Bokmalen

 

Patriarkala strukturer, usch och fy, det hör inte hemma i civiliserade samhällen! Som Svensk är jag ju fostrad till att förknippa ordet patriark som ett skällsord. Hur ofta har man inte lystrat till, eller läst orden: Krossa patriarkatet?!

 Jag är ju jämställdheten personifierad. Lagar min egen mat, plockar undan disken, städar toaletten och tvättar mina egna solkiga(?) underkläder. Det är vardagssysslor som helt enkelt är en del av vardagen, som jag därför i normala fall inte reflekterar över.

 Här i Thailand har jag förmånen (om det nu är politiskt korrekt att få kalla det förmån) att skämmas bort som en patriark. Jag ligger mest på högkant här i huset och matas, tvagas och pysslas…njae, det där med tvagning var väl att ta i, men matas och pysslas om är något jag dagligen ”utsätts” för. Jag känner mig emellanåt lite som en gammal romare när jag ligger i min hängmatta och i tysthet dikterar visdomsord för mig själv, eller förtär en sinnessvag roman.

 Utan att jag ber om det kommer ibland en skål med ”exotisk” frukt utbärandes till högen med blekt kött som ligger likt ett stycke skämt kassler i hängmattan och rapar. I nästa stund kommer en flaska kyld öl till min undsättning, ”skyddsobjektet”, d.v.s. Jag, såg väl förmodligen törstig ut.

 Jag torkar mig om munnen, med en servett någon av mina tjänare lagt på pallen bredvid min tron. Samtidigt noterar jag hur ytterligare en av mina kvinnliga lakejer kommer bärandes på en fläkt som varsamt placeras på lagom avstånd för att kyla min kropp, men utan att för den delen blåsa mig irriterande i öronen, eller ofrivilligt vända bladen i blaskan jag för tillfället ögnar igenom.

 Så känns det att vara patriark, något som jag annars mest får uppleva sporadiskt då jag besöker min käre mor hemma i Svedala. Fasiken, jag kan nog vänja mig vid det här livet.

 He,he…Jag överdriver en aning i vanlig ordning. Men sant är att jag är sataniskt bortskämd när jag befinner mig i Thailand på semester. Huset vårt är fyllt av kvinnfolk som tävlar sinsemellan om att uppmärksamma sitt skyddsobjekts nycker och behov, låter det inte härligt så säg?

 Hmmm, återigen förädlade jag nog sanningen en aning. Sant är dock att jag skäms bort ordentligt. Svärmor är här, även hustrun till frugans morbror och givetvis min alldeles egen käresta fru. De tre tillsammans bidrar till att jag inte behöver uträtta många knop själv i hushållet. Trivs jag? Pfjuff….vem fan vill inte pysslas om av tre trevliga kvinnor?! Utan skrupler kan jag medge att jag är mycket tillfreds med den patriarkala atmosfär som råder här i huset, en stämning som alla tycks angelägna om att bibehålla.

Jag får passa på att njuta så länge det varar. Av erfarenhet vet jag att intresset för att hålla mig bortskämd brukar dala så smått efter den första veckan, sedan får jag snällt plocka undan disken själv, om jag inte vill få en stygg blick av frugan. Svärmor däremot skulle aldrig komma sig för att begära liknande storsintheter av mig så som att plocka bort tallrikar från bordet, sådant är inte karlagöra! Hon tillhör likt min mor den sista generationen av riktiga ”mansbortskämmare”, får jag någonsin en flicka ska jag be min egen mor och svärmor att uppfostra henne

 Vad gör jag mer här i Thailand annat än att ligga på rygg och deka ner mig, samt propagera för ofeministiska tankegångar?

Än så länge har jag inte tagit mig för något större projekt. Vi har vart inne i staden och badat lite, shoppat en del, ätit förbannat god mat och har i största allmänhet mest försökt anpassa oss till både klimatet och tidsomställningen. Jag tycker om att mjukstarta mina semestrar. Tids nog har jag gott om göromål att ta tag i. Vår tomt har angripits av en hel del med ogräs, grusgången behöver även den en uppryckning, sedan så har jag lite planer på att bygga en mur. Jo, det är bara att passa på och njuta av tiden i stillhet, för jag har en hel del med karlgöra framför mig!

/

mangeudon@hotmail.com

War gestern auf der Einwanderungsbehoerde in Koh Samui wegen der Visaverlaengerung. In Na Thon – die Hafenstadt von Koh Samui – sind saemtliche Behoerden und Aemter zu finden. Ich bekam noch den Rat vom Hotel mich sauber anzukleiden und mich gut zu benehmen, das wird auf Aemtern gerne gesehen. Moeglicherweise habe ich dann keine Probleme mit der Verlaengerung.

Fredi wirft sich also in die Sonntagskluft (frisches Leiberl und saubere kurze Hose) schwingt sich aufs Motorrad und faehrt die 20 km nach Na Thon. Nach 10 min fing es aber so was von zu regnen an, dass ich in Na Thon voellig durchweicht, wie ein begossener Pudel aussah. Das macht sicher einen guten Eindruck!! Kurz einen Passaneten gefragt wo das “Immigration bureau” ist und weiter gings die beschriebene Strasse entlang. Immer weniger Haeuser fuehrte die Strasse langsam aber sicher in die Berge. Wieder einen Passanten gefragt, der mir die Richtung aber bestaetigte. Nach ca. 4 km kam ich endlich bei der Behoerde an. Die sind sehr leicht zu erkennen, da viele kleine thailaendische Fahnen dort haengen. Lesen kann man leider nicht wo man gerade ist! Ich gehe hinein (habe eigentlich mehrere Touristen erwartet) und stelle mich als Dritter in die Reihe. (lauter Thais?) Es ging ziemlich rasch und als ich endlich vorne war erklaerte ich ihm mein Anliegen. Mit freundlichen, bedauernden Worten erklaerte mir der gute Mann, dass ich bei der Wasserbehoerde gelandet war und er keine Visa ausstellt! Er erklaerte mir geduldig den Weg zur Einwanderungsbehoerde, den ich dann gleich 2 Englaendern weitersagte, die soeben bei der Wasserbehoerde ein Visum verlaengern wollten. Als ich ankam musste ich schrecklich ausgesehen haben (Regen, Hitze, Fahrtwind) denn der hohe Beamte dieser Behoerde, der gerade im Freien eine rauchte als ich ankam, sah mich abschaetzig und entsetzt an. Die weiblichen Sachbearbeiterinnen waren auch nicht sonderlich begeistert – so kann man doch nicht auf eine Behoerde gehen! (Haette vielleicht doch mit dem Taxi fahren sollen) Formulare, Formulare und warten, warten! Der Beamte, der die Antraege bearbeitet, ging so ca. alle 30 min eine rauchen, es war ihm s……egal wieviele Leute da warteten. Ein richtig ueberhebliches A………, wie wir es ja von vielen Aemtern her kennen, oder? Da ich ja ein kleines Problem mit solchen Leuten und Autoritaeten habe koennt ihr euch vorstellen was jetzt kommt. Ich wagte es auch eine rauchen zu gehen und wurde von ihm gemassregelt, dass ich drinnen warten muesste. Auf mein WARUM bekam ich keine Antwort auch dann nicht als ich mir nach 1,5  Stunden ein Bier aus dem Laden holte. Nach meiner x-ten Tschik erlaubte ich mir die Frage, wie lange es denn noch dauern koennte. (Leute die nach mir gekommen sind waren schon fertig) Mit einem Laecheln sagte er, dass halt alles seine Zeit braucht und dann war mir klar, dass ich hier denn ganzen Tag verbringen werde. Ich ging also wieder zum Laden, deckte mich mit Knabbereien, Huehnerspiessen und Bier ein und machte es mir im Amt gemuetlich. Immer wenn er zu mir schaute (mit einem Grinsen) laechelte ich ganz hoeflich zurueck und fragte ihn dann auch mal ob er ein Bier haben moechte. Um 16:00 Uhr (nach 6 Stunden) hatte ich meine Verlaengerung in der Hand. (noch eine Stunde und er haette mich umgebracht)

Auf Koh Samui gibt es keine wirklichen besonderen Sehenswuerdigleiten. Abgesehen von Straenden und Wasserfaellen! Diese 2 Sehenswuerdigkeiten sind in Lammai und ziehen viele kichernde, knipsende asiatische Touristen an. Sie heissen Grossmutter und Grossvater – warum weiss ich auch nicht! (vielleicht kommt ihr drauf)

Nach einer wunderschoenen und sehr anstrengenden Wanderung zu einem Wasserfall (3,5 Std) sah ich diesen Mann sitzen und Getraenke verkaufen. Er ist dort jeden Tag und verkauft an guten Tagen bis zu 5 (!!) Dosen Getraenke. Auf jede Dose schlaegt er 20 Baht drauf. An diesem Tag war ich bis dahin der einzige, der den anstrengenden Weg auf sich genommen hat. Ich kaufte ihm aber auch gleich 3 Dosen ab. Das ist doch mal ein Job, oder?

Heute gehts nach Bangkok mit dem Flugzeug. Brauche unbedingt etwas Kultur! Moechte dann nach Kananchaburi weitereisen – dort steht die beruehmte Bruecke am Quai, wo im 2. Weltkrieg so viele Gefangene umgekommen sind. Ausserdem liegt Kananchaburi ja auch in den Bergen und ist bekannt fuer seine Hoehlentempel und seine Rafting- und Kajaktouren.

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A few hours drive in any direction from Chiang Mai are some of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks. This is a lake stitch of Shri Lanna Lake. Must be viewed large.

It’s FATBIDIN.TV update time! If you ain’t sick of it yet… that means I haven’t spammed you enough! Hahaha!

FAT BIDIN PRESENTS…
THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY
Part 4 of 15
Zan attends a marriage course in Pattani. Apparently, 31 is too late if you want to get married! And the film is still banned in Malaysia.

WE THE PEOPLE… Chatting with academicians about media censorship
Censorship… we never get tired talking about it.

THE P1 NET SHOW
Episode 4 – QTM… and Michael Lai singing!
QTM is when the P1 team gets together and finds out what is going on with everything. It’s also an excuse for a little rock star fantasy!

FAT BIDIN PRESENTS…
THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY
Part 4 of 15
Zan attends a marriage course in Pattani. Apparently 31 is too late if you want to get married!

Short synopsis:
Zan Azlee, a Malay Muslim documentary filmmaker from Malaysia, travels to Pattani in Southern Thailand to see the violent Islamic insurgency there. He feels somewhat a kin to them since the locals are Thai-Malays and Muslim too. This film is banned from broadcast in Malaysia by the Prime Minister’s Office.

FAT BIDIN PRESENTS is a series which will host long form documentaries. Click here to see all the episodes.

16 March – 3 April

Description

This trip aims to explore the role of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) primarily in the South East Asian region, but also in the larger context of the Asian and international communities. The 10-member grouping is in the process of writing a new ASEAN charter in an attempt to create a more inclusive and more integrated organisation. However, will these changes be merely symbolic, as with many of the gestures that ASEAN often makes?

To get a flavour of the region, we will be visiting 3 countries in the region – Singapore, Thailand (Bangkok) and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City). Singapore is a thriving city-state and arguably one of the more developed members of the grouping. It is also currently the ASEAN Chair. Thailand being Burma’s 3rd largest neighbour has an influential role to play in finding any solution to the human rights abuses in the latter country. Last but not least is Vietnam, the fastest growing economy in the region and a recent entrant into ASEAN (they joined the grouping in 1995).

Prices

Approximately £800, about £600 for air-fare and £200 for accommodation.

Close Protection

Corporations, Small Businesses and Private individuals face an ever-increasing threat from terrorists, criminals, racists and the mentally unstable. When a situation such as kidnapping, assassination, blackmail, industrial espionage and publicity arises, the need for Close Protection is paramount.

Security trained Chauffeurs and Security Drivers are an important part of any Close Protection team. Not only being able to transport the client from one place to another, but they are also trained to react quickly and safely to move the client out of immediate danger if a situation should arise.

Surveillance and Counter Surveillance

Our surveillance services are employed in Corporate, Individual and Legal information gathering such as marital disputes, fraud and counter industrial espionage. Our personnel are highly skilled in physical & electronic surveillance techniques, using the latest in state of the art technology and communication equipment. We can undertake surveillance operations ranging from static covert surveillance to teams of mobile operatives, with the ability to gather information from a wide array of sources such as voice recorders, camcorders, digital photography and others.

Protective surveillance is often used for sensitive situations such as the protection of spouses and children, where the overt attention of a Close Protection officer or team would not be conducive to their lifestyles or especially for at-risk teenagers who do not wish for their friends and peers to know that they are being protected.

Security specialists such as Close Protection and Executive Protection officers are often referred to as “Bodyguards”,  but the modern day Close Protection officer needs to be more than just the old fashioned “Bodyguard”. Executives and Media personalities no longer tolerate the stereotypical untrained “giant” when it comes to personal safety. Requiring their personal security operatives to be well mannered, intelligent and able to discreetly deal with any situation should it arise.

Published by: ABP World Group International executive protection services

Introducing the beautiful Tata Young who is a Thai singer, model and actress. After releasing her album I Believe in Thailand, she rose to success and has become one of the most famous celebs in Thailand.

Visit my Mahalo page for Tata Young

Visit my Mahalo page for Tata Young

Visit my Mahalo page for Tata Young

Visit my Mahalo page for Tata Young

Thailand is Hong Kong’s backyard paradise. Primarily because of its close proximity and relatively inexpensive airfare, many people from Hong Kong enjoy visiting for a short getaway. Thus, almost every tour agency in Hong Kong offers trips to Thailand.  My friends and I booked a trip a few weeks ago for $300 USD through Hong Thai tour group. This included: airfare, hotel accommodations, bus transportation, and most activities for 4 nights/5 days. It’s been years since I’ve taken a tour group vacation, so I was expecting a tour similar to one that I took in Japan around 6 years ago; a very typical tour that you’re probably imagining…

However, there is something very interesting about Hong Kong tours in Thailand that was literal culture shock. Not in a negative way, but in a very surprising and innovative way! Since so many Hong Kong people visit Thailand, tour agencies work together to cater to the Cantonese-speaking tourists. Essentially, all of the Hong Kong-Thailand tours are similar and visit the same destinations. At these places,everyone – including the Thai workers – speak Cantonese. The tour groups visit the same places: monkey shows, elephant trekking areas, parasailing docks, boat trips to certain islands, restaurants etc. During the entire tour, you never have to speak any other language except Cantonese.

For example, we went on a full day boat trip to Coral Island in Pattaya, and it was filled with 95 percent Hong Kong tourists. The only boats docking at this particular island were Hong Kong tour groups. It almost felt like the island was “owned” by one parent company. The same goes with the monkey show and elephant trekking village, all owned and operated in Cantonese.  It almost feels like you’re in Thailand, but in a bubble owned by a company in Hong Kong. Who would have known that you could visit Thailand and be surrounded by Thai people speaking Cantonese? It was quite interesting – and business savvy – for the tour agencies to work together to cater to the Hong Kong people. I never knew such things existed, which is why I was so shocked.

Nevertheless, with that interesting fact put aside, I must say that my trip was extremely enjoyable. Traveling with 8 other friends was unforgettable – filled with laughter, bonding, and lifelong memories. Simply being with these people is something that I will never forget. I am so fortunate and lucky to have such great friends who are always willing to have a good time. With that said, here is a photo montage of my trip. Most photo credits go to Mike Chang, the fearless photographer of our group!

DAY 1 – Pattaya

Riding horses in Pattaya

Elephant Trekking – “Posing” with the elephant!

Elephant Trekking

Riding a Tuk Tuk in Pattaya

Hanging out in Pattaya. We found an interesting photo-op!

DAY 2 – Coral Island Tour, Pattaya
Pattaya City

Ready to go parasailing!

Up, up…and away!

Lunch on Coral Island

Wandering around Coral Island

Coral Island – Jumping for Joy!

At the “tranny show” – These are all males who have transformed into females!

It was an interesting show. Similar to Vegas shows, but they were all male.

DAY 3 – Leaving Pattaya, Siracha Tiger Zoo, Off to Bangkok

DAY 4 – Exploring Bangkok

Heading towards Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

At the top of Wat Arun!

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – Bangkok, Thailand

The Grand Palace – Girls must cover their legs and shoulders out of respect. Wearing
traditional Thai clothing

The Grand Palace

Inside the Grand Palace

MEMORIES THAT LAST FOREVER…

och dessutom lite småförkyld. Det har varit underbart att ha fått lite sol och värme, men det är faktiskt ganska skönt att andas kallare luft. Storasyster var tillbaka i skolan idag och möttes av kramar från klasskompisarna . Hon tyckte att det var jättekul att få berätta om resan i klassen och att vara tillbaka hos kompisarna igen. Imorgon är det skridskor med klassen. Kontraster Pappa g tar ledigt på förmiddagen imorgon för att vara “knythjälp” till 6-åringarna.

Mahachai’s Migrants from Burma Accept Nationality Verification But Plead for More Information From Governments … Chiangmai’s Shan Migrants Reject the Process Outright

Mon, 16/11/2009 – 09:47
Human Rights and Development Foundation (HRDF)
Since December 2008, the Royal Thai Government (RTG) has increasingly stressed its policy that migrant workers from Burma currently in Thailand must enter a nationality verification process (NV). NV is apparently required to change migrant’s status from persons who illegally entered Thailand to persons who are legally resident here, as well as to allow migrants to legally work and receive legal protection equal to Thai persons. Despite RTG having set a 28th February 2010 deadline for migrant workers to complete this process, most of these workers from Burma, as well as their employers and most of civil society, continue to be greatly confused by and/or unaware of the nature of the NV process and its complex 13 steps.

On 15 November, 2009, the Migrant Worker Rights Network (MWRN), an organisation made up of migrant workers from the Samut Sakorn area, with support from HRDF’s Migrant Justice Programme, organised a seminar entitled “Benefits and Challenges of Nationality Verification for Migrant Workers from Burma” at Wat Pomvichian Chotikaram, Ampur Muang, Samut Sakorn Province. More than 350 migrant workers participated in this seminar. Speakers at the seminar were: Mr. Wanchai Saakhonmanirat, Samut Sakorn Employment Office; Ms. Wandii Siibuaiam, Advisor to Samut Sakorn Fisheries Association; Ms. Sirigon Lirtchayothit, Raks Thai Foundation; Ms. Masan Sanmoo, a migrant worker who completed the NV process with a broker; and Mr. Arthi Akhai, a migrant worker who completed the NV process without a broker. The meeting was presided over by Mr. Surapong Kongchantuk from the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
During this meeting, the panel of speakers exchanged views on as well as explained the NV process. This allowed migrants who attended the meeting to understand the process much better than they previously had done. During the final part of the meeting, migrant participants had an opportunity to ask questions about NV and exchange views on their confusions or worries relating to the process. Most migrants commented on their lack of confidence in the Burmese Government’s style of working, which is the main reason why NV is proceeding so slowly. Participants also expressed concern and confusion about taxation policies of both the RTG and the Burmese Government for migrants who have completed NV. In addition, migrants discussed rumours that have been spreading within their communities; concerns about the overall high costs of completing the process; general confusion over exactly what the 13 steps of the NV process are; and concerns that there did not seem to be a clear policy by the RTG to address the status of children of workers who complete NV.

During the closing session of the meeting, when asked whether they would take part in the NV process or not, more than 90% of the participants said they agreed with NV and were willing to enter the process. However, participants pleaded with the RTG to immediately launch a more meaningful NV information dissemination campaign, given they and their communities continue to be confused by the details of the NV policy.

This meeting’s conclusion sharply contrasts with discussion in a similar meeting on NV held in Chiangmai on 9th November 2009, hosted by the Workers Solidarity Association (WSA) and the Migrant Workers Federation (MWF), and also supported by HRDF’s MJP. At the close of this meeting, almost all 250 Shan migrant workers in attendance rejected the existing NV process and instead demanded the Burmese Government allow NV to take place in Thailand.

by Usa Pichai
Monday, 16 November 2009 19:17

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Thai employers are anxious that Burmese workers employed by them could be forcibly repatriated if they bring them over for nationality verification, according to the Thai Labour Minister.

Phaitoon Kaewthong, Minister of Labour said on Monday after his visit to the Nationality Verification Center for Burmese migrant workers in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai Province on Saturday that only 80 Thai employers are bringing in their workers each day to make passports and visas to work in Thailand. The center can provide services to 200 workers a day.

“Employers and employees fear that if they go through the process, they would not be allowed return to work in Thailand. They are scared that their family members in Burma would be taxed heavily. But the Burmese ambassador to Thailand who accompanied him on the trip insisted that worker’s families in Burma would not be taxed, ” Phaitoon said, according to a report on the Thailand National News Bureau’s website.

The minister added that nationality verification for Burmese workers, which was scheduled to be completed on 28 February 2010 cannot be done on time. However, the authorities will wait to see the total number of verified workers and would find a solution, or extend the last date of verification. On 15 November, 2009, the Migrant Worker Rights Network (MWRN), an organization made up of migrant workers from the Samut Sakorn area, organized a seminar entitled “Benefits and Challenges of Nationality Verification for Migrant Workers from Burma” in Samut Sakorn Province, about 30 Kilometers from Bangkok, one of the biggest fishery industries centre in the country. More than 350 migrant workers participated in the seminar, according to a statement released on Monday by the Human Rights and Development Foundation (HRDF), Migrant Justice Programme which supported the conference and MWRN.

“Most migrants talked about their lack of confidence in the Burmese Government’s style of functioning, which is the main reason why nationality verification is proceeding so slowly. In addition, migrants discussed rumours that have been spreading in their communities; concerns about the overall high costs of completing the process; general confusion over exactly what the steps of the process are; and concerns that there does not seem to be a clear policy by the Thai government to address the status of children of workers who complete the process.” The group noted these in the statement.

During the closing session of the meeting, when asked whether they would take part in the process or not, more than 90 per cent of the participants said they agreed with the idea of national verification and were willing to do it. However, participants pleaded with the Thai government to immediately launch a more meaningful information dissemination campaign.

This meeting’s conclusion sharply contrasts with the discussion in a similar meeting on the issue held in Chiang Mai on 9 November 2009, hosted by the Workers Solidarity Association (WSA) and the Migrant Workers Federation (MWF), which was also supported by the HRDF. At the conclusion of this meeting about 300 Shan migrant workers attending rejected the existing process and instead demanded the Burmese Government allow nationality verification to take place in Thailand.

Last month, Phaitoon revealed that, so far about 2,000 migrants from Burma have gone through the nationality verification process, while 700,000 have registered with the Labour Ministry.
mizzima

From Sukhothai we rode the bus to Chiang Mai. As Thailand’s 2nd largest city, Chiang Mai is charming, buzzing and cool all at once.

When first arriving in any town, you start with a Tuc-Tuc.

Then you move onwards and upwards with your own wheels!

It eez juste like beang back in Pareesss!

Daniel seeks a pair of pants at the Mororot Market.

A supa stupa.

Now that we have mastered the art of Chinese cuisine, we move on to Thai spring rolls, Pad Thai, Green Curry and Sweet & Sour Prawn soup.

Before leaving Chiang Mai, we hook up with our Irish travelling buddies we met in Australia for dinner and a few beers. The next day we head to the bus station and find this top of the line beauty waiting for us (thankfully this wasn’t actually our bus).

We arrive in lovely Chiang Rai, a smaller town with much charm and a fantastic night market full of beautiful things and most importantly lots of clothes/food (Hannah/Dan).

The purpose for us coming to Chiang Rai is to do a 3 day trek into the wilderness of Northern Thailand to visit and stay with local hill tribes and learn about their culture.

The journey begins going up a river on a dismal day – not really, we just know that it’s winter back home and wanted to make you feel better. Actually it was incredibly hot with clear blue skies and sunshine. Again. Sorry.

From the boat, our next mode of transportation is an elephant! Here it is (on the left).

Riding in a seat on the back of an elephant isn’t as comfortable as it looks on TV. Especially when the seat is made of steel with no padding and isn’t strapped on very well.

Daniel is obviously giving off a dubious smell which intrigues our large friend… It died shortly after (if small children are reading this, it didn’t really die).

We next set off on foot to visit an Aka tribe village and later spend the night in a Lahu village.

Hannah posing with Homee our trusty little guide. 66 years and still going strong!

An Aka villager in traditional head gear.

Spot the difference.

The village children are very cute.

First things first. After a day of boats, elephants and trekking, the situation calls for some Beer Chang.

Check out these 2 lovelies.

The view from our host’s bamboo home.

The village school has various books and equipment donated by foreign governments and aid organisations, including this battery operated high tech gear.

The high street.

We set off again the next morning for a lovely trek through the dense bamboo jungle as we make our way to the next village. On the way, we reach a clearing at the summit of a mountain where we found this… Its presence remains unexplained.

It’s pretty hot out there so we welcome any opportunity to cool down. A waterfall will do just fine.

Daniel in his best camouflage gear.

Daniel being very manly with his lion.

Sleeping in a bamboo hut, in a jungle, in remote Northern Thailand should be a very relaxing experience. However, God decided to put cockerels on this planet. And they can all be found within earshot of this very same bamboo hut. They’re loud. Very loud. And it’s a lie that they start at sunrise, the sun is nowhere to be seen at 2am… 

That’s what we wanted to do to all of them.

We spent our evenings hanging out with the locals and playing with their kids. The digital camera amused them for hours on end.

One in particular, little Abunia, stayed by our side for the whole visit, desperate to get her hands on the camera.

The aforementioned Abunia, Dan and a friend.

She succeeded. The world as photographed by Abunia:

And so our lovely Northern Thailand experience came to an end and we head north to Laos.

Stadt der Affen, Montag 16. November 2009, Lokalzeit: 20:50, erfasst von sebi

sind gestern abend mit dem zug von bangkok zwei stunden richtung norden gefahren und wir haben uns in einem gasthaus an einer ruhigen strasse niedergelassen. dort lernten wir ein schweizer paerchen kennen und haben uns draussen bis halb fuenf morgens ueber alles moegliche unterhalten.

heute gings mit dem zug weiter richtung norden und sind in einer stadt voller affen ausgestiegen. es gibt da mehr affen als in winterthur tauben. irgendwie sind die affen da ueberhaupt nicht scheu und werden ziemlich frech. als tierfreund teilte ich mein mineralwasser mit ihnen aber als ein affe an mein portemonnaie wollte, wehrte ich mich und das scheisstier hat mich in die rechte hand gebissen (jetzt sind drei stunden vergangen und der biss ist noch deutlich zu erkennen). die tiere sind lustig aber unberechenbar (haben einen affen gesehen, mit einer bierdose in der hand: vielleicht deshalb.)

22:55: unser schlafzug nach norden (chiang mai) hat eine verspaetung von einundhalb stunden.
moechte noch auf demis’ blog hinweisen: http://www.demishitstheroad.blogspot.com/ (absolut coole fotos )

Some highlights from a recent trek into the urban jungle of Bangkok’s Chinatown.  An incredibly dense, vibrant, and confusing part of central Bangkok not far from the guest house we were staying at during our stay in the city.  By far the largest Chinatown I’ve come across, ever.  The streets were narrow and winding, with markets and vendors spilling out from dark alleyways into the roads.  Took-Took’s and motorbikes still managed to squeeze through these narrow passages, parting the crowds of pedestrians at the last second.

Started reading Richard Koo’s book recently.  Frankly, it’s got to be one of the most important books on macroeconomics written in a long time because it tries to confront Japan’s Lost Decade head-on.  The Japanese experience has confounded so many economists for so long because everything  they thought would work, well, didn’t.

But what has struck me so far in the book is Koo’s perspective and tone.  The assertion that the massive debt reduction Japan underwent was necessary is something I agree with wholeheartedly.  His other assertion that government needed to take on the mountain of debt they took on while households and businesses – which were for all intensive purposes insolvent – reduced debt, seems far-fetched.  And to call the Japanese outcome a success because the alternative was an almost never-ending deflationary spiral, again, seems a bit off the mark.  I mean, would you call this a “success?”

That dotted line represented what the GDP trajectory was going to continue at in 1990.  Let’s just say it’s a little off its growth path.  The next chart might have something to do with the GDP issue, it looks at the size of the labor force in Japan:

Notice that the labor force in Japan started plateauing not long after the GDP plateau.  This is part of a bigger demographic/societal issue Japan is facing, which is the fact the country is getting older.  The birth rate is too low, and the population is aging rapidly.  Yet, unemployment has seen a relatively uninterrupted bull market.  Higher highs and higher lows:

It makes sense when you consider technological innovation/change provides subtext to the time series.  As innovation progresses, production gets more efficient and cheaper.  So fewer workers are needed in that production.  With demand stagnant, unemployment will only increase in the future.  Deflation and debt destruction has conditioned the Japanese to embrace austerity.  Then you look at this next chart and know one thing: Koo’s conclusions not withstanding, this isn’t going to end well:

Japanese debt is almost twice as big as GDP.  Federal debt is growing at an alarming rate, so the fear is that some point in the futre we will be talking about the good ol’ USA the way we talk about Japan right now. 

But I don’t want to just get locked into one scenario and ponder if we’re destined to see it come true.  To look at an alternative, I’ll talk about Thailand in my next post.

Mae Hong Son’s Deputy Governor, Tanin Supasaen, chaired a meeting to discuss the problems importers of wood products trading across the Myanmar border have recently faced with forestry officials at Mae Hong Son. Representatives of the Thai Customs Department, Mae Hong Son Provincial Police, Forestry Office, the provincial Commercial Affairs Office, the Mae Hong Son Administrative Organization and the Immigration Bureau all met to discuss the relevant laws.
It has been reported that both Forestry Department officials and those of the Mae Hong Son’s administrative organization have arrested people and confiscated goods of those who imported wood products from Burma through the Huai Pueng Border Checkpoint in Mae Hong Son. However, the importers said that they had already paid taxes to the customs officials at the Mae Hong Son checkpoint.
Worakan Mahawong, Head of the Regional Customs Bureau 3 at Mae Hong Son, explained that the arrests were due to Thai Customs and that his organization is in charge of taxes. He insisted that Customs officials had followed the rules and regulations strictly.
The Deputy Governor, citing the Commercial Act B.E. 2548, said that importers without the necessary permits from the exporting country were only allowed to import goods at the border in Tak and Kanchanburi. He added that Burma allows exports of wooden goods only through 3 checkpoints; Tha Khilek checkpoint opposite Chain; Mae Sot in Tak province and the Koh Song checkpoint in Ranong. The checkpoints in Mae Hong Son are for the trade of consumer goods in reasonable amounts only.
Pol. Col. Chatchawal Wachirapaneekul, the Deputy Commander of Mae Hong Son Provincial Police, interpreted the Act to show that goods could not be brought into Thailand through the Mae Hong Son checkpoint commercially and that the traders need to get the proper documentation in order to enter the country with their goods legally.
The officials concluded that temporarily halting all imports of wooden products through 5 border checkpoints was necessary, including checkpoints at Huai Pueng, Nam, Piang Din, Tonnoon and Sao Hin. The Governor of Mae Hong Son, Kamtorn Tawornsawit, is expected to make the final decision regarding the halt of the trade of wooden products.

Two suspects found dead, 50,000 yabah pills seized

Two suspected drug smugglers were shot dead by security forces after a 30 minute gun battle about 500 meters from the border in Chiang Mai’s Mae Ai district on October 30. The Pha Muang Task Force found 50,000 yabah tablets, a 9 mm handgun and the bodies of two unidentified men, aged around 25, suspected to be part of the gang.
The Task Force, led by Maj. Gen. Prakarn Chonlayut, charged with preventing drug smuggling across the border, was patrolling the area on Saturday morning when they encountered the group. The gang opened fire when discovered, and the task force returned fire. They later found evidence that at least two or three members had escaped over the border into Myanmar.

More than 200 Buddhist monks and nuns asked for alms donations in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Monday to send to Burmese refugees who live in camps along the Thailand-Burma border.

The project was supported by the International Network of Engaged Buddhist (INEB), the Friends of Burma and other civil society groups that turned out for the event.

The INEB is a network of Buddhist monks, nuns, social activists and community leaders under the patronage of the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh and other leading Buddhists.

Aphatsorn Sombunwatthanakun, a coordinator of Friends of Burma, told The Irrawaddy on Monday: “Some advisers from our organization are members of the INEB. We will send the donations to camps in Mae Sot, Mae Hong Song and Wieng Heng.” Donations included money and other material that could be used by refugees.

Participants included people from China, Korea, Japan, Siri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Brittain, Austria and other countries.

A young Shan woman, Ying Horm, told The Irrawaddy: “I cannot go inside my country to help. But now I can help in another way, so I feel satisfied.”

An estimated 140,000 refugees, mostly from eastern Burma, live in nine camps along Thailand’s western border, according to the Thailand Burma Border Consortium Web site.
click on  TBBC MAP October

BANGKOK, 16 November 2009 (NNT) – The grenade at yesterday’s mass rally of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in Sanam Luang was launched either from the Defence Ministry or the Juvenile Court compounds, according to police investigations.

Metropolitan Police Bureau Chief, Police Leutenant-General Vorapong Chiewpreecha, stated that initial investigations showed the attackers launched the M79 grenade from the back of the Defence Ministry near the Lod Canal. He indicated that the bomb could not have been thrown by hand to the rally site, based on the grenade’s trajectory.

The police said the attackers have not been identified yet and the investigative team is preparing to call more witnesses for further interrogation as the CCTV cameras at Sanam Luang did not provide any evidence relating to the suspects.

The explosion ocurred at the back of PAD stage on Sunday night at around 21.00 hrsd causing several injuries and damage to property at the scene.

The gathering of the PAD was intended as a show of force to protect the country’s integrity and protest against ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was recently appointed as an economic adviser to the Cambodian government and also his comments about the Monarchy in an interview with The Times Online. His statements were deemed to be in contempt of the royal institution.