the nation's soft power.
The charm of Songkran
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 11/04/2024
» After being listed as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage late last year, Songkran is gaining momentum in drawing tourists to Thailand. In an attempt to boost tourism, Thai New Year celebrations get under way today and will last until April 17 in various places.
Travel notes
Life, John Clewley, Published on 23/05/2023
» Cambodia, like many Southeast Asian countries, enjoyed a golden era of popular music during the 1950s and 1960s, when Phnom Penh, known as the "Pearl of the Orient" became an important cultural centre, a breading ground for the meeting of Western rock and pop and Cambodian music. Author Dee Peyok in her fascinating new book Away From Beloved Lover: A Musical Journey Through Cambodia (Granta, UK, 2023) notes that "the music of East and West merged across Southeast Asia to the most fascinating mélange of instruments, attitudes and expressionism".
The songs of monarchs
Life, Channeary Nieng, Published on 19/12/2022
» For famed saxophonist and lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Pathorn Srikaranonda, two recent performances in Phnom Penh were a music mission to remember.
Symbols of strength
Life, Stefan Hell, Published on 28/11/2022
» In central locations of three major Asian cities -- Singapore, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City -- stand bronze elephant statues. If they could talk, these statues could tell of imperialism, civil war, invasion, anti-colonial struggle, independence, nationhood, and more recently of rapid urban and economic development. Perched high up on their plinths, the elephants have witnessed some of the key events in the modernisation and emancipation of Southeast Asia, with all its promises and bloodshed. All three statues were gifts made by Thai kings.
Abode of the gods
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 04/08/2022
» Cicadas sang a chorus as the forest opened out. I peered into the darkness and traced the distant contour of a monumental religious complex, a remarkable feat of human civilisation. Keyed up with my first visit, I crossed a floating bridge, a soon-to-be-dismantled construction, over a large moat in the midst of lush vegetation. Before dawn, I arrived at Angkor Wat.
Looking to a hopeful future with Pride
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 30/05/2022
» Election of inclusive Bangkok governor, return of famed pageant point to good times ahead
Virtual dose of history and culture
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 03/06/2021
» Amid the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, we've been secluded at home for a few months and experienced travel restrictions as tourist attractions and entertainment venues remain closed.