Seizures Of A Yes Yes Culture

Following video was kind of orphaned for some time in our BKK Vids section. It’s worth a very close look though. It deserves an own post. Watch it. Study it. Decode it.

Who’s the actress? No clue. The video was shot by Maurice Spees, a Dutch filmmaker based in Thailand, at a street performance in Bangkok. Capturing pure Thai depth psychology.

The performance “was suddenly interrupted by this woman stealing the show,” says Maurice. “Nobody knew who she was, but she was to good to chase away.” What she’s telling us?

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September 29, 2008 | Filed Under Culture & Arts, The Thai Mind | 17 Comments

“People In The Dark” - PG-12 Film Too Hot For Thai Govt

It’s a classic Thai cerebral reaction. Don’t like something? Deny it, ignore it, away with it. Why tackle the root causes. Out of sight, out of mind. By not mentioning a problem you can make it – yes – disappear. The forbidden and denied though are more intriguing. Which is why the Thai powers that be just shot themselves once again in the foot.

As back then, after Thailand’s Youtube-ban, when only more of those slanderous videos turned up. Now everybody wants to see „Children in the Dark,“ a Thai-Japanese film invited to the Bangkok Int’l Film Festival 2008. The film was canceled at the last minute with no given reason. A film rated PG-12 in Japan. Requiring “Parental Guidance.”

Banning a movie rated for children older than twelve. Too tough for Thailand’s authorities - the ministry of tourism in this case, official sponsor of the film fest. Censors’ reason being: The film features the social problem of trafficking in Thai children, buying of internal organs, children who encounter injury and violence and have to deal with pedophiles.

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September 24, 2008 | Filed Under Culture & Arts, The Thai Mind | 10 Comments

Culinary Elitism @ 9th World Gourmet Festival

To be elitist in Bangkok seems to be on vogue these days. So let’s be straight out elitist. As it’s this glorious time of the year again with the World Gourmet Festival @ the Four Seasons Hotel. From September 22nd to 28th.

Well, the cheapest event at the festival, the Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Tasting, will set you back some 600 baht. The Gala Dinner 8,500++. The Gourmet Festival though is not about money.

It’s about a unique chance to eat off the plates of some of the world’s best chefs: Award-winning master chefs under one roof for a week-long celebration of outstanding food, exquisite wines and, yes, cooking classes with the masters.

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September 16, 2008 | Filed Under Culture & Arts, Food & Wine, Travel & Tourism, Truly Bangkok | 14 Comments

Bangkok, Film Aficionado’s Delight

If you love Bangkok and the good life, there are many goodies coming up. In September we’ll have the return of the World Gourmet Festival - we’ll bring an in-depth preview about what you’d miss. Seriously, rediscover the art of food.

And if you’re a film aficionado, well, what better place than Bangkok. Big Mango is crazy with film festivals, and if you think that there’s a film festival every month or so in the city, well, you wouldn’t be too far wrong.

Over the next three months, there will be major film festivals nearly back to back. The fun starts at the end of this month with the Thai Short Film & Video Festival, followed by the Bangkok International Film Festival in September and then the World Film Festival of Bangkok at the end of October.

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August 19, 2008 | Filed Under Culture & Arts, Travel & Tourism, Truly Bangkok | 2 Comments

Urban Advice: Blissful Bangkok Shopping

Another lifestyle piece by Jennifer Gampell who recently brought us Bangkok’s Soi Arab closer. This time it’s about shopping. You don’t have to be a nerd to ignore Bangkok’s outrageously vast shopping possibilities. Everybody can find everything - Jennifer though is going for the upper market.

And yes, she doesn’t like “noisy” Siam Paragon that much. But there are alternatives. Gaysorn? That overpriced, mostly empty mega luxury mall? Not my place, but Jennifer knows a designer shop or two you might want to have a look at.

She’s not going for the Western import stuff, but distinctively Thai décor items, home accessories, wellness creations and whatever is worth a certain price. Maybe it’s time again to spoil yourself with something? I’m already lured by the shot above: Thann Sanctuary in Gaysorn mall.

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August 16, 2008 | Filed Under Body & Mind, Culture & Arts, Gadgets & Shopping, Truly Bangkok | Leave a Comment

H.E. Samak Sings The Anthem

Video: Recently, at a Bangkok reception, the host was honored with the attendance of Thailand’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Samak Sundaravej.

The busy schedule of the prime minister didn’t allow him to stay on to enjoy the sumptuous foreign food. His fine, elegant appearance nevertheless made an impression.

An attending Asian ambassador though was overheard as saying that his government is slightly concerned if H.E. Khun Samak would still be prime minister in December when Thailand hosts the 14th ASEAN Summit.

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August 5, 2008 | Filed Under Culture & Arts, Politics | Leave a Comment

Father’s Daughters

I once blogged about Thailand’s probably most beautiful woman - Pinthongta Thaksin. And rightly so, you maybe didn’t take it for real.

The recent Pojaman drama brought the daughters of Thaksin once again into the spotlight. And boy, a beautiful, most telling photo hit the wires. Torn father with daughters.

For once I shut up and let the image speak. Younger sister/daughter Paethongtarn on the left. Leaving me suddenly confused which one to favor.

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August 1, 2008 | Filed Under Culture & Arts, Fashion, Politics, Society | Leave a Comment

How To Catch The Bangkok Journalist

I’ve been to countless press conferences. Mostly the content draws you to the event. Maybe there’s a promising photo op. It’s a habit though in Thailand that some lunch or gift has to be offered, otherwise hardly any journalist would turn up.

But gosh look what flew into the mailbox: “You are cordially invited to attend the Press Conference on The Unveiling Of The World’s Largest Permanent Orchid Garden (with more than 250 species!) at The Nai Lert Park Hotel …”

The catch - further down: “All Press Journalists, Reporters, Editors, Photojournalists, News Photographers, News Camera crew are urged to bring along their business cards as there will be, besides the usual Press-Giveaways, a lucky draw for twenty-five household gifts from Central worth more than 200,000 baht.”

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July 23, 2008 | Filed Under Culture & Arts, Fashion, Travel & Tourism | 17 Comments

Oho! New Bangkok Art & Culture Center

absolutely has some exclusive shots: Of the not only architecturally impressive Bangkok Art & Culture Center that is about to open its doors after years of setbacks and delays. Opening day is Sunday, July 27th, dedicated to Princess Sirindhorn’s photography.

The new Bangkok Art & Culture Center is not only a gallery and museum. It will mainly promote contemporary Thai art and culture, in the heart of Bangkok. At the new pulse of all non-classic Thai art.

A truly unique art market shall become alive opposite MBK and Siam Discovery Center. Be it paintings, sculptures, music, dance or performances, if you’re into the wide field of art, the new center will have something for you.

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July 13, 2008 | Filed Under Culture & Arts, Travel & Tourism, Truly Bangkok | 4 Comments