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English Learning in Thailand: The simple fact that no one seems to get

There have been a number of articles recently in Thailand’s two main English language newspapers regarding the state of English learning in Thailand. To summarise the state of affairs: successive education ministers in Thailand have entered office and set out new programmes to improve the standard of English learning in state schools and, because they have all failed to improve standards and as Thailand continues to fall behind other nations in Asia and South-East Asia, the government has now turned to Cambridge University in England to design a learning programme to solve the problem.

Design Ideas: Nichapha Jewvaganont

Design Ideas by Nichapha Jewvaganont (Kamm), PR executive of Studio Mango Co., Ltd.

Calling Salmon Lovers

Japanese food is IN right now, with more and more opening up at all price ranges, in all sorts of locales and serving a variety of dishes. This month we focus on salmon. If you too love salmon, then here are some of the best deals around.

Apocalypse Chiang Mai

Last month you, like me, probably had your eyes glued to the night sky in anticipation of the promised meteor showers over Chiang Mai. Yet however marvellous lumps of superheated celestial rock skipping across the earth’s atmosphere may appear against the eternal blackness, this phenomenon is not without its very real danger. I am not talking about a lump of incandescent falling star bouncing off one’s bonce, though one can never be too careful.

Flames and Flowers with Nick Anderson

There are more than 1,000 species of orchids that bloom across Thailand, sometimes in the most unexpected of places. Typically, orchids can be found clutching the trunk of a tree while drawing nourishment from rain water trickling through the topography of its bark. Other species can be discovered blossoming in the darkest pockets of shade on a forest floor, or in the coolest, mistyclouds of Doi Inthanon’s highest peak.

Rasmee’s Isaan Soul

Warm arms embraced a young Rasmee as she listened to the deep vibrations coming from her father’s chest every night, slowly sending her to sleep. The lyrics of ancient Morlum lullabies and traditional Cambodian melodies captivated a young Rasmee, filling her dreams of the future with blurry images of music, fame, performance and soul. Thirty years on, there is something special happening in Chiang Mai, attracting ears from across the globe. A unique fusion of traditional melodies; Africa and Asia, morlum and soul. This is Rasmee, and this is her Isaan soul.

Editorial: January 2016

I joined my family in Bangkok a few days ago to celebrate my grandfather’s 100th birthday; a bloody good innings, even if he has been bedbound for the past few years.

A Special Treat at Phuket’s Classic Amanpuri

This was supposed to be a travel story about Phuket’s Surin Beach, but the minute I checked into the exquisite Amanpuri I knew that I wasn’t going to leave until the last call from the limo to return to the airport. Having won just about every single award and accolade in the industry over its nearly thirty years, the Amanpuri is the grand dame of Thailand’s resorts and the first and flagship hotel in the Amanresorts brand.

Lay Your Hat

ZZZZZZ… sleep easy with loads of new and exciting places to lay your hat and call home in the city.

TEDx Asks if You Dare

For all those who don’t know, TEDx is and international creativity and ideas forum which invites guest speakers to explore a vast range of topics — sciences, philosophies, cultures, religions, politics and anything else you could imagine. This year TEDx will be held here in Chiang Mai on the 30th January 2016, locals and visitors attending the event will be asked to “Dare To…”

Fresh (re)Start

New beginnings can be exciting as you can see from these three super successful businesses which do not sit on their laurels, but have, for various reasons begun anew or are trying something new.

Some Hip Hop & Soul from a Good Soul

Here in Chiang Mai you meet a lot of interesting people. If you’ve lived here for any period of time you know that Chiang Mai attracts a certain kind of person. If you’re like me, you’ve meet some folks who you meet once and then they disappear like ships passing in the night. Others, however, make an impression and help make Chiang Mai an even more enjoyable place to live. I recently met this cat whom, from the moment I was introduced, made me ask two simple questions; who is this dude and when can we hang?

A Roof and No Walls

Imagine a building with no walls, no beams, no columns, and no joints. Just a ceiling, that connects with the floor. A floor that is permanent but a building that is moveable. A building that is incredibly cheap and easily replicated. One that uses recycled and local resources. And one that inspires.

Glorious Food

Citylife sacrifices our waistlines to check out some exciting new cuisines to titillate your palates.

More From Citylife

Truck crash leaves one dead, power infrastructure severely damaged

Wed 10th Sep

A pickup truck lost control and crashed into high-voltage power poles on Nong Ho Road in Chang Phueak, resulting in 52 power poles collapse in a row. Among them, 24 poles carried 115 kilovolts. The damage extended over approximately one kilometer, affecting around 20 houses. Fortunately, no residents in the area were injured. However, both passengers in the pickup truck were seriously injured. Res … Continued

Flash flood hit Mae Rim

Wed 10th Sep

Heavy rainfall in Mae Rim caused flash floods from the highlands of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park to overflow onto Chotana Road in front of the Pack Squadron. The poor drainage systems led to traffic congestion, and several vehicles had engine damage while driving through floodwaters. As of 11 am, water levels have dropped. However, further rainfall could lead to flash flooding. In response, Don Ka … Continued

Shops stocking up in anticipation of impending half-half policy 

Tue 9th Sep

Retail shops across Chiang Mai are beginning to stock up on more goods, especially household items and daily necessities in anticipation of the upcoming “Half-Half” co-payment scheme, prepared to launch this October under Anutin’s government. Vendors at Siriwattana Market expressed hope that the program will roll out as soon as possible, noting that it provides benefits for both local businesses a … Continued

Miss International Queen 2025 officially kicks off in Chiang Mai

Tue 9th Sep

The Miss International Queen 2025 competition has officially launched in Chiang Mai, reinforcing Thailand’s status as a premier cultural tourism destination and enhancing the country’s soft power on the global stage. This year, 23 stunning contestants from 23 nations received a heartfelt Lanna-style welcome as they embark on a series of pre-pageant activities designed to immerse them in Thailand’s … Continued

New Chiang Mai Governor seeks blessings for a good start

Tue 9th Sep

Thotsapol Phueanudom, the newly appointed 42nd Governor of Chiang Mai Province, and his wife paid their respects to sacred objects inside the Chiang Mai Provincial Hall to seek blessings for good fortune. The worship began at the Singh Monument, regarded as the city’s lion, and continued to the Chiang Mai Provincial Government Center, where they paid homage to the royal monument of King Chulalongk … Continued

Nurse daughter joins pilot father in first flight as a volunteer Sky Doctor 

Tue 9th Sep

Lt. Col. Yongyuth Sawangthong, commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, and his daughter, Thachaphan “Khaimook” Sawangthong, a nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Nakhon Ping Hospital, proudly serve together as part of the Thai Sky Doctor team. On her very first mission, Thachaphan joined her father who piloted the helicopter to safely transport a patient by air. Working side by side, they … Continued

Car crash brings down power lines, injures two

Tue 9th Sep

A pickup truck accident occurred when it lost control and crashed into a roadside electric pole in front of Him Kong Restaurant on Nong Ho Road in Chang Phueak, causing over 10 large high-voltage power poles to collapse across nearly one kilometer. The fallen poles damaged nearby houses and shops and blocked traffic. A fire also broke out at Him Kong Restaurant shortly after the crash. Two men, bo … Continued

Infinity Star Language School Opens New Branch at Kad Farang, Hang Dong

Tue 9th Sep

Infinity Star Language School is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest branch on the 2nd floor of the Kad Farang Village in Hang Dong, located inside the Rimping Supermarket building. The school is dedicated to helping students of all ages build strong language foundations for a brighter future. Approved by the Ministry of Education, Infinity Star Language School is led by School Direc … Continued

Maejo University develops eco-friendly artificial stones for sustainable landscaping

Mon 8th Sep

Maejo University has developed an innovative and eco-friendly artificial stone made from recycled materials to replace natural stone in landscaping. The Faculty of Architecture at Maejo University, in collaboration with architecture students and interested parties, has developed lightweight and environmentally friendly artificial stones made from recycled materials, including fabric scraps, foam, … Continued

Many Buddhists complain about lazy monks who won’t walk to receive alms

Mon 8th Sep

In the early morning at Chiang Mai Gate Market, Buddhist monks can be seen standing and waiting for people to offer them food, instead of walking on alms rounds as is customary. Each monk remains in place until his alms bowl is full, then transfers the food into a bag and continues standing until late. Local residents reported that monks have been collecting alms at Chiang Mai Gate Market for many … Continued

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