Showing 1 - 6 of 6
The year travellers came back
Life, Story: Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 21/12/2023
» Upon the arrival of the Year of the Rabbit, Covid-19 became a seasonal virus and the world was full of hope again as borders reopened and travellers longed to indulge their wanderlust. This lit the torch for tourism to bounce back.
Welcome back
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 22/12/2022
» As the world has recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic's three-year assault, the Tiger will hand the baton off to the Rabbit. The 2022 countdown celebration was ultimately toned down when Omicron infections quickly spread and the number of new Covid-19 cases in Thailand exceeded 20,000 in February.
Songkran myths, modern muddles
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 11/04/2022
» After the Covid-19 outbreak disrupted our lives for over two years, the government has lifted regulations, allowing people to celebrate this year's Songkran festival in public settings. However, water fights, powder smearing, foam parties or the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will not be permitted.
Hanging by a thread
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 13/04/2021
» For Korn, the coronavirus outbreak has heightened loneliness. He feels trapped in his cave-like apartment in Samut Prakan where he has been living and working, with his depression still lingering after a painful break-up three years ago. Songkran is the only time of year he visits his family in the Thon Buri district of Bangkok. They are not close but at least the thought gives him a sense of belonging. Moreover, Songkran allowed him to join boisterous pool parties and water fights and "free his spirit".
Pandemic heightening discrimination against LGBTI
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 25/05/2020
» It's May. Normally, we would have had a big celebration this month for the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, which falls on May 17 annually. But, of course, with Covid-19 still running rampant, the activities and commemorations have migrated online. Several organisations held a Facebook Live session to discuss the situation they are facing in their communities to reflect this year's theme, "Breaking The Silence". And silence, indeed, must be broken, especially when the pandemic has taken the heaviest toll on vulnerable populations.
We shall meet again
Life, Published on 13/04/2020
» Thailand without Songkran in April is unprecedented. But in a shocking move, the first meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration last month decided that the annual Songkran holidays -- April 13-15 -- should be postponed to later, undisclosed dates.