Sanook doesn't mean what you think, but what does?
Like 'mai pen rai', 'sanook' is a widely known and widely used Thai word. Unfortunately, the meaning is often expressed too superficially and narrowly, while a good understanding of the word 'sanook' is essential to understand the Thai mentality.
About Thai boys with and Thai girls without breasts
In Thailand you can be whoever you want to be. For example, you see boys with breasts. We call them 'kathoey' or 'ladyboys'. There are also girls who hide their breasts as much as possible because they want to look like boys, that's Tomboy's.
Friends or family?
Friends? No, a Thai, whether male or female, has no friends. That is, not in the sense of the word friend as I prefer to use it.
Thailand is aging rapidly
Thailand is aging very strongly. It is already an outdated society and the country will become a 'super-aged' society by 2031, by which time 28% of the population will be 60 years or older.
Aunt Pao, an outspoken and beloved protester
Worawan Sae-aung has been involved in protests since 1992 for more democracy, a better environment and more social services. This feisty lady is spotted at many a demonstration, and is now in the spotlight as the website Prachatai has named her 'Person of the Year 2021'. She is affectionately referred to as "Aunt Pao." I am here summarizing a longer article on Prachatai.
Draft law proposed by Thai government strangles NGOs
The Thai government submitted a draft law entitled “Operations of Not-for-Profit Organizations” to parliament on December 21, 2021. Under this law, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) must submit an annual report with full disclosure, including about their finances. If they affect 'the security of the state, public order, good morals or the happy normal existence of persons', they can be severely punished.
Hi-So and Lo-So, social classes in Thailand
Status is very important in Thailand. Thai society is highly hierarchical. Ranks and positions are quickly clear to the Thai.
Let love conquer every form of dictatorship
In what ways can you be separated from your loved one? Death? The prison? Or by disappearing without a trace? Min Thalufa's partner was deprived of his freedom by the authorities at the end of September, without the right to bail. This letter is a rallying cry she sent to her sweetheart in Bangkok Remand Prison. She hopes he will have the opportunity to read it.
The phu yai job (village chief) in Thailand
Every village in Thailand has a village chief, if the village is a bit bigger even several. It is an official position, but the lowest in rank in the Thai administrative organization.
The exclusion and stigmatization of people with HIV in Thai society
Thailand has achieved a lot in the field of HIV in recent decades, but there is still a social stigma surrounding people who are infected with HIV. The Isaan Record interviewed two people who deal with this on a daily basis. In this piece a short summary of people who hope to change society's understanding.
At present, there are daily protests in Bangkok against the plans to set up a 25 km² industrial complex in Chana (จะนะ, tjà-ná), located in the southern province of Songkhla. How do the inhabitants experience this struggle? Greenpeace last year interviewed 18-year-old activist Khairiyah about her struggle.
Thailand's constitutional court rejects same-sex marriage bill
Thailand's law currently only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman. A draft law has been submitted to parliament to make same-sex marriage legal.
The 'popular constitution' of 1997 that was lost
Now that discussions about amending the current constitution regularly make the news, it can do no harm to look back at the much-lauded former constitution of 1997. That constitution is known as the 'people's constitution' (รัฐธรรมนูญฉบับประชาชน, rát-thà-tham -ma- noen chàbàb prà-chaa-chon) and is still a special and unique specimen. It was the first and last time that the people were intensively involved in the drafting of a new constitution. This is in stark contrast to, for example, the current constitution, which is established through a junta government. That is also why there are organizations that try to restore something of what took place in 1997. What made the 1997 constitution so unique?
'The Young Teacher' a short story by Ta Tha-it
The teacher does not come to be raped. Is this use in the periphery? There is bound to be some truth to this story….
'A Mother's Will' – a short story by Suwanni Sukhontha
Her son, who died of drugs, is remembered in a collection of stories, including 'a mother's will', as if he were still alive. Touching.
Working as a Funeral Worker in Thai Pandemic
Sadness, unpleasant odors and an unsafe work environment - these are just some of the factors that contribute to the unattractive job of a funeral director. It will probably discourage many people from taking such a job. But for 47-year-old Saiyon Kongpradit, it's a rewarding job that allows him to help families through the toughest times of their lives.
