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.
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.
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.
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…”
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.