Don't silence deep thinkers
Don't silence deep thinkersThe recent termination of employment, work permit and related visa of David Streckfuss, an American academic who has worked at Khon Kaen University for the past 27 years, has intensified fears over suppression of academic freedom. About a month before his termination, Mr Streckfuss helped organise a seminar on Isan identity. Mr Streckfuss wrote Truth on Trial in Thailand: Defamation, Treason and Lese-Majeste, published by Routledge Press in 2011. Thus, how could Mr Streckfuss have been expected to fulfil his duties of enrolling exchange students on to the Khon Kaen University programme? Immigration Division 4 in Khon Kaen have said they need more time to inspect the paperwork -- that could be another foot-dragging tactic but attempts to eliminate him are useless.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 21, 2021 21:33 UTC
The evolution of khon
While Pichet and Jitti both approach khon as dancers and choreographers, with wildly different results, there are other artists in Thailand whose contribution to khon should not be overlooked. What does it mean to modernise or bring into the present a performing arts form? The number of young khon artists who continue to dance in khon productions and who have sought out opportunities to train and perform with artists like Jitti and Pichet is proof that the new generation of artists continues to see khon as relevant to them and has the desire to innovate and build upon their artistic roots. Khon is a relatively straightforward art form. Who says then that curiosity in the performing arts has to start only in the theatre and after-school classes?
Source:Bangkok Post
April 21, 2021 21:26 UTC
Exploring islands less known
Koh Nok Phao was not a familiar destination to me when talking about exploring the islands in the southern province of Surat Thani. Known as Muang Roi Koh (meaning Hundred Island Province), Surat Thani has many islands and islets that have not yet become well-known unlike Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Koh Nok PhaoLocated about 5km from the mainland, Koh Nok Phao can be visited year-round. Koh Nok Phao temple is located on the beach next to the Ban Koh Nok Phao School on the northwest of the island. This little bridge on top of coastal rocks is a popular selfie spot on Koh Nok Phao.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 21, 2021 21:11 UTC
April sees surge in retail cryptocurrency traders
April sees surge in retail cryptocurrency tradersThe number of retail cryptocurrency traders in Thailand continues to skyrocket with 24,000 new accounts created in one week in April following the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) approval for Bitkub to resume accepting new accounts. Some traders in such groups suggested opening accounts with foreign exchanges as they accept credit cards as payment method while local exchanges do not. Poramin Insom, founder and director of Satang Corporation, said the Bank of Thailand had banned credit cards as payment methods for cryptocurrency trading since 2018. However, some transactions may have evaded the bank's inspection as the merchant codes for those transactions were not identified as cryptocurrency trading. Mr Poramin said traders should not take risks with a higher interest rate cost of credit cards because the price of cryptocurrencies is highly volatile.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 21, 2021 21:00 UTC
Two deaths,1458 new cases
The 1,458 new cases confirmed on Tuesday comprised 1,454 local infections and four quarantined arrivals, from Japan (two Japanese, one Thai) and Malaysia (a Thai woman). So far this month, the capital had 4,329 cases and adjacent provinces reported a total of 2,656 cases, Dr Apisamai said. "Many new cases are people who were in contact with previously confirmed cases and this raises the number of infections among family members and the local community," she said. Of the 46,643 total cases, 29,371 (63%) had recovered, including 413 discharged over the previous 24 hours, and 17,162 were in hospital. Global Covid-19 cases rose by 824,975 in 24 hours to 143.54 million.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 21, 2021 07:01 UTC
When geopolitics impacts markets
When geopolitics impacts marketsFractious geopolitics doesn't always move world markets -- but the summer of 2021 may give us some glimpse about exactly where and how it does. The US dollar itself -- once seen as the safest harbour during military tensions -- has gone in the other direction this month. To be sure, many news- and research-based indexes measuring geopolitical risk are, rather surprisingly, still very low. But it mainly spotlighted the impact such a fracture could have on energy markets, grains and other agricultural foods of which Russia is a key supplier. For financial markets already fearful that pandemic-related money printing and debt accumulation makes inflation the next big bogeyman, that may be the biggest vulnerability.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 21, 2021 04:52 UTC
Reimagining a classic
The Thai Ramakien is very different from the original Indian Ramayana. I want to present Thai art in a different form. When mentioning Thai art, people think of the traditional kanok pattern. Some of his Thai characters include some elements of Japanese cartoon characters also and this may appeal to viewers," said the curator. Instead of focusing on the main characters in the Ramakien, Surachet intended to depict supporting characters, especially the giants.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 20, 2021 23:26 UTC
Help frontline staff first
Help frontline staff firstIt's a shame that all frontline workers -- doctors, nurses and healthcare personnel -- have not received Covid-19 vaccines yet. But these touching visuals and show of appreciation mean nothing when in practice some medical workers are left to battle the outbreak without a vaccine. News from the Centre of the Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) that 146 medical workers have been infected with Covid-19 from April 1-13 is upsetting. Mr Chuan on Monday said he would not receive Covid-19 jabs until all medical personnel fighting the pandemic are inoculated. The veteran politician was spot-on when he said it is understandable for MPs and other groups of people to be allocated the vaccines but front-line medical personnel are in every way at greater risk of contracting the virus.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 20, 2021 22:52 UTC
Apple launches new iPad and colourful iMacs
Apple launches new iPad and colourful iMacsTim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc, stands with the all-new iMac line-up in this still image from the keynote video of a special event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California on Tuesday. The new iPad Pros, starting at $799, use the same M1 chip as Apple's other computers, rather than the beefed-up version of iPhone chips found in previous models. The AirTags announcement could result in a new round of complaints to lawmakers that Apple is hurting smaller rivals. In a research note, Raymond James analysts said AirTags could grow to become a $10 billion opportunity, similar to AirPods. "The more you buy into just one hardware product, the less likely it is you'll ever leave," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 20, 2021 22:52 UTC
winter 2021 Michael Kors collection show
NEW YORK, April 20, 2021— Opening night was the theme of Michael Kors’40th anniversary collection for Fall/Winter 2021, which debuted this morning at 9 AM (NY time) on MichaelKors-Collection.com and the brand’s digital channels. “For my 40th anniversary collection, I was really thinking about the joy in getting dressed up and stepping out for a night on the town,” says Michael Kors. The stream began with a greeting from designer Michael Kors live in New York’s Times Square captured this morning. The runway show video showcases the full Fall/Winter 2021 Michael Kors Collection, seen on models Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Carolyn Murphy, Ashley Graham, Shalom Harlow, Bella Hadid, Alek Wek and more. Michael Kors Website: http://www.michaelkors.com/Runway Digital Experience: http://www.MichaelKors-Collection.com@MichaelKors on Instagram, IG Stories, Reels and IGTV: http://instagram.com/michaelkorsMichael Kors on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/michaelkorsMichael Kors on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michaelkors@MichaelKors on Twitter: http://twitter.com/michaelkors@MichaelKorsTH on LINE Thailand https://lin.ee/dcmzK1mJoin the conversation: #AllAccessKors #MK40 #KorsThailand
Source:Bangkok Post
April 20, 2021 17:03 UTC
Mexican president gets Covid vaccine, says 'no risk'
Mexican president gets Covid vaccine, says 'no risk'Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador receives his first dose of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine after his daily news conference. MEXICO CITY - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday received his first dose of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine and urged all senior citizens to be immunized, reassuring them it was safe. There's no risk," added Lopez Obrador, who reported the previous day that residents of 13 Mexican municipalities were refusing to get the shot. Lopez Obrador, who has a history of heart problems and hypertension, announced in February that he had overcome the coronavirus after being treated with antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. As well as the AstraZeneca shot, it has received coronavirus vaccines from US drugs giant Pfizer, China's CanSino and Sinovac, as well as Russia's Sputnik V.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 20, 2021 16:52 UTC
Prayut needs no praise given vaccine setback
Prayut needs no praise given vaccine setbackThere is no way to explain the deep devotion the public have shown for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha despite his repeated failings, except perhaps Stockholm syndrome. What they need is an update on their Covid-19 vaccines. The government has administered a dose of Covid-19 vaccine to some 500,000 people or 0.8% of the population as of April 18. Closer to home, Singapore has given nearly 20% of its population one dose of vaccine, while almost 10% have received two doses. Its excuse, that it's not easy to secure Covid-19 vaccines, is absurd.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 19, 2021 23:26 UTC
Beds can't go to waste
The sharp rise in infection cases put great pressure on the country's health care system. Currently, the Health Ministry demands that all those testing positive must enter state quarantine, such as hospitals or field hospitals that are freshly built. Instead, quite a few are for self-isolation or home-quarantine, with a support system to allow health personnel to follow up each patient. The fact is: a large number of the country's health personnel must be exhausted after battling Covid-19 since the first outbreak. There are reports that some policy-makers at the Health Ministry have started eyeing a home quarantine option.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 19, 2021 23:26 UTC
Schools still set to reopen May 17
Schools still set to reopen May 17Officials confirm the new school semester is still set to start on May 17, but it could be delayed if the Covid-19 situation remains serious. (Bangkok Post file photo)All primary and secondary schools are still scheduled to reopen on May 17, but this could change if the coronavirus spike is not reined in, Education Minister Treenuch Thienthong said on Monday. The decision to keep the school term calendar unchanged at this time was agreed on at a meeting of senior education officials, the minister said. However, it was also agreed the first semester opening could be delayed to June 1, if needed, if measures to stem the Covid-19 outbreak did not lead to an improving situation.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 19, 2021 10:52 UTC
Riding the dragon
US-China relations might become more civil but the rivalry will be no less intense, and that is a worry for Asean countries. However, Mr Biden is under no illusions about the challenges his country faces. For now, Mr Biden is willing to trust professional diplomats to get the relationship with Beijing back on track, though there will continue to be a spirited rivalry. When it comes to dealing with China, Asean countries would do well to emulate Vietnam, he said. TROUBLED WATERSDiplomacy has been tested in the extreme when it comes to the South China Sea, vast tracts of which are claimed by China.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 19, 2021 01:52 UTC