Now that we are in 2018, we thought we’d bring you six of our most read articles last year according to Google Analytics…and a few of our favourites for good measure. This year was packed full of debates, whether its about digital nomads or the future of elephant tourism. We also touched on a bit of history, some pot smoking and some local culture – we love the diversity of interests you have and hope that 2018 will bring another set of great articles that you can get your teeth into!
1. Something for Nothing: The changing face of Chiang Mai’s digital nomad scene
Nobody can deny that the Digital Nomad scene has boomed over the last year or two. Our look into the underbelly of this nomad community tried to put a finger on what was going on, and explore the scandals, con-artistry and how our local nomads push for a better lifestyle in the world’s number one nomad destination.
2. An Unexpected Hemp Revolution in Thailand
To the surprise of our readers (and editors), Thailand has been quietly and tentatively following the global trend of hemp and cannabis legalisation. 2017 saw hemp become a fully legal commercial crop (nationwide in 2019) and the decriminalisation and re-classification of cannabis is currently under review, with positive results predicted within the next two years. We’ll be sure to get back to you if it does…
3. The Forgotten Legacy of World War Two in Northern Thailand
Did you know that Thailand sided with the Axis powers during WWII, and that they were un-officially colonised by the Japanese? How about the fact that Lampang was one of Japan’s largest air-bases in all of Southeast Asia? Well, once we published this article many of you were shocked and amazed at the important part Chiang Mai played in the later years of the Asia-Pacific side of World War Two.
4. What is Lanna? How Lanna became the identity and brand it is today
What do you think when you hear the word Lanna? TAT posters of pretty girls, ancient folk music from the north, or hand-painted paper umbrellas? This article exposed the history of “Lanna culture” and why its portrayal today is more of a modern invention rather than a revived tradition, which naturally sparked much debate!
6. Living with Elephants: dispelling myths, setting standards and changing attitudes
Elephant debates always seem to crop up in our part of the world and they are often rather heated. Thailand’s long and close relationship with elephants is undeniably at risk of falling apart entirely, but we tried our best to steer away from activist rhetoric and look at the real threats and progressive changes that elephants are facing in our fast paced modern society.
Staff Favourites
In addition to our six most read stories, we though we would share a few of our own favourites that deserve a special mention.
Pim’s Pick
Wasting Away: Chasing Chiang Mai’s Rubbish Trail
A recent graduate of CMU, I met Tus in June when she was volunteering for a TEDx event. I was so impressed I snapped her up and she has been writing strong, powerful and well researched and thought out pieces since. This deep dive into our city’s waste is just a preview of what I expect to be some excellent articles to come.
Aydan’s Pick
The Importance of Being Thai: giving citizenship where citizenship is due
The lives and rights of marginalised societies has always been something that has interested me, but even this article shocked and surprised me by how many native Thai people are without citizenship. I have the great privilege of being able to work and travel in Thailand, thanks to my passport, whereas many people actually born here are not even allowed to leave their province. As someone who is keen to seek citizenship here one day myself, it made me take a step back and realise there are far more people who deserve citizenship before I.
Tus’ Pick
Editorial: September 2017
There are many controversial questions about the role of journalism in this social media-era and I also have questions myself. I was not only inspired by this piece, written by our own editor-in-chief, but it also gave me a sense of assurance for what I do and why I do it.