So, what does it take for Farang to be an expert in Thailand study? I didn’t mean to look down on Thais but some of Thais don’t even know the different better 6 Oct 1976 and 14 Oct 1973, some even wrongly mention 16 Oct of some unknown year. While many “farang” can pretty much retract all the event from the beginning till the end with accuracy.
When people like Ajarn Somsak or Ajarn Thongchai (who are pretty much 100% Thai) made the comment about how “broken” Thailand is, can you even use the same argument against them that proven that they are also “superficial”?
I really have no objection on good argument, but just brushing aside some argument from farang just because you think they don’t know enough of “Thainess” is grossly prejudice.
Can you explain to me what is “Thai culture” means to you? and perhaps for many regular Thais here like myself and CT?
I have no doubt that Andrew Walker and his colleagues have a wonderful academic knowledge of Thailand.
In fact I am sure they could expound at length about the shape, length and colour of fingernails in the time of King Rama II. And that may well be of interest to some.
But it is not at all relevant to Thailand today or the issues they like to comment on with so much assumed authority.
Instead of buying into, and regurgitating the rubbish that Thailand is engaged in class struggle of noble Prai against evil Amart, perhaps they should do some research.
(Actually I thought research was part of the academic process)
It could also be to their advantage to realise that Thailand is not Australia or the US.
Thailand has a completely different history, culture, traditions and set of rules governing acceptable behavior.
Dr. Walker and his colleagues may not agree with these, and that is their right, but they do not have the right to try and impose their systems and beliefs on others, especially when their own society is falling down around them.
Khao Soi is traditional Northern of Thailand food, originated from Kingdom of Lanna (present day Chiang mai etc.). In the past, the small kingdom as under Burma for hundreds of years, then Siam for another hundreds of years. So it really depends on how you consider it Thai or Burmese food.
We all live in the Liarworld, with politically correctness, different cultures and customs. We just need to learn to have respect for each other.
Australia has its “problem” with motorcycles people and people who fight for their religions, I never see any “academics” dare to give bad comments about them. It is easier to bully the people who you expect not to fight back !
* If Obama does visit, will he be granted an audience with HM the King?
If Obama accepts an invitation to an audience with the King wont this be seen as his accepting the supression of free speech contrary to the recent remarks made by his embassy here?
If Obama declines an invitation would this not constitute the ultimate act of Lese Majeste?
If on the other hand no invitation is issued wont this be seen as the ultimate snub to the most powerful man on earth, a person who can destroy us all with but one command and imperil relations between the USA and Thailand?
If Obama does come here which ever way you look at it he loses and would be wise to avoid the kingdom, unless of course he confronts the establishment here and forces them to abolish both the lese majeste law and the other laws which make free speech a crime.
They are expressing what they believe in, just less bullying in style !
This is only true when they are outside their Liarland. Most of the guys closely allied with the Amart are very irrational and vicious within their own territory.
I can accept their views expressed honestly but can’t accept their lawless and stupid acts backed by big men higher up their hierarchy.
Now that the U.S. Embassy has released the following statement re: the imprisonment of Joe Gordon:
==================
Embassy Statement on U.S. Citizen Joe Gordon
The United States is disappointed by the prosecutor’s decision to file lese majeste charges against U.S. citizen Joe Gordon. We have discussed Mr. Gordon’s case extensively with Thai authorities, stressing at every possible opportunity his rights as an American citizen. We urge the Thai authorities to ensure freedom of expression is respected and that Mr. Gordon, a U.S. citizen, receives fair treatment.
===================
the question arises as to when, if ever, Amnesty International Thailand and AI’s royalist/PAD/Yellow sympathizer in Thailand, Benjamin Zawacki, will issue any statement at all on behalf of Joe Gordon.
Or will Amnesty International Thailand and Benjamin Zawacki’s position remain that there is only one “political prisoner” in all of Thailand and that the draconian Lese Majeste law is necessary for Thailand’s “security”?
Sorry to say, I was not able to attend the Thai Studies conference at Mahidol. I appreciate hearing the first-hand reports. But am I alone in seeing sad parallels to many, many years of Burma Studies conferences, in which all hints of controversy are suppressed and focus is trained on any aspect of that country and its cultures excepting those which actually affect the daily lives of its peoples?
I have again contacted Senator Bennett’s office to bring this to his attention.
Below is the letter wrote.
Basically I have written to you before. Joe Gordon had lived in Colorado for 30 years.
He was Thai at birth but is an American Citizen.
!n 2007 he seems to have translated portions of the book, The King Never Smiles, from English to Thai.
The book was published in the United States by Yale University Press.
The Thai government attempted to squash that publication.
Joe lived in the US at that time.
So an American Citizen, living in the United States translated portions of a book by a respected English Speaking journalist, published by an American University Press subsequently moves back to Thailand 3 years later to visit family and seek cheaper medical treatment.
While in Thailand, he is arrested and charged with Lese Majeste (insulting the Royal Institution of the Monarchy) for the actions he took as an American in America.
A few days ago he went to a hearing to determine if, after being held 84 days, he would be released or charged— he was charged.
He now faces a court trial in coming months. He was not allowed bail.
The trial will probably be held in camera (secret).
If convicted he could be jailed for 15 years on each count. Unknown how many counts but it could be multiple.
Recently the US Embassy released its first official statement beyond being aware and providing consular support.
It was disappointed.
Please Senator, help get this man released.
Thank you,
**** *********
i
Basically I have written to you before. Joe Gordon had lived in Colorado for 30 years.
He was Thai at birth but is an American Citizen.
!n 2007 he seems to have translated portions of the book, The King Never Smiles, from English to Thai.
The book was published in the United States by Yale University Press.
The Thai government attempted to squash that publication.
Joe lived in the US at that time.
So an American Citizen, living in the United States translated portions of a book by a respected English Speaking journalist, published by an
American University Press subsequently moves back to Thailand 3 years later to visit family and seek cheaper medical treatment.
While in Thailand, he is arrested and charged with Lese Majeste (insulting the Royal Institution of the Monarchy) for the actions he took as an American in America.
A few days ago he went to a hearing to determine if, after being held 84 days, he would be released or charged he was charged.
He now faces a court trial in coming months. He was not allowed bail.
The trial will probably be held in camera (secret).
If convicted he could be jailed for 15 years on each count. Unknown how many counts but it could be multiple.
Recently the US Embassy released its first official statement beyond being aware and providing consular support.
It was disappointed.
Please Senator, help get this man released.
Thank you,
below is a respected member of the Thai blogging community with more details.
The U.S. said Friday it is disappointed Thailand has charged an American citizen with insulting the country’s monarchy, a severe offense that carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Joe Gordon allegedly translated parts of an unauthorized biography of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and posted articles online that were deemed to have defamed the royal family.
Gordon was formally charged Thursday after being arrested in May and detained for the maximum 84 days that a suspect can be held without charge.
The American has denied the charges, according to the Thai-language prachatai.com news website, which tracks cases of lese majeste, as the crime of insulting the monarchy is known.
The 54-year-old Thai-born man lived in the U.S. state of Colorado for about 30 years before returning recently to Thailand, the website said.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy but has severe lese majeste laws that mandate a jail term of three to 15 years for any person who “defames, insults or threatens the king, the queen, the heir to the throne or the Regent.”
U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Kristin Kneedler said the U.S. has urged Thai authorities to respect freedom of expression and “was disappointed” with the charges against Gordon.
Embassy officials have had regular contact with Gordon, she said.
BP: Some comments:
A. Now, we have confirmation that Joe was not charged just over a link, but for translating part of TKNS per AP yesterday:
Lawyer Anon Numpa says his client, Joe Gordon, was charged with lese majeste for allegedly translating parts of an unauthorized biography of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and writing articles that defamed the royal family
From previous blog post then:
1. If the blog was created in 2007 and the translation completed in 2007 and he only recently returned to Thailand, this would mean he was in the United States at the time. However, a person does not have to be within the country’s physical border for a country’s law to apply to them. If the court has been conferred jurisdiction by legislation, the law will apply to that person. A court’s jurisdiction can extend beyond its borders this is known as extraterritorial jurisdiction. The Thai Criminal Code has extra-territorial jurisdiction as specified in sections 7 and sections 8. Section 7 (1) provides that person who commits national security offences, sections 107-129, outside of the Kingdom can be prosecuted in the Kingdom. Lese majeste law is a national security offence. Section 8 further requires that an aggrieved person (more accurately a person who has suffered loss which for the purpose of lese majeste could be anyone) or the Thai government must request justice.
So hence if Joe was in the US at the time, the Thai authorities don’t care.
BP: So is this a case of a extra-territorial application of lese majeste against a foreign national (yes, he is Thai too, but he is a US citizen and residing in the US in 2007)?
B. The US government statement of being disappointed sounds weak, but it is much stronger than previous US statements and in diplomat-speak it isn’t weak. As also per previous blog post:
If he denies the charges and pleads not guilty, then it could be a very messy trial if the trial is held in camera (i.e in secret). How will US Senators, other lawmakers, opinion-makers, and others respond?* This has the makings of being the most high profile lese majeste arrest given the citizenship of the the person arrested and particularly if he pleads not guilty.
BP: Well, according to Prachatai, he has denied the charges (not sure that this a formal denial), but indeed this could get very messy although we are a few months away from a trial still.
Now, Yingluck is in government , what will she do? Yingluck has previously mentioned that the priority was to focus on economic problems and we are likely months away from a trial in Joe’s case – although Chiranuch’s trial is scheduled to recommence on September 1 (details of the case schedule can be found here) – but Yingluck could also come under pressure from the red shirts given Jatuporn has stated he will not use his parliamentary immunity in regards to lese majeste charges. Then, you have news reports that President Obama is likely to visit Thailand in November. One would imagine that the US would, at least, privately raise Thailand’s human rights record and given a US citizen has been charged this becomes directly relevant* then this could be on the agenda too…
*If Obama does visit, will he be granted an audience with HM the King?
What is this!? After a series of fascinating and well informed posts on Pali and Buddhism, Eisel, why are you providing us with such an unilluminating, meandering account of an issue that appears not to be your specialty, tossing out some rather ill-informed claims along the way. For example,
1. “the real prospect of genocide” – This is a controversial claim. If you’re going to make it, please back it up.
2. “If Kosovo has a legitimate claim not only to independence, but to achieving it through foreign subvention, why not… various provinces of Burma, such as the Kachin and Shan states?” – Your advocacy of Western military intervention (not to mention massive aerial bombing) to bring about these independent states is, I believe, at odds with the sentiments of many of the civilians who live in this places and misses much of the vast library of debate on the issue. Are you aware that Yugoslavia is the absolute last precedent that anyone wants to see repeated in Burma? Are you aware that all of these areas are ethnically diverse and cannot be carved out into ethnically homogenous territories? Are you aware that the Pa’O insurgency started in opposition to Shan military domination?
3. “there is, indeed, no “anti-war” movement in Canada” – Not true, see here.
Going by the title of your post, I was really hoping for an (informed) account of how the Karen community in Regina is getting along. That would have been interesting.
Don’t be surprised if you get a lot of ‘red thumbs’ for this kind of comment from NM commentators. It goes straight to their heart.
When comes to ‘a superficial knowledge of Thailand’, I have three interesting examples to share:
– I have a Farang friend who can talk or opinion on everything about Thailand and also sees himself as ‘an expert’ on Thailand (political, social etc). When asked how he becomes such an expert, he said he has been living in this country for 5 years and have a Thai wife.
– A Farang academic once asked me if I knew someone who was ‘an expert’ (again) on Thai culture. When asked to clarify the word ‘expert’, she said someone who published their works on Thai issues. …… I ended up finding another ‘Farang expert’ to talk to her…..Unfortunately, I, as a Thai, live my whole life in this culture but not qualified as an expert….Perhaps, I haven’t published any paper.
– Another Farang academic with a PhD in SE Asian cultures who seems to know a lot about SE Asian cultures (of course). He said he would know/understand more of these cultures than his own. When asked ‘what is the culture of your own?’ He was speechless…
Well, I guess, with this posting, I would get more ‘red thumbs’ than you, Soonuk Dum
Here’s a little research suggestion . Can somebody at ANU have a look at Facebook and see what comments about this event came from the students? Or were they all so intimidated by this Pu Yai to say anything?
Maybe like you, he has a strong opinion? And I hardly think you qualify for the ‘rule of law’ camp Andrew when it comes to issues of electoral fraud and vote buying. Your attitude to governance frequently makes me cringe.
How can you speak of debate and an open and inclusive educational culture while suggesting that he should have kept his mouth shut? I’m sure the students are capable of making up their own minds. Better that they hear a range of opinion than a monologue from (sorry but its true) western academics living in Canberra.
If he’d launched into a glowing All Hail Thaksin rant, would you have written a similar article about it? I very much doubt it.
Forgive me for another quote. Mahamekian writes (my emphasis):
Reading the commentary on the ICTS11 one might be forgiven for thinking that it is the International Conference on Thai Political Studies. Those of us with interests in other areas of Thai Studies also have reason for disappointment over the content of this year’s conference. In my own fields of interest, which include health, social change, and the environment
Who, among the critical commentators of the Conference, ever said that a concern for what’s going on has to be “Political”??
Haven’t you heard that most of the tens of thousands of the Red Shirts who came to protest, risking their lives and well-being in the process, are among the most disadvantaged people in the country, including in the areas of “health (care)”, area you claim to be of your interest? And “social change”?? One would have thought that what happened in the past five years reflected a most profound “social change” ever seen in this country for a generation.
Of course, it’s your right to be ignorant or oblivion to such profound “social change” and continue to focus exclusively on your narrow field of interest. (One has to wonder, though, what “social change” are you talking about?) But even in case one continues to do research on one’s own narrow filed, it’s still a sad commentary on your part not to feel that a Conference that was being organized virtually at the same time that hundred of your countrymen were being killed in the middle of the same city of the Conference, couldn’t get more attention from yourself and your fellow ‘academics’ of Thai Studies.
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Regina, Canada, Burma
“Hobbyist insurgents”. Good one. I’ll have to remember that the next time someone asks me why I went into Burma.
Other than that, I believe you missed the mark by a wide margin.
Surapong Jayanama down under
Nawat – 13
So, what does it take for Farang to be an expert in Thailand study? I didn’t mean to look down on Thais but some of Thais don’t even know the different better 6 Oct 1976 and 14 Oct 1973, some even wrongly mention 16 Oct of some unknown year. While many “farang” can pretty much retract all the event from the beginning till the end with accuracy.
When people like Ajarn Somsak or Ajarn Thongchai (who are pretty much 100% Thai) made the comment about how “broken” Thailand is, can you even use the same argument against them that proven that they are also “superficial”?
I really have no objection on good argument, but just brushing aside some argument from farang just because you think they don’t know enough of “Thainess” is grossly prejudice.
Can you explain to me what is “Thai culture” means to you? and perhaps for many regular Thais here like myself and CT?
Surapong Jayanama down under
Nawat — 13
Thanks.
I have no doubt that Andrew Walker and his colleagues have a wonderful academic knowledge of Thailand.
In fact I am sure they could expound at length about the shape, length and colour of fingernails in the time of King Rama II. And that may well be of interest to some.
But it is not at all relevant to Thailand today or the issues they like to comment on with so much assumed authority.
Instead of buying into, and regurgitating the rubbish that Thailand is engaged in class struggle of noble Prai against evil Amart, perhaps they should do some research.
(Actually I thought research was part of the academic process)
It could also be to their advantage to realise that Thailand is not Australia or the US.
Thailand has a completely different history, culture, traditions and set of rules governing acceptable behavior.
Dr. Walker and his colleagues may not agree with these, and that is their right, but they do not have the right to try and impose their systems and beliefs on others, especially when their own society is falling down around them.
(And BTW, I do not claim to be an expert either)
Thai food: Universally delicious?
Kerry 37
Khao Soi is traditional Northern of Thailand food, originated from Kingdom of Lanna (present day Chiang mai etc.). In the past, the small kingdom as under Burma for hundreds of years, then Siam for another hundreds of years. So it really depends on how you consider it Thai or Burmese food.
Surapong Jayanama down under
We all live in the Liarworld, with politically correctness, different cultures and customs. We just need to learn to have respect for each other.
Australia has its “problem” with motorcycles people and people who fight for their religions, I never see any “academics” dare to give bad comments about them. It is easier to bully the people who you expect not to fight back !
FACT’s plea for Joe Gordon
Re: BP’footnote:
* If Obama does visit, will he be granted an audience with HM the King?
If Obama accepts an invitation to an audience with the King wont this be seen as his accepting the supression of free speech contrary to the recent remarks made by his embassy here?
If Obama declines an invitation would this not constitute the ultimate act of Lese Majeste?
If on the other hand no invitation is issued wont this be seen as the ultimate snub to the most powerful man on earth, a person who can destroy us all with but one command and imperil relations between the USA and Thailand?
If Obama does come here which ever way you look at it he loses and would be wise to avoid the kingdom, unless of course he confronts the establishment here and forces them to abolish both the lese majeste law and the other laws which make free speech a crime.
Anyone taking bets?
Surapong Jayanama down under
This is only true when they are outside their Liarland. Most of the guys closely allied with the Amart are very irrational and vicious within their own territory.
I can accept their views expressed honestly but can’t accept their lawless and stupid acts backed by big men higher up their hierarchy.
Surapong Jayanama down under
Oh, I see. Surapong was here to encourage students to participate in free and open academic debate. Of course. My mistake.
FACT’s plea for Joe Gordon
Now that the U.S. Embassy has released the following statement re: the imprisonment of Joe Gordon:
==================
Embassy Statement on U.S. Citizen Joe Gordon
The United States is disappointed by the prosecutor’s decision to file lese majeste charges against U.S. citizen Joe Gordon. We have discussed Mr. Gordon’s case extensively with Thai authorities, stressing at every possible opportunity his rights as an American citizen. We urge the Thai authorities to ensure freedom of expression is respected and that Mr. Gordon, a U.S. citizen, receives fair treatment.
===================
the question arises as to when, if ever, Amnesty International Thailand and AI’s royalist/PAD/Yellow sympathizer in Thailand, Benjamin Zawacki, will issue any statement at all on behalf of Joe Gordon.
Or will Amnesty International Thailand and Benjamin Zawacki’s position remain that there is only one “political prisoner” in all of Thailand and that the draconian Lese Majeste law is necessary for Thailand’s “security”?
No passion at ICTS11
Sorry to say, I was not able to attend the Thai Studies conference at Mahidol. I appreciate hearing the first-hand reports. But am I alone in seeing sad parallels to many, many years of Burma Studies conferences, in which all hints of controversy are suppressed and focus is trained on any aspect of that country and its cultures excepting those which actually affect the daily lives of its peoples?
FACT’s plea for Joe Gordon
I have again contacted Senator Bennett’s office to bring this to his attention.
Below is the letter wrote.
Basically I have written to you before. Joe Gordon had lived in Colorado for 30 years.
He was Thai at birth but is an American Citizen.
!n 2007 he seems to have translated portions of the book, The King Never Smiles, from English to Thai.
The book was published in the United States by Yale University Press.
The Thai government attempted to squash that publication.
Joe lived in the US at that time.
So an American Citizen, living in the United States translated portions of a book by a respected English Speaking journalist, published by an American University Press subsequently moves back to Thailand 3 years later to visit family and seek cheaper medical treatment.
While in Thailand, he is arrested and charged with Lese Majeste (insulting the Royal Institution of the Monarchy) for the actions he took as an American in America.
A few days ago he went to a hearing to determine if, after being held 84 days, he would be released or charged— he was charged.
He now faces a court trial in coming months. He was not allowed bail.
The trial will probably be held in camera (secret).
If convicted he could be jailed for 15 years on each count. Unknown how many counts but it could be multiple.
Recently the US Embassy released its first official statement beyond being aware and providing consular support.
It was disappointed.
Please Senator, help get this man released.
Thank you,
**** *********
i
Basically I have written to you before. Joe Gordon had lived in Colorado for 30 years.
He was Thai at birth but is an American Citizen.
!n 2007 he seems to have translated portions of the book, The King Never Smiles, from English to Thai.
The book was published in the United States by Yale University Press.
The Thai government attempted to squash that publication.
Joe lived in the US at that time.
So an American Citizen, living in the United States translated portions of a book by a respected English Speaking journalist, published by an
American University Press subsequently moves back to Thailand 3 years later to visit family and seek cheaper medical treatment.
While in Thailand, he is arrested and charged with Lese Majeste (insulting the Royal Institution of the Monarchy) for the actions he took as an American in America.
A few days ago he went to a hearing to determine if, after being held 84 days, he would be released or charged he was charged.
He now faces a court trial in coming months. He was not allowed bail.
The trial will probably be held in camera (secret).
If convicted he could be jailed for 15 years on each count. Unknown how many counts but it could be multiple.
Recently the US Embassy released its first official statement beyond being aware and providing consular support.
It was disappointed.
Please Senator, help get this man released.
Thank you,
below is a respected member of the Thai blogging community with more details.
The U.S. said Friday it is disappointed Thailand has charged an American citizen with insulting the country’s monarchy, a severe offense that carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Joe Gordon allegedly translated parts of an unauthorized biography of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and posted articles online that were deemed to have defamed the royal family.
Gordon was formally charged Thursday after being arrested in May and detained for the maximum 84 days that a suspect can be held without charge.
The American has denied the charges, according to the Thai-language prachatai.com news website, which tracks cases of lese majeste, as the crime of insulting the monarchy is known.
The 54-year-old Thai-born man lived in the U.S. state of Colorado for about 30 years before returning recently to Thailand, the website said.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy but has severe lese majeste laws that mandate a jail term of three to 15 years for any person who “defames, insults or threatens the king, the queen, the heir to the throne or the Regent.”
U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Kristin Kneedler said the U.S. has urged Thai authorities to respect freedom of expression and “was disappointed” with the charges against Gordon.
Embassy officials have had regular contact with Gordon, she said.
BP: Some comments:
A. Now, we have confirmation that Joe was not charged just over a link, but for translating part of TKNS per AP yesterday:
Lawyer Anon Numpa says his client, Joe Gordon, was charged with lese majeste for allegedly translating parts of an unauthorized biography of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and writing articles that defamed the royal family
From previous blog post then:
1. If the blog was created in 2007 and the translation completed in 2007 and he only recently returned to Thailand, this would mean he was in the United States at the time. However, a person does not have to be within the country’s physical border for a country’s law to apply to them. If the court has been conferred jurisdiction by legislation, the law will apply to that person. A court’s jurisdiction can extend beyond its borders this is known as extraterritorial jurisdiction. The Thai Criminal Code has extra-territorial jurisdiction as specified in sections 7 and sections 8. Section 7 (1) provides that person who commits national security offences, sections 107-129, outside of the Kingdom can be prosecuted in the Kingdom. Lese majeste law is a national security offence. Section 8 further requires that an aggrieved person (more accurately a person who has suffered loss which for the purpose of lese majeste could be anyone) or the Thai government must request justice.
So hence if Joe was in the US at the time, the Thai authorities don’t care.
BP: So is this a case of a extra-territorial application of lese majeste against a foreign national (yes, he is Thai too, but he is a US citizen and residing in the US in 2007)?
B. The US government statement of being disappointed sounds weak, but it is much stronger than previous US statements and in diplomat-speak it isn’t weak. As also per previous blog post:
If he denies the charges and pleads not guilty, then it could be a very messy trial if the trial is held in camera (i.e in secret). How will US Senators, other lawmakers, opinion-makers, and others respond?* This has the makings of being the most high profile lese majeste arrest given the citizenship of the the person arrested and particularly if he pleads not guilty.
BP: Well, according to Prachatai, he has denied the charges (not sure that this a formal denial), but indeed this could get very messy although we are a few months away from a trial still.
Now, Yingluck is in government , what will she do? Yingluck has previously mentioned that the priority was to focus on economic problems and we are likely months away from a trial in Joe’s case – although Chiranuch’s trial is scheduled to recommence on September 1 (details of the case schedule can be found here) – but Yingluck could also come under pressure from the red shirts given Jatuporn has stated he will not use his parliamentary immunity in regards to lese majeste charges. Then, you have news reports that President Obama is likely to visit Thailand in November. One would imagine that the US would, at least, privately raise Thailand’s human rights record and given a US citizen has been charged this becomes directly relevant* then this could be on the agenda too…
*If Obama does visit, will he be granted an audience with HM the King?
Thai food: Universally delicious?
#24 “But Burmese food will never, I expect, crack the Thai market. Many popular Burmese dishes would probably be considered “mai aroy”
I might be wrong about this but isn’t khao Soi, that classic northern Thai dish, Burmese???
Thai food: Universally delicious?
Pete in Sydney 33
The name that Thai people adopted in capitol theatre area is Thai Town, not Thainatown. Thainatown is the name of another restaurant.
Ron Terrence 35
It’s true about MSG. I never put any in my cooking. People just like to say things to discredit others who seems to be more successful.
Regina, Canada, Burma
What is this!? After a series of fascinating and well informed posts on Pali and Buddhism, Eisel, why are you providing us with such an unilluminating, meandering account of an issue that appears not to be your specialty, tossing out some rather ill-informed claims along the way. For example,
1. “the real prospect of genocide” – This is a controversial claim. If you’re going to make it, please back it up.
2. “If Kosovo has a legitimate claim not only to independence, but to achieving it through foreign subvention, why not… various provinces of Burma, such as the Kachin and Shan states?” – Your advocacy of Western military intervention (not to mention massive aerial bombing) to bring about these independent states is, I believe, at odds with the sentiments of many of the civilians who live in this places and misses much of the vast library of debate on the issue. Are you aware that Yugoslavia is the absolute last precedent that anyone wants to see repeated in Burma? Are you aware that all of these areas are ethnically diverse and cannot be carved out into ethnically homogenous territories? Are you aware that the Pa’O insurgency started in opposition to Shan military domination?
3. “there is, indeed, no “anti-war” movement in Canada” – Not true, see here.
Going by the title of your post, I was really hoping for an (informed) account of how the Karen community in Regina is getting along. That would have been interesting.
Surapong Jayanama down under
If you really appreciate the freedom of speech, then I do not see why you should be concerned or bothered about this.
They are expressing what they believe in, just less bullying in style !
Surapong Jayanama down under
@Soonuk Dum
Don’t be surprised if you get a lot of ‘red thumbs’ for this kind of comment from NM commentators. It goes straight to their heart.
When comes to ‘a superficial knowledge of Thailand’, I have three interesting examples to share:
– I have a Farang friend who can talk or opinion on everything about Thailand and also sees himself as ‘an expert’ on Thailand (political, social etc). When asked how he becomes such an expert, he said he has been living in this country for 5 years and have a Thai wife.
– A Farang academic once asked me if I knew someone who was ‘an expert’ (again) on Thai culture. When asked to clarify the word ‘expert’, she said someone who published their works on Thai issues. …… I ended up finding another ‘Farang expert’ to talk to her…..Unfortunately, I, as a Thai, live my whole life in this culture but not qualified as an expert….Perhaps, I haven’t published any paper.
– Another Farang academic with a PhD in SE Asian cultures who seems to know a lot about SE Asian cultures (of course). He said he would know/understand more of these cultures than his own. When asked ‘what is the culture of your own?’ He was speechless…
Well, I guess, with this posting, I would get more ‘red thumbs’ than you, Soonuk Dum
Surapong Jayanama down under
Here’s a little research suggestion . Can somebody at ANU have a look at Facebook and see what comments about this event came from the students? Or were they all so intimidated by this Pu Yai to say anything?
Surapong Jayanama down under
Maybe like you, he has a strong opinion? And I hardly think you qualify for the ‘rule of law’ camp Andrew when it comes to issues of electoral fraud and vote buying. Your attitude to governance frequently makes me cringe.
How can you speak of debate and an open and inclusive educational culture while suggesting that he should have kept his mouth shut? I’m sure the students are capable of making up their own minds. Better that they hear a range of opinion than a monologue from (sorry but its true) western academics living in Canberra.
If he’d launched into a glowing All Hail Thaksin rant, would you have written a similar article about it? I very much doubt it.
No passion at ICTS11
Forgive me for another quote. Mahamekian writes (my emphasis):
Reading the commentary on the ICTS11 one might be forgiven for thinking that it is the International Conference on Thai Political Studies. Those of us with interests in other areas of Thai Studies also have reason for disappointment over the content of this year’s conference. In my own fields of interest, which include health, social change, and the environment
Who, among the critical commentators of the Conference, ever said that a concern for what’s going on has to be “Political”??
Haven’t you heard that most of the tens of thousands of the Red Shirts who came to protest, risking their lives and well-being in the process, are among the most disadvantaged people in the country, including in the areas of “health (care)”, area you claim to be of your interest? And “social change”?? One would have thought that what happened in the past five years reflected a most profound “social change” ever seen in this country for a generation.
Of course, it’s your right to be ignorant or oblivion to such profound “social change” and continue to focus exclusively on your narrow field of interest. (One has to wonder, though, what “social change” are you talking about?) But even in case one continues to do research on one’s own narrow filed, it’s still a sad commentary on your part not to feel that a Conference that was being organized virtually at the same time that hundred of your countrymen were being killed in the middle of the same city of the Conference, couldn’t get more attention from yourself and your fellow ‘academics’ of Thai Studies.
Surapong Jayanama down under
Jon – thanks. My apologies. It should read “formerly”. Now corrected. AW