Pornchai Sereemongkonpol
Guru section Editor
Guru section Editor
Email : pornchais@bangkokpost.co.th
Stop Indoctrinating Kids With Backward Ways of Thinking
Tests for Thai students that unintentionally expose a backward way of thinking are nothing new. You can laugh them off as pathetic, embarrassing and archaic aspects of the Thai education system but, IMHO, they should be taken more seriously. They should not be part of the Thai education system whatsoever, especially in 2021.
New Month, New Rules?
September 1 was the D-day for many to be let out of their homes for the first time in a long while (guilty!). It seems, at the time of going to print, another D-day unworthy of celebration will be October 1.
Essential post-lockdown tips
Since every Thai, their mothers and pets are heading out this weekend (guilty!), I would like to highlight a few points from the latest Covid-19 restrictions and offer a few tips that you may find useful.
Popcat fever
How many pops have you made? Popcat website/game took Thai internet by storm over the weekend. And the furry frenzy was still going strong at the time of going to press. ICYMT, here's a summary of the online feline phenomenon so far. Yes, cat pun very intended.
Covidsutra, According to Thai Health Authority
On Saturday, the Department of Health warned against hook-ups with strangers as it could lead to another cluster of Covid-19, which could then spread to families and communities. Those who are considered at risk of contracting Covid-19, tested positive for it or waiting for the test results are also urged to refrain from sexy times.
Getting Food at Bangkok Malls in 2021
On Sunday, the Centre of Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced 29 provinces as dark red zones, up from the previous 13, along with strict measures to control the spread. Bangkok is, of course, a dark red zone and most of the prohibitions and temporary closures of certain venues are understandable. One prohibition, in particular, at the time of going to print has left me (and many others) scratching their heads.
Political Art Toys
The frustration against the status quo can be expressed in several ways. If you're a hip-hop artist, you can rap and rhyme about it in a viral music video. If you no longer give a damn, you can put a certain uncle on blast in your Facebook post and mention his official page (you know who you are). Even if you're just a bystander, you can't dodge political illustrations and memes on your newsfeed.
More Ways to Help
There are many ways to help people who've been affected by the current surge of Covid-19. While providing free meals and donating to hospitals and organisations are among the firsts that come to mind, there are other ways that you may not be aware of. Here are a few.
What's in a (vaccine) name?
While medical professionals and the public are urging the govt to provide mRNA vaccines as the main choice of inoculation to better fight the Covid-19 surge, there are also crazy claims about mRNA vaccines that express doubts over it. These claims are so cray-cray that I've decided to retell them for your entertainment.
