Editorial
When I first came up with the idea for the Guardian Issue, I envisaged a slew of articles about those who safeguard those who are vulnerable in our society. I imagined features on a strong caring police force (well, I tried to defy all preconceptions and imagine it that way anyway) who risk life and limb to protect and serve; I visualised stories about compassionate laws upheld by honourable men a … Continued
The Watchman
The armed guards in front of Babylonia’s city walls; the special assigned defence force, the vigils, who protected the inhabitants of ancient Rome; the night watchmen patrolling the dimly lit streets of Europe’s cities in the Middle Ages…guards have been around for a long time. They are the privately employed individuals who are paid to protect people, their property and possessions. This being th … Continued
Editorial
It appears our Pink Issue is very well _ though unexpectedly _ timed. Once again, Chiang Mai is making national news because of a gay issue. The first incident this year was the cancellation of the Gay Pride Parade planned to be held in February, an event organised by Mplus, a non _ profit organisation which promotes sexual health related issues for gay men. The parade was aimed at raising awarene … Continued
What’s Happening?
1st – 31st October THE BEAUTY OF BOY @ Soho Bar prnbrn@yahoo.co.uk A photographic exhibition titled ‘The Beauty of Boy’ by international photographer ‘Philip Stopp’. The opening will be held on October 1st, 7.30 p.m. Now – 14th October ‘TANG KERB’ @ Galerie Panisa (Opp. Toyota showroom, Chiang Mai) 053 202 779 A contemporary art exhibition by students and lecturers of Painting Major, Faculty of Fi … Continued
Ten Years ago
Chiang Mai chugged along through another month of monsoon in September. The banks of the Ping brimming to alarming levels – will the foreign cemetery be swept away again? Songteaws a thorn in everyone’s side – maybe we should set up a bribery fund for the policemen in front of Kad Suan Keaw to actually do their job…Jet planes vibrating the city with their demonic flight patterns – has Chiang Mai b … Continued
Rubbish-reinventing at Rajabhat
The burning of trash such as plastic bags, old wooden furniture, outdated newspapers etc. has long been a problem in Chiang Mai, its suburbs and the surrounding villages. Especially towards the end of the winter months, rubbish burning in the rural areas surrounding the city creates hazes that hovers above the rose of the north like gloomy ghosts. This annoyed two lecturers from Chiang Mai Rajabha … Continued
What’s Happening?
4th-30th September DRAWING & PAINTING OF DREAMS @ 9 Art Gallery, Chiang Rai 053 719 110 artgallery9@yahoo.com, www.9artgallery.com Features an exhibition of paintings done by Somyod Khamsaeng, Suwit Jaipom, Banjob Putipin and Sujin Suriyanaparuk. The opening will take place on 4th September, 7 p.m. 15th -30th September 60 DAYS AROUND THAILAND EXHIBITION @ Kad Suan Kaew 053 224 444 This photo … Continued
The Chiang Mai Gym Review
So you might have been enjoying the culinary side of Chiang Mai a bit too much – spoiling yourself with too many plates of greasy pad thai and hyper-calorific sticky rice with mango. As you bend over to tie your shoe laces you find yourself panting with exertion; your tummy is beginning to resemble Doi Suthep! Don’t worry about it…there are several places in the city where you can drop the excess … Continued
City Buzz
A combined art gallery and coffee shop. As you nibble on tasty, sweet treats and sip on a freshly brewed coffee, you can enjoy colourful, naturalistic paintings, which are dotted all around the place. The gallery/coffee shop consists of two floors: the actual café is located on the bottom floor, which also contains several paintings. The top floor contains artwork only. This charming place … Continued
Editorial
It used to be, and it wasn’t long ago, that Thai society was firmly structured. One knew where one stood and with it what prerogatives and limitations one could expect in life. Those fortunate enough to be on the higher levels of this sturdy yet complex structure knew what privileges they were entitled to and those at the bottom, knew what burdens they had to bear. It was clean cut, it was concise … Continued
What’s Happening?
7th – 31st August BEAUTY OF LIFE @ Northern Village Floor 2nd, Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport 053 999 199 ext 1020-1023 Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport presents an art exhibition by Jakkapan Chaijit featuring his painting themed ‘Beauty of Life’. The exhibition will take place Monday – Fridays, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on weekends. 8th – 31st August SPIRITS IN NATURE @ 9 Art Galler … Continued
City Buzz
At Le Petit Paris, a cool, French style bistro, Philip the congenial English owner has been both a chef and restaurateur for two decades in both England and France. He is now firmly planted in Chiang Mai with his wife where they cook up a storm of English and French dishes. Dishes are mostly staples, including English roast pork dinner, chicken Provencal, beef brown ale, goulash, pork fillet with … Continued
Community Services
Informal Northern Thai Group The Informal Northern Thai Group has been hosting a series of monthly talks since 1984, usually about aspects of Thailand, SE Asia and Asia. They are held at the Alliance Francaise on Charoen Prathet Road starting at 7:30 p.m., usually on the second Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome! Tuesday 11th August at 7.30 p.m. Adam Oswell, Director of the Willife1 Founda … Continued
Ten Years ago
We reported on the grand opening of the new Provincial Hall and surrounding complex, slated to be called the Mae Rim Centre, originally set on 176 rai of land, but which later incorporated the adjoining land which had been under the care of the Department of Animal Husbandry, adding another 600 rai for future expansion. Governor Pravit Srisophon was the first governor to move in and was most proud … Continued
Dinner Parties for Dummies
If, like me, you love entertaining at home, but have been banned (for life) by your husband from cooking, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my not-so-secrets with you. After a failed paella attempt, which turned out to resemble a mutated seafood porridge, and forced twelve dinner guests to send an emergency SOS to Pizza Company many years ago, I have humbly had to re-evaluate my c … Continued
City Buzz
Down a dark soi off Chang Peuk Road is an eyebrow raising new venue which would sit pretty comfortably on any capital city’s main avenue – trendy, modern, chic – Metro is a self-styled metrosexual hangout. As young men gyrate upstairs at Adam’s Apple, Metro hopes to bring the straight and gay community together in a trés chic little space serving finger foods, cocktails and beers. Hip stude … Continued
Riding School for Autistic Kids
In the distance a voice booming from loudspeakers rallied the troops, I heard the drums roll as soldiers march around the compound, then all went quiet. Suddenly a young boy’s gleeful scream pierced the quiet. An incongruous sight, a five year old boy was playing football with his father, not something I was expecting to see in an army base. As I approached, he looked at me quizzically, assessing … Continued
What’s Happening?
2nd July ART GURU OFFERING CEREMONY @ Chiang Mai University 053 944 805 Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University will host the Art Guru Offering Ceremony on Thursday 2nd July, 8 a.m. – noon. The Offering Ceremony includes a traditional Lanna parade, an array of local music, a blessing ceremony for first year students and more. 24th-26th July THE 11TH HHK IN THE NORTH @ Floor 2nd, Central Plaza … Continued