This Sexy Burmese Model Is Myanmar’s Hottest Export Right Now

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8 August 2019, 12:53

BANGKOK — No screaming fans waited with glowing signs to see politicians at the recent ASEAN summit in Bangkok – but they did scream for another unintended ambassador.

Paing Takhon, a 22-year-old Burmese model known for his long hair, sensual lips, and sultry photoshoots with cats, is in Thailand for his first fanmeet – a rare case of fame in the country for a celebrity from Myanmar.

“It’s like he’s an ASEAN Economic Community ambassador. He’s like a bridge that connects Myanmar and Thailand,” Areewan Chukaew, 39, the founder of the Paing Takhon Thailand Fanclub, said Wednesday. “I like how down-to-earth he looks, especially in his sarong photoshoot. He’s also got a Korean look to him.”

Paing Takhon at a fanmeet event on Aug. 7, 2019. Photo: Siri Thaitrakulpanich

Areewan and dozens of other fans gathered Monday to see Paing at Siam Paragon, where the model spoke on stage, sang a song, and made mini-hearts for his fans.

At the fanmeet, Paing could speak a few words of Thai (“I love you”) but spoke mostly in either Burmese through an interpreter or in English.

Thai entertainment executives, such as Wasan Homsaengpradit, the director of Hollywood Thailand studio, have said Paing will soon appear in commercial endorsements and soap operas, or lakorn, in Thailand.

“But first, he’ll have to learn Thai and practise his English,” Wasan said. “Maybe we’ll give him a Thai name. Maybe Khon.”

Fans call themselves “the Kalicos”, a reference to Paing’s photoshoots with animals – especially cats.

Paing was born Sis Ko Paing as the fourth in a family of six children, in Kawthaung town near the southernmost tip of Myanmar (close to Ranong province in Thailand). Paing has been active as a model since 2014. He made his film debut in 2017 in the Burmese film “Midnight Traveller” and in the same year released a music album “Chu Thit,” proceeds from which he donated to a charity for orphans in his home country.

“I’m Buddhist, so I believe that doing good will lead to good for me,” Paing said through an interpreter at Monday’s event.

Burmese fans residing in Thailand also made it to the meetup.

Ei Phu Win, left. Photo: Siri Thaitrakulpanich

“I’ve been following his work since 2016. I’m so proud of him. I’m happy that Thailand is accepting our entertainers now too,” said Ei Phu Win, 31, a garment factory worker.

Paing also gave a private interview with Khaosod Myanmar, where he spoke about his love for his 9 cats, Thai food, and encouraged Thais to visit his country.

“As a Burmese, when guests come to our country, I feel very happy,” Paing said. “If my Thai fans want to visit Myanmar, there are a lot of sacred pagodas and many beautiful landscapes as well.”

Are Burmese celebs entering the Thai entertainment industry? In late June, Miss Universe Thailand 2019’s only half-Burmese contestant, Kansuda “Mimi” Chanakiri, landed in the pageant’s top 20.

Paing in Bangkok, August 2019. Photo: Paing Takhon / Facebook

Areewan Chukaew, in red, with other members of the Paing Takhon Thailand Fanclub. Photo: Siri Thaitrakulpanich

Cambodian Rescued After 4 Days Wedged in Mountain Rocks

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Associated Press

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8 August 2019, 11:12

In this photo provided by Battambang province Authority Police, Sum Bora, a 28-year-old man who got stuck in the rock's hollow at Battambang province in northwestern of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019. Sum Bora, who became wedged between rocks while collecting bat droppings for sale, was rescued Wednesday after being trapped for almost four days. Photo: Battambang Province Authority Police via AP

PHNOM PENH — A man who became wedged between rocks while collecting bat droppings in the Cambodian jungle was rescued after being trapped for almost four days.

Police said Sum Bora slipped Sunday while trying to retrieve his flashlight, which had fallen in the small rocky hollow.

Bat droppings — guano — are used as fertilizer and sold for supplementary income by poor farmers, who sometimes try to attract bats to their property.

His worried family began searching for Sum Bora when he didn’t return after three days, Cambodia’s Fresh News reported. His brother found him and alerted authorities to his location in the Chakry mountain jungle in the northwestern province of Battambang.

About 200 rescue workers carefully extricated the trapped man by destroying bits of the rock that had pinned him in an effort that took about 10 hours, Police Maj. Sareth Visen said.

The 28-year-old man was freed at about 6 p.m. Wednesday, looking extremely weak, and was taken to a provincial hospital, the police official said.

The rescue was spearheaded by specialists from Rapid Rescue Company 711, which is connected to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s elite military bodyguard brigade. The group also was prominent in rescue efforts when a seven-story building collapsed in June in the southern city of Sihanoukville, killing 24 people.

Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 35% of its 15.2 million people living in poverty, according to a U.N. Development Program report last year.

Story: Sopheng Cheang.

Anutin Receives Cannabis Oil for Medical Use

By

Associated Press

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8 August 2019, 11:09

Thailand's Public Health Minister Anutin Chanvirakul shows off a bottle of extracted cannabis oil during a press conference at his ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019. The Health Ministry received its first batch of legal medical marijuana to be distributed in state-run hospitals. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

BANGKOK — Thailand’s health ministry received its first batch of legal medical marijuana Wednesday to be distributed in state-run hospitals.

Public Health Minister Anutin Chanvirakul presided over the ceremonial handing over of 4,500 5 milliliter bottles of extracted cannabis oil from the Government Pharmaceutical Organization to the Public Health Ministry.

“The freedom for medical usage starts from this point onwards,” Anutin told reporters at a news conference. Anutin was elected to the House in March while leading a political party that ran on the flagship policy of legalizing medical marijuana.

The bottles of extracted cannabis oil will be distributed to 12 hospitals and administered to qualified patients including those who are part of a research program and those undergoing chemotherapy.

The ministry expects to receive 2,000 more bottles by the end of the month, and Anutin said he wants the Thai people to have access to 1 million bottles of cannabis oil extract within five to six months.

Thailand’s legislature agreed to amend the country’s drug law last year to allow the licensed medical use of marijuana, as well as kratom, a locally grown plant traditionally used as a stimulant and painkiller.

Anutin said he believes marijuana should be classified as medicine because it can relieve seizures and Parkinson’s disease and side effects from chemotherapy.

Extracted cannabis oil produced by the Thai government has three variations, one with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one with cannabidiol (CBD), and another with both components. The Government Pharmaceutical Organization said its products contain safe levels of the chemical components derived from marijuana plants.

Bottles of extracted cannabis oil are displayed during a press conference at Thailand's Health Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019. The Health Ministry received its first batch of legal medical marijuana to be distributed in state-run hospitals. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP — Bottles of extracted cannabis oil are displayed during a press conference at Thailand’s Health Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019. The Health Ministry received its first batch of legal medical marijuana to be distributed in state-run hospitals. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

A sample of marijuana is placed on a table during a press conference at Thailand's Health Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019. The Health Ministry received its first batch of legal medical marijuana to be distributed in state-run hospitals. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP — A sample of marijuana is placed on a table during a press conference at Thailand’s Health Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019. The Health Ministry received its first batch of legal medical marijuana to be distributed in state-run hospitals. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

Russian Couple Face Losing Custody of Child After Protest

By

Associated Press

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8 August 2019, 11:02

This video grab provided by TV Rain on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019, shows Dmitri and Olga Prokazov, parents of a 1-year-old boy speaking to journalists in Moscow, Russia . Moscow's children's rights ombudsman and other public figures have reacted with outrage to Russian prosecutors' moves to remove a 1-year-old boy from his parents because they allegedly took him to an unauthorized protest. Photo: TV RAIN via AP RUSSIA OUT

MOSCOW — Moscow’s ombudsman for children’s rights and members of a presidential council have expressed outrage over Russian prosecutors trying to take a 1-year-old boy from his parents because they allegedly brought him to an unauthorized protest.

The ombudsman, Yevgeny Bunimovich, denounced the custody removal request prosecutors filed Tuesday as “political blackmail involving children” and said he wrote Moscow’s chief prosecutor to urge dropping a criminal case against the parents.

Prosecutors alleged in a court petition seeking the withdrawal of parental rights that Dmitri and Olga Prokazov endangered their son by taking him to a July 27 protest rally and handing the child to a man who is now being sought on charges of organizing mass riots.

Speaking on independent Dozhd TV late Tuesday, Dmitri Prokazov said his family was on a walk in central Moscow at the time of the rally but did not participate in the protest.

He said the couple were aware of the protest and sympathized with the demonstrators, but didn’t want to join the event while they were out with their son.

Members of the presidential human rights council also criticized the custody petition, which is part of a slew of criminal cases launched in the wake of protests challenging the Kremlin.

Police aggressively cracked down on the July 27 rally protesting the exclusion of opposition candidates from Moscow’s city council election and on another demonstration a week later.

More than 1,400 people were detained during the first protest and police rounded up 1,001 during the second, according to figures from an independent arrest monitoring group.

Most of those detained were released within hours, but some have remained in custody and face criminal charges that may carry prison terms.

The father facing the removal of his son said he and the child’s mother did nothing wrong by letting a close friend carry the boy. Investigators alleged the friend used the toddler as a shield to cross police lines.

Dmitri Prokazov denied that, saying they weren’t anywhere near police cordons and the child never was in jeopardy.

“We didn’t feel any danger,” he said. “It never occurred to me that I was doing something wrong.”

Prokazov said police knocked on his family’s door just before midnight, searching their apartment and treating him and his wife as if they were dangerous criminals.

“We were shocked. We felt as if some monsters wanted to take our child from us,” Prokazov said. “It’s barbaric.”

Story: Vladimir Isachenkov.

China Bans Movies, Actors From Prominent Taiwan Film Awards

By

Associated Press

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8 August 2019, 10:58

FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2018, file photo, Chinese director Zhang Yimou holds his award for Best Director at the 55th Golden Horse Awards in Taipei, Taiwan. China said Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, that it was banning Chinese movies and actors from participating in Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards, one of the Asian film industry's most prestigious honors, as Beijing continues efforts to bring economic and political pressure to bear on the island it claims as its own territory. Photo: Billy Dai / AP File

BEIJING — China said Wednesday that it was banning Chinese movies and actors from participating in Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards, one of the Asian film industry’s most prestigious honors, as Beijing ramps up economic and political pressure on the island it claims as its own territory.

The one-sentence announcement on the microblog of China Film News, a newspaper affiliated with the government film regulator, gave no reason for the suspension, but it comes amid rising tensions over Taiwan’s refusal to recognize being part of Chinese territory to eventually be brought under Beijing’s rule.

Even without the ban, Chinese artists might have found it difficult to make it to the Nov. 23 ceremony. Beijing recently issued a ban on solo travel to the island beginning Sept. 1 as part of measures to inflict an economic cost for its failure to obey.

Chinese participation was already in doubt following last year’s ceremony, which was marked by Chinese displeasure over remarks in an acceptance speech by documentary director Fu Yue calling on the world to recognize Taiwan as an independent country, something only a handful of nations currently do.

Chinese participants refused to appear on stage, made pointed remarks about Taiwan and China being members of the same family, and then declined to attend the banquet reception following the show.

Asked about the announcement, the organizing committee said it was disappointed but the show would go on as scheduled.

“The Committee regrets to be informed of the news, if it is confirmed,” it said in an emailed statement. “The jury process of Golden Horse Awards is ongoing and will continue as planned, and all Golden Horse events will take place as usual.”

Chinese entrants have been big winners at the show since they were first invited to attend in 1996, with China’s Xu Zheng winning best actor last year for his work in “Dying to Survive.” Taiwan’s Central News Agency said the festival was still in the process of choosing films and it wasn’t immediately clear if any from China had already been withdrawn.

Presidential office spokesman Ernesto Ting Yun-kung said China’s move “not only harmed exceptional members of the Chinese film industry but also positive exchanges between the sides.”

“Culture has no borders and art especially should not face political barriers. No matter what the reason, it’s not a smart move to prevent those in arts and culture from participating in this sort of a film industry event that encourages free creation and welcomes multiple viewpoints,” Ting said.

Fu set off a firestorm of criticism in China last year after she said during her acceptance speech that her biggest hope was for “our country” to be regarded as an “independent entity.” Her film “Our Youth in Taiwan” won best documentary at the awards.

Taiwan split from mainland China amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing considers the self-ruled island part of its territory.

Chinese lambasted Fu on China’s Twitter-like Weibo platform following her win, sharing posts under the hashtag “Not one speck of China can go missing” and a map of China that includes Taiwan and territories it claims in the South China Sea.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who is loathed by Beijing for her pro-independence stance, expressed her support for Fu, saying in a Facebook post that the annual awards highlight the freedoms that set Taiwan apart from China.

“Here (in Taiwan) there aren’t people who will disappear or be silenced for expressing differing viewpoints,” she wrote, “and we also don’t have sensitive terms that are censored on the internet.”

Academy Award-winning Taiwanese director Ang Lee, whose films include “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Brokeback Mountain” and who chaired the awards committee, appeared to anticipate the backlash to Fu’s speech, telling reporters after the ceremony, “I hope that no one will come to interfere (with the awards).”

Entertainment industry figures in Taiwan and Hong Kong have routinely been blacklisted and had their work banned from mainland China after they expressed pro-independence or pro-democracy views.

Along with cutting numbers of Chinese visitors to Taiwan, China has been luring away the island’s remaining diplomatic allies and preventing its representatives from participating in international gatherings. Culture and sports events have also become targets, with Taiwan last year losing the right to hold the East Asian Youth Games under reported pressure from China.

China holds its own film awards, known as the Golden Rooster, but their influence is constrained by the strong ideological controls on the arts exerted by the ruling Communist Party that largely bar darker or alternative lifestyle themes.

Story: Christopher Bodeen. Juwon Park in Hong Kong and Taijing Wu in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report.

Activists Submit Petition, Call for Naked Rally to Amend Charter

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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7 August 2019, 18:30

Future Forward Party supporters call for a charter amendment on Aug. 4, 2019, in Uttaradit province.

BANGKOK — An activist group submitted 50,000 signatures to the House Speaker today in a bid to rewrite the junta-backed constitution.

The petition, organized by the 24 June Group for Democracy, called for amendments that would include doing away with the Senate altogether.

Group leader Somyot Prueksakasemsuk says the military is currently using the upper house as a proxy to interfere with the elected lower house. He believes 500 MPs are enough to act as a check and balance on each other, making the Senate redundant.

“500 MPs are already sufficient to function as the legislative branch,” Somyot said at Parliament.

The 50,000 signatures gathered by Somyot are required by law to kick off legislative amendments.

But another activist has called for an even more radical approach: showing up naked in front of Parliament. Sombat Boonngamanong, who’s well known for tongue-in-cheek protests and political stunts, said he wants as many volunteers as possible for the naked rally.

“I propose Operation Strip Down to Strip Apart the Constitution,” Sombat wrote online. “I will collect as many volunteers as possible, and then submit a petition to amend the constitution at Parliament while everyone is naked.”

He added, “Dear friends, do you think it will be enough to make waves?”

The opposition bloc has long called for amendments to the 2017 constitution, which was drafted by junta-appointed lawmakers and later approved in a referendum. Critics say the charter was designed to weaken democratic institutions through the introduction of an unelected Senate and a committee to implement the junta’s so-called 20-year plan.

Meanwhile, representatives of opposition parties will meet on Friday to discuss ways to either amend or draft a new charter, Prachachart Party sec-gen Thawee Sodsong said.

Thawee was speaking as part of a panel on charter amendment with other activists. But Jon Ungpakorn, who leads the legal monitoring group iLaw, warned that the effort won’t be easy.

Amendments will require the approval of at least one-third of the Senate, which was almost entirely appointed by then junta-leader Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, Jon said.

“I hope the demand will not lead to a loss of lives,” Jon said, referring to the deeply divided nature of Thai politics.

Additional writing Teeranai Charuvastra

Bangkok Bomb Suspects Rise to 9, New Explosive Found

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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7 August 2019, 17:13

Forensic police inspect a shop attacked by a firebomb in Pratunam neighborhood of Bangkok on Aug. 7, 2019.

BANGKOK — Police said they defused an explosive device in Bangkok’s shopping district Wednesday morning which appears linked to the bombing spree that struck the capital last week.

The bomb was a weaponized phone power bank that would have started a fire once exploded, security officers said. The device was found this morning at a market in the Pratunam neighborhood, where similar explosives went off and burned down several shops on Friday, according to police.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha also revealed nine people are now under arrest in connection with the bomb attacks, up from two suspects last week. Their names were not released.

Police commissioner Chakthip Chaijinda is set to question the suspects personally over the next several days, his aides told the media.

Families of two men arrested last week, Wildan Maha and Luai Sae-ngae, have said they believe the pair is innocent.

Media reports quoting unnamed police sources have alleged the authorities are currently seeking warrants for four more suspects over the bomb attacks, which injured one person and coincided with an international summit.

Police and the military have declined to say who exactly they believe are responsible for the attacks, though deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan on Tuesday said “southern groups” were involved, referring to separatists active in the southern border region.

A report on Thairath news site also quoted a police source as saying that timers discovered in the bombing wreckage match those routinely used by the southern separatists.

Rangsit Uni Unveils Legal Pot Farm and Labs (Photos)

By

Tappanai Boonbandit, Staff Reporter

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7 August 2019, 13:42

PATHUM THANI — Behind steel doors, the watchful eyes of CCTV cameras, and security guards atop an inconspicuous campus building is one of the few places in Southeast Asia where cannabis can legally blossom.

Three months after receiving authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to cultivate weed, Rangsit University was ready to showcase its pot farm and medical marijuana research center to the press on Friday.

Seven stations responsible for different stages of research – ranging from cultivation, extraction, to medicine production – were presented. A prototype plantation spanning a 32sqm rooftop was perhaps the most intriguing station. After all, it’s one of just four places in Thailand where cannabis can be legally grown.

Read: Thailand Officially Unveils 1st Legal Pot Plantation (Photos)

Here, several weed strains are being tested for optimal growing conditions, with approximately 70 plants being grown both inside the greenhouse – where they are nurtured using a “root spa” watering system – and outside in pots with organic fertilizers.

Cannabis plants nurtured indoor using a “root spa” watering system.

Researchers hope to use the carefully cultivated plants to develop a medical-grade strain optimal for the extraction of beneficial cannabis chemical compounds.

Quality and purity were repeatedly emphasized during the guided tour. Prior to the legalization of medical cannabis, researchers used marijuana seized by narcotics police for research, but such specimens proved contaminated and unsafe for medical use. In place of expensive exported seeds, all plants in the farm are now grown from the tissues of confiscated marijuana, where different strains have usually been blended.

The plants were not yet mature enough for harvesting on the day of the visit. Outdoor plants were about 150-175 centimeters tall, while indoor plants tended to be smaller at around 30 centimeters high.

So far, researchers have discovered that the injection of certain cannabis compounds inhibits the growth of lung cancer cells in mice.

Although this may be promising news for patients and pro-weed activists, the director of the research center, Surang Leelawat, warned that it is too early to conclude that weed can cure cancer.

“Our trials with animals have indicated certain results,” Surang said. “However, we can only confirm them once we have developed further clinical trials involving humans.”

A researcher presenting test results of human lung cancer cells in petri dishes soaked with different cannabis compounds for 24 hours.

Other stations highlighted the fruits of the research facility over the past two years. Four medical cannabis products were presented: cannabis tablets to assist patients with swallowing difficulties, pure cannabis oil for patients with sleeping and eating disorders, an oral marijuana spray, and a traditional Thai Phrasa-Kancha cannabis-derived recipe.

The products will hit the market soon, but stoners be warned – they won’t get you high as they’re based on non-euphoric compounds.

The private university has invested more than 40 million baht in the dedicated medical cannabis research facility. The center has been conducting experiments since 2016 – even before legalization.

Early this year, Thailand became the first government in the region to legalize cannabis for medical use.

Dubbed as a “New Year’s present to all Thais,” the policy is a result of several years of activism by pro-weed groups. The policy change has ignited both concerns about possible abuse, and bids from foreign capital to profit from Thai weed production.

A steel door guarding precious herbs inside.

Cannabis plant saplings being kept for further strain developments.

A researcher showing confiscated marijuana received from the narcotics police.

A researcher showing an extraction instrument which is used to separate different cannabis compounds.

Another extraction instrument invented by a Thai startup.

Pure extracts of different cannabis compounds.

Different herbs used for Phrasa-Kancha cannabis-derived recipe.

Not Just Furniture: ‘Home and Garden Fair’ Seeks to Inspire

By

Khaosod English

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7 August 2019, 13:34

BANGKOK — A popular home and garden decor fair is back, this time aiming at Thais and foreigners struggling to navigate the challenges of limited living spaces in Bangkok’s condos and small homes.

At Baanlaesuan Midyear Fair 2019, the highlights are markets selling goods for every lifestyle and demonstrations of what an ideal home might look like in the confines of city lives. There are also workshops on a range of homeliving techniques, like how to arrange a garden shed and clean a working desk.

The fair also caters to expats and foreign visitors to Bangkok, as evident in bilingual home decoration books being sold in the booths and gardens that showcase both Western and Asian plants.

The event is organized by a magazine of the same name (literally “Homes and Gardens” in Thai), which has been a household name for decor enthusiasts in Thailand for decades.

“We tend to be fascinated by exotic things, things that are not common in where we live,” fair director Ath Prapunwattana said in an interview. “To Thais, we may be interested in English gardens, but for Westerners, it’s tropical rainforests.”

Walking and shopping at Baanlaesuan Midyear Fair 2019 is an experience in itself. As usual, hordes of vendors selling furniture of any imaginable style and function are back. Both made-ready and pre-order goods are available. Pro tip from Ath: spend the first day scanning the halls for idea first, then come back another day to shop.

But it’s not just furniture either. There are two zones of craft markets where visitors can browse through a diverse collection of handmade trinkets, fridge magnets, home decors, leather goods and other lifestyle items.

There is also a food market with a wide range of cuisine and a “Relax Zone” to catch a break with a cup of fresh coffee.

To seek inspiration, take a peek at “Artisan Village,” which provides guides on how working spaces for artisans can be incorporated as parts of their homes, from coffee and papermaking to ceramics and leather works.

“For many people nowadays, a home needs to support functions of their jobs,” Ath said. “The trend is to have a home where one can pursue his or her craft.”

As an illustration, the room for paper making was designed to have more ventilation and lighting, whereas leather workshop is in a closed setting.

Those struggling to maintain orderly closets and work desks can then head to “My Home” section to hear what steps can be taken to clean out the mess – Marie Kondo styled – and learn about creative use of limited spaces. For instance, the area beneath a bunk bed can be used as a wardrobe, and believe it or not there are more than one ways to arrange and hang your tools.

The demonstration is based on most asked questions and problems the magazine receives from the readers. As one can expect, the top concern is how to tidy up homes and condos.

And then there is “My Room” which, contrary to its name, is about the latest trends in outdoor lifestyle, like stylish picnic gears and artful use of bamboos as decorations.

Ath said it reflects a change of mentality in recent years; outdoor items are now blending in with indoor designs to become more chic while still retaining the tough materials that can withstand all weather conditions.

But the most popular section in the entire fair is inarguably the “Garden Walkway” – a place to get inspired on how to have the dream gardens even in small spaces. Ath said it’s an answer to the most common aspiration of all homeowners: to have a garden or some plants, even if they live in a small home.

To demonstrate that gardening is possible in limited space, the section features sample gardens set in walkways as narrow as two meters.

There are also creative reuses of discarded objects, like old door frames, desks and tables transformed into garden decorations. Oil drums were cut and used in fountains. A large tree was hung instead of planted to the ground, in a gesture that encourages visitors to rethink vertical space.

“We want people to rethink the way we use ordinary items,” Ath explained. “When something loses its original functions, it can find its functions again in other forms.”

Bonus: After exploring ideas for an ideal home, head to Explorer’s Fair 2019 organized by National Geographic’s Thai edition at Hall 105, where over 300 booths sell equipment and other goods related to outdoor lifestyle.

Baanlaesuan Midyear Fair 2019 runs from Aug. 3 to Aug. 11 Hall 98-104, BITEC Bangna.

Something for Every Mama: What to Do with Mom This Mother’s Day

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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7 August 2019, 13:02

A promotional image for Patom Organic Village's 2019 Mother's Day event.

Instead of enduring another screeching family dinner and hearing about the prosperous medical career of some neighbor’s son, head to these events to make a memorable Mother’s Day – there’s something here for every type of mom.

Keep in mind that the BTS and BRT are free for moms travelling with children on Mother’s Day (Aug. 12). Families must get on and off at the same stations. Moms receive their free ticket after the child has paid for their own.

Charity Mama

Tum that boon while eating Swedish delicacies by attending a charity exhibition held by the Bangkok Photographers’ Group at Cajutan Restaurant from today until the end of August.

Proceeds from the sale of prints will go towards Pick A Pet 4 Home Bangkok, a non-profit that cares for homeless animals (check out their FB page for cute kitties and dogs looking for a home omg.)

Each print costs 3000 baht, 2000 baht of which will go to charity (500 baht covers the cost of a frame while the final 500 baht goes to the photographer.) Prints can also be purchased without a frame for 2,500 baht.

Here’s our previous review of Cajutan, in case Mom asks what’s on the menu.

Bookworm Mama

Drive to Impact Muang Thong Thani and let mama loose on discounts at Big Bad Wolf book fair. Starting this Friday, both Thai and English books will be on sale at 50 to 70 percent off. Pick up a cookbook to test recipes together, or a travel book to inspire the next family holiday. But maybe give her a bit of space if she’s heading to the bodice rippers section.

Read: ‘Big Bad Wolf’ Book Sale Back With 3 Million English and Thai Books

Shopping Mama

Shop for produce and watch mama chat with local vendors at the Greenery Market, a farmers’ market which runs Saturday through Monday at the 101 True Digital park-mall. Be sure to bring your reusable shopping bag!

There’s also an Amazing Premium Crafts show at Museum Siam showcasing local craft brands from Saturday through Monday.

If Mama is more traditional, head to Impact Muang Thong Thani for the OTOP Silpacheep Fair 2019 starting Saturday through Aug. 18 to watch moms and aunties snag silk, pots, pans, and other local products. OTOP is a national program where one product from each tambon or subdistrict is sold nationwide to promote local production. (Hint: keep an eye out for fashionable OTOP).

Active Mama

Take your quinoa-loving mom for a free cycling class from 1pm to 2pm on Monday Aug. 12 at Absolute You at The Commons in Thong Lor. Registrations are required.

For something outdoors, you can always take your active mama biking around Ko Kret or Bang Krachao, but note there may be holiday crowds.

Movie Mama

From Aug. 10 to 12, moms watch movies for free at Major Cineplex. (Funnily enough, “I Am Mother” is in theaters now!) Each branch will only give away 20,000 free tickets though.

Oldies Music Mama

History-minded moms are sure to have a simmering time at the “Pay Homage to the Great National Artists” concert from 4pm to 6pm Sunday 11 Aug., at the Thailand Cultural Center (reachable from the MRT station of the same name.)

The flautist Thanit Sriglindee, a former member of Carabao band and 2016 National Artist, is headlining. So is 1997 National Artist luk thung singer Waiphot Phetsuphan and 1993 National Artist Naowarat Phongphaibun, a bard and former politician.

Joining them are Phusit Laithong of Chaleang band, pheu cheewit country artist Prateep Kajudpan, artist and former student activist Phongthep Kradonchamnan, and Somchai Kaewcharoen.

Entry is free, but reservations are encouraged.

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