"To take wine into our mouths is to savour a droplet of the river of human history," wrote Clifton Fadiman. If that’s the case, to partake in human history is an expensive endeavour for those living in Thailand. The problem is certainly not that you can’t buy some excellent wines here – you can. But…
Read moreLend an ear and stay in tune
According to experts, up to ten per cent of the population in Thailand may have some sort of hearing problem. Adults with a history of ear infections, long-term use of antibiotics, or diabetes are particularly susceptible to hearing problems and should get regular checkups. Anybody who experiences a diminished ability to hear, who has an…
Read moreBoys, toys and talk
Thirteen Days "This is not a blockade," Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara (Dylan Baker) screams at an Admiral who’s defending his adherence to the so-called rules of engagement. "This is a language, a language that the President is trying to speak with Khruschev." This statement encapsulates the essence of this cerebral political thriller: when diplomatic…
Read moreA tough climb
Soul Mountain By Gao Xingjian, translated by Mabel Lee Soul Mountain, this year’s winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, is not a compelling read. Meandering and self-indulgent, the novel simply fails to truly engage the reader, despite covering many issues and landscapes that provide ample opportunities for insightful and provocative writing. There are occasional…
Read moreCandid with Kara
Don’t bother asking Kara Polasit about what elegance means to her; she’s the human embodiment of it. The height, posture and understated dress of the popular model, MC, TV host and actress, reflect a person who’s got style but who doesn’t need to flaunt it. If you do ask her what makes an elegant woman,…
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