Amid the whirlwind of information, misinformation and daily tally regarding the novel coronavirus, you may not be aware that a new set of emojis is being introduced to enrich our online communication. Yes, it's not Earth-changing positive news but given what has transpired in the past month, new cute emojis feel like a flashlight in a big dark tunnel. The new 117 emojis include the famous "ma-che-vuoi?" Italian hand gesture, transgender flag, bottle-feeding parents, ninja, beard brides and smiling face with tear.
This got me using my emojination (pun very intended) about new ideograms and smileys that should be introduced specifically for Thai online communication. Here are seven of them for your entertainment.
Cold Heart
A shorthand for jai yen yen. Use it to tell someone to calm down, take it easy or relax.
Shady Heart
A shorthand for jai rom rom. It's a more modern way of saying jai yen yen.
Tanks
A shorthand for coup d'état. Given the fact that within a span of 87 years of Thai democracy we have had 13 coups, the tank emoji should inevitably (and sadly) come in handy several times in one's lifetime.
Titled Spirit House
A way to comment on something you deem injustice or examples of double standards. Why the spirit house, you ask? You see, san in Thai colloquially refers to spirit houses or courts of law. Believe me, Thai people will get to use the heck out of it.
Monitor Lizard
To show your utter disappointment, anger and disapproval about something or someone without using the H-word. Very versatile.
Multiple Watches
A subtle way to imply someone's being unusually rich.
Muay Thai Smiley
At the risk of sounding cliché, I endorse a version of smiley with muay Thai gear as a way of saying su su, or keep on fighting or moving. We don't have much to be happy about lately and we all need to tell each other that more.
