Panel by Panel, New Book Explores Vibrancy, Art of Thai Comics
BANGKOK — Before 1968, the phi krasue ghost in Thai culture only existed in oral traditions and whispers. But with cartoonist Tawee Witsanukorn’s drawings that year, he was the first to give her the iconic floating female head and dangling entrails – and that ghastly appearance haunts to this day.
Rural Temple Statues of Magical Beasts Melt Hearts, Inspire Fanart
KHON KAEN — While Chinese dragons inspire awe and Greek centaurs represent mysterious wisdom for centuries, Thai mythical creatures have the power to make the internet squeal.
How Miniskirts Riled Up Thai Dictatorship in the Late 60s
BANGKOK — Miniskirts in fresh kelly greens and sassy oranges upset a military ruler so much, he exercised his special power to cover up some young women’s thighs.
‘Democracy’ of Warhol’s Art Make it a Must-See for Thais
BANGKOK — The first-ever Andy Warhol exhibition in Thailand has come at an opportune time – blurring the lines between celebrity culture, products, politics, and art.
Meet Rusameekae, Thailand’s Half-Black LGBT Star
BANGKOK — “I’ve never seen a negro toot!” a market stall lady shouted loudly, at Rusameekae while he was strolling at the market, using slang for effeminate gay man. He was 15.
Museum Explores Contested History of Bangkok’s Most Political Avenue
BANGKOK — Perhaps no road in Bangkok is as contested in politics and in history as Ratchadamnoen Avenue, which runs for 1.2 kilometer in what used to be Bangkok’s city center in its older years.
Cinema at Scala Shuts Down, But Its Future is Unclear
BANGKOK — For 51 years, Scala Theatre was a temple to film in the heart of downtown Bangkok. With its closure Sunday, Scala’s death spells the end of the last remaining stand-alone theater in the capital.
Orphaned Teen Paints Landscapes of His Town for College Money
KALASIN — With each painting of lush wet rice fields with leaping catfish, each blooming lotus pond with palms in the background brings one 18-year-old boy closer to his dream of being an architect – and preserving his hometown’s beautiful environment.
Thai Manga about Northern Food Wins Silver at Japan Manga Awards
TOKYO — A Thai comic book about a family cooking northern cuisine featuring northern dialect placed second in Japan’s prestigious manga competition, the Embassy of Japan in Bangkok announced Monday.
Get Into 64 Museums Nationwide for 299 Baht (and No ‘Farang Price’)
BANGKOK — If you’re sick of strolling aimlessly through malls, why not enrich your weekends at museums about the capital’s old quarter, or the country’s little-known aviation marvels with an all-access, 299-baht pass.
