By Ajarn Helen Jandamit
Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
University Tips is here to help you prepare for the English exams and tests that are coming your way. It gives you practise answering questions similar to those you may have at school and also on the University Entrance Examination.
Read the following story by Usnisa Sukhsvasti from the Bangkok Post. Then, answer the questions that follow.
The abandoned Hopewell mass transit project in Bangkok is a sad reminder of past government policies that failed. The massive 20-year-old concrete pillars are known locally as Bangkok’s Stonehenge. They are expected to be demolished soon to make way for the red line electric railway.
An interactive electric light art performance called Reinvent Bangkok, which used the pillars as the setting, was recently organised by Smirnoff, who wanted to show that hope can spring from hopelessness.
Many creative and artistic minds took part in the event, including Suharit Siamwalla, one of the most inspiring leaders of the group, whose campaign for the position of Bangkok governor using social media and no posters endeared him to modern urbanites. Thai electronic music maker DJ Nakadia also took part in the event, as did unique lighting artist Jiro Endo and revolutionary visual artist Duck Unit. Street artists Rukkit, P7, Chin7 and Never also took part.
The event was held in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art. The venue offered DJ stations where Suharit, DJ Nakadia and others took turns spinning their favourite beats for the crowd. The sound synched with spectacular light performances that transformed the bleak stone structures into works of art. Even a passing train became part of the installation.
“I’ve spent most of my time with Generation Y, and I’ve seen their incredible creativity, but it’s a pity that such potential is limited to computer screens and mobile phones,” Suharit said. “I feel the need to encourage them and make them believe that their creativity can change the world.”
DJ Nakadia said that he wanted to encourage young people to not be afraid to express themselves.
“We should not let fear hinder our opportunities because when fear conquers us, we become frightened to make a change,” he said.