Showing 41 - 50 of 278
Emporium of the Bizarre
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 26/11/2021
» If you've been spending a lot of time on your phone or computer, you've probably come across suggestions of items that may be of interest from several e-commerce platforms. While most suggested items relate to what you've been looking up on the internet, a few items seem to come out of nowhere. Have you been recommended a see-through bikini, as well as a shelf for Buddha images at the same time? No, just me? Some items you can't even believe exist!
Thai Words of the Year
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 03/12/2021
» Collins Dictionary recently picked NFT, or non-fungible tokens, as 2021's Word of the Year and it got my language pedant self thinking two things. First, isn't NFT an acronym and hence it should be "acronym of the year" or two words of the year if we want to be that anal-retentive. Second, why don't I give the same treatment to the Thai language for your edutainment? Here's my personal pick of TWOTY.
Awkward English
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 12/11/2021
» At the risk of sounding like a grammar pedant (I'm avoiding the N-word here), it irks me every time when I see awkward English copy in advertisement and publicity materials for products intended for the Thai market.
Loy Krathong Like It's 2021
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 19/11/2021
» I don't think you really need to be reminded how ironic Loy Krathong is every year. But in case you need a refresher -- you thank the goddess of water by floating a decorated basket that ends up as garbage the next morning. Not to mention, bits from these baskets break off and contaminate water. What a way to show gratitude, huh?
Bloody Thai fairy tales to celebrate Halloween
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/10/2021
» Halloween is about to be upon us and there's no better time to tell horror stories to get you into a spooky mood. And we don't have to look far for horror stories to send a chill down your spine. A few fairy tales from Thai childhood can do the bloody trick. Here are two local fairy tales that, in hindsight, are way too bloody and depressing for children.
Body Autonomy Is No Family Matter
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 05/11/2021
» Last week, a Thai musician got into scorching hot water for sharing pictures and a video clip of him being "affectionate" with his nine-year-old daughter via his Instagram and TikTok. I put the quotation there since the public promptly questioned his social media display of affection towards his daughter, to say the least. Warning, I'm about to describe what he did to show the extent of his actions and you may find it very unpleasant.
Cool It With Virtue Signalling
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 15/10/2021
» The uber-popular South Korean series Squid Game on Netflix got free publicity earlier this week when a spokesman for Thai police spoke out against it.
Hollywood Movies With Crazy Thai Titles
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 22/10/2021
» Have you been back to the cinema as yet? As I'm browsing through movies for my first flick to celebrate multiplexes reopening (I went with Shang-Chi because duh!), I can't help but notice the difference between Thai posters of Hollywood movies today compared to those from bygone years. While Thai posters of blockbusters today stay faithful by transliterating its English title with Thai letters and translating its subtitle almost verbatim (eg Shang-Chi With Mysterious Legends of Ten Rings), the vintage counterparts are more-is-more and over explained. Not only do they feature different designs that are re-created by talented Thai artists along with Thai titles that have nothing to do with the original titles but also spew several visual spoilers. Here are a few Thai posters of Hollywood movies with crazy titles and taglines for your entertainment.
Dubious Designs
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 08/10/2021
» Good designs can stop you in your tracks and catch your attention. Questionable designs garner the same reaction, though with unintentional comedic effect or innuendos. Don't believe me? Here are a few of so-bad-it's-good designs for your entertainment.
Easing Up
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 01/10/2021
» Today marks the reopening of 10 more business venues in 29 dark red provinces as restrictions against Covid-19 have been further eased. I know you're going out today (it's TGIF after payday, after all) and here are a few highlighted measures to know before you head out.