Lifestyle

BANGKOK — Click on those colorful memes mixing Taylor Swift gifs with this minute’s hot topic and expect to be confused when it takes you to Pim Thai Mai Dai.

There might be no better words to describe the year in art, culture and entertainment better than “same same but different,” as 2016 saw many trying to create good work while facing the same challenges that never go away.

BANGKOK — With a rap and a hashtag, “Nakorn Kon Nok (The Outsider)” came out on top Friday, winning its author the top Southeast Asian Writers Award.

While the world churned, many of us kept busy finding new obsessions to keep us happy.

BANGKOK — When Thai football wanted to update its image for the new year, it turned to an urban hipster with a rural heart to come up with something a little country, a little rock 'n roll.

BANGKOK — Go on a romp through philosophy and religion next year with an absurd-existential play about a dead man the afterlife isn’t sure what to do with.

BANGKOK — Taking in the beauty and charm of Tibet no longer requires an arduous journey thanks to technology, which makes it possible to sample in comfort from a world away.

BANGKOK — Unicorns with rainbow manes, a giant sugar skull, and even a smiling penis are among the Maneeporn Puangla’s piñata creations.

BANGKOK — The Russian Federation had a headline-grabbing year, from military operations in Syria to accusations it sought to influence the U.S. election. But as it projects an image of strength onto the world stage, its oil-dependent economy remains wrecked by a double blow of historically low oil prices and crippling Western sanctions.

BANGKOK — Of all his alleged glorious talents, filmmaking held a special place in the heart of late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. Problem was, his isolated nation made terrible films, so he concocted a simple plan.