We’ve had plenty of oddball and deliciously weird stories this year at Coconuts, but we’ve also covered some serious, moving and unusual issues that deserved your attention too. Here are our feature picks for 2015.
Fish removed from Bangkok’s bizarre basement aquarium in abandoned mall (VIDEO)
Bangkok said farewell to its abandoned mall-turned-aquarium as officials drained the basement and put an end to one of the most peculiar attractions of the city. Thousands of fish were kicked out of their unconventional home, formed under the roofless, four-storey building near Khaosan Road a decade ago when locals released several fish into the flooded basement to control mosquitos.
No easy fix for Thailand’s deadly roads
Road fatalities in Thailand are among the highest in the world, with most vehicular accidents taking place right here in Bangkok. We took a look at the issues of driving standards, policy and road safety in a country where there are no easy fixes.
Whiskey, weird and sunstroke at the Yasothon Rocket Festival
Boon Bang Fai, or Rocket Fest is one of the booziest, freakiest and most debauched parties going in Thailand and we at Coconuts are nothing if not dedicated to getting the full lowdown for our readers. Whisky, scantily-clad ladies, toad folklore, mud pits and rockets? Sold.
In the House of Haunted Dolls, a creator bares her heart
We gave ourselves a few nightmares with this one, a look at Look Thep, dolls invested with living souls which some believe will bring them wealth and blessings. Mama Ning believes the dolls have brought her good luck and changed the lives of her family and her followers. Spooky.
Voices from the street: Erawan Shrine’s spirit is unbowed
Tourists and locals were united in grief after the shocking bomb attack at the Erawan shrine, which killed twenty people and wounded dozens more. People were shocked, heartbroken and traumatized, with many unsure if the authorities had really caught those responsible. But there was one thing they could agree on: they would not be afraid and Thailand would not be cowed by terrorism.
OPINION: Why international kids who grew up in Thailand don’t speak Thai
While international school kids in Thailand seem to get the best of both worlds – living in a beautiful area of the world while getting an education that prepares them for the outside world – they’re sadly disengaged from the Thai community due to curricula lacking in Thai culture and language, with many ending up isolated and struggling to further their careers in Thai workplaces.
Is the junta implementing a Great Firewall of Thailand?
The junta’s attempts to crack down on free speech and increase censorship reached parody levels when they proposed a single internet gateway, which would allow them to completely control the flow of news and information into the country. After the outrage this generated, the NCPO backtracked and said we’d misunderstood, and that the plan was actually to improve the digital economy. Hmmm.
Pet culture on the rise, but are better days ahead for our furry friends?
Pet culture is big in Asia, and nowhere more so than Bangkok. With many Thais pushing back plans for marriage and kids, there’s been a rise in adopting pets for companionship and seeing them as key members of the family. The rise of the industry of premium pet products, services, shows and activities cashes in on this phenomenon, with many fools ready to be parted from their money as if to prove spending more equals more love for their pets.
Stretching themselves: How yoga helps HIV orphans flex their muscles
HIV and AIDS carry a massive stigma in Thailand, and kids at the Baan Gerda shelter in Lopburi have to contend with the double whammy of being orphaned by afflicted parents, and growing up infected with the HIV virus themselves. A glimmer of hope has reached them in the form of yoga, taught by dedicated volunteers who want to challenge them, keep their bodies healthy, and have some fun.
Leave the bikini alone: Feminism fire lit in Bangkok by UN Women’s film fest
Despite thousands of years of civilisation, women all over the world face violence, abuse and discrimination all too frequently. The women of Thailand suffer from a conservative culture of victim-blaming, where they are taught they should not dress or act to “tempt” criminals into committing acts of sexual abuse and violence against them. This MUST end.
