This project seems quite suspicious. Saying the firewall is necessary to protect the monarchy seems designed to deflect criticism and probing into the details of this project. The ministry has not mentioned exactly what it will spend the money on and what else it will block in addition to websites deemed offensive to the monarchy. The government seems to have already forced Thai ISPs to block thousands of websites. I would have thought the number of websites that could be construed as offensive in this way must be relatively small, as the subject is not widely followed outside Thailand. Surely the existing resources are pretty much sufficient for the task, while much of the funding will go to external consultants.
Amberwaves, I think the so called elite that supposedly lends its backing to PAD would like the rural people to remain as uncomplaining farmers and migrant laborers. Some but not all of the PAD leaders are more enlightened. The PAD rank and file, being largely middle class city folk of a conservative political hue, would also not see much direct benefit in educating the rural masses.
The top leadership of PPP are wealthy business people of the type that would not want their children to marry an ethnic Thai and who carefully scrutinise resumes to avoid wasting time interviewing management candidates without lengthy last names. Their attitude to rural people is at least as patronising as that of the “elite”. In their businesses country people are docile laborers and consumers. Politically they are a simply means to political power and riches but not an end in themselves. The middle management of PPP are nearly all aspiring business people from the provinces who go into politics purely as a way to further their business interests. PPP is a right wing party that sees politics as a business with targetted returns on investment and populism as a marketing tool. There is no sign that they have made any efforts to improve education or to reduce rampant corruption in the Ministry of Education.
Those common men among us are not privy to the intricate arrangements made between governments and visiting dignitaries like this. However, this (The Thai seems to indicate he is an assistant to the MOD adviser, not the adviser himself) visit is likely dual purpose, as most are. Australia’s trade relations with Thailand, and its more strategic goals of ensuring a future with the larger Asia sphere means more to the country’s coffers than a few dead people in the south. Not to be callous, but when it comes to good relations based on money changing hands and possible differences based on legitimate criticism of human rights violations, one’s overall commercial interests will always come first.
It is not unusual to see some sort of Brahmin ritual in an event like this. I would says it does not have significant meaning behind it, just tradition. You can see this kinds of ritual when Thais move into new house, wedding (usually in the morning of wedding day), moving to new office, before concert – sports(Thai soccer team do a ritual like this before compete in World cup preliminary).
FIDF is a separated juristic entity from the Bank of Thailand. The Fund Management Department of Bank of Thailand carry on the operations of FIDF and provide administrative staffs. FIDF keep its own accounting records and budget. The Auditing General Office audit FIDF and report the audit result to the Minister of Finance and inform BOT.”
Obviously from your post you are a big fan of PMThaksin – but for the sake of reconcilliation, please acknowledge his flaws too. Remember even the man himself admitted that “I am not perfect” and rather prone to “honest mistakes”. You can read my posts and see that I acknowledged his positive side and accomplishments. White-washing him is not the path to peace.
Frankly, and I am only speaking for myself, I would be happy if he and KYPotjaman comes back and serve a year jail term and then seeks pardon (pending other possible convictions in court ofcourse – it may have to be more). Then he can come out, repented it is assumed, and reenter politics if he wishes. Who knows, we might get a truly “liberal democrat” leader who values robust checks-and-balances at the other end…
Which planet are you from? As an interested observer of Thailand, you are not very observant. Religious ceremonies, both Brahmin and other Buddhist, some Taoist even confucianism have been and will still be part of Thai lives. Everyone and their neighbour practice it. No important occasion / procession / street demonstrations are not preceeded by some sort of religious ceremony. NOTHING strange and no other significance.
BTW, if you go to the “4 face” buddha statue in Silom and do a survey, you will find a percentage of the Thais paying homage there are actually Christians. Going to church and believing in a Christian god is not going to stop them from the need to seek blessings from the ancient cultural ‘need’
There are examples in Europe where the perpetrators of similar crimes against humanity have been arrested on international warrants – the most notable being Pinochet of Chile, arrested on a Spanish warrant while in the UK. Could something similar not be arranged for this gentleman?
Nick, your note that you have not been invited to testify to enquiries on Oct7 is yet another cause for concern for the processes at work here in Thailand…
I suppose optimistically, its just the committees are loathe to include testimony from a non-Thai
pessimistically, they might not want to run the risk that you could report outside Thailand on the manner or content of their investigations and you might be incorruptible or objective unlike most of the Thai witnesses they might call
it also raises the issue of exactly which witnesses they are hearing, how many are real eye-witnesses? how many are spokespersons for various interest groups with no first-hand knowledge of the events?
if anyone sees the reports I for one would be really interested to know how much detail, list of witnesses, etc the reports include…
If such a wall is needed, there is probably something wrong with those to be protected by the wall. Perhaps these wall-protected people should ask themselves what they indeed have done to need the protecting wall.
All things said, don’t forget the book Small Is Beautiful by E.F. Schumacher (I hope I spell his name right). In the book there is an inspiring chapter on Buddhist economics. Actually, I think, this sufficiency economics originates with Buddhism. As the majority of Thais are Buddhist, I don’t see why we should get excited about this being a novel theory. The Buddha gave this out long, long ago, and many Thais have practiced it from time immemorial!
As per the above points, I’ve found (although no longer in formal uni studies) the occasional New Mandala posts on Asian language issues to be interesting and useful – both practical pieces like Nic’s list of Thai abbreviations and more anthropological stuff like the recent discussion on Pali. These can be especially helpful when supported by recommended study materials and links to online resources (I’m thinking of things like the online version of Saya Saw Tun’s self-study texts for Burmese). Please continue providing language-related posts.
Colum, I find hanging around Chinatown very useful too; there’s a myriad of languages spoken in the central city area of Adelaide thanks to the growing wealth of (expensive) student accommodation available.
Most of my language practice comes from associating with my partner (an Isan native) and her work colleagues who are a mixture of Lao students on scholarships and their partners, and the large number of Lao settlers living here. Nevertheless, away from Thailand and Laos, my speaking has gone downhill (lacking confidence), but listening is improving.
From my own perspective New Mandala has proven a vital resource of ideas and comment – as a ‘mature age’ student, tracking down resources presents a challenge which I revel in, but I can imagine that for younger students wishing to study Thailand for example, the lack of access to necessary resources outside of the old standards such as those of Wyatt, Girling, Keyes et al would be disconcerting if not studying at ANU, Monash, or wherever. It’s incredible at times just how little one can lay their hands on here unless you use document delivery and wait (until you’ve forgotten what you needed it for).
What I would most like however, is to read Thai and Lao; that is, to gain the ability to at least gain a grasp of what the Thai newspapers are saying for example (knowing there is a difference between newspaper language and standard written Thai). So what I’m suggesting to New Mandala (or whoever) is perhaps a series of tutorials for beginners and try-hards like myself in reading for Thai (for example) politics, culture, etc. This is the area I feel most disadvantaged in, and I’m sure would be of some help.
Once again, thanks to Andrew and Nicholas for the invaluable resource you provide.
Dear Walker:
As a Thai, I see nothing unusual about having a Brahmin ceremony at an auspicious event. This Brahmin involvement is part of Thai life when some rite is performed, as it is believed that the Hindu gods can powerfully protect the country and people. Very often a Brahmin ceremony is conducted side by side with a Buddhist one. This is a practice not only among common people but also for royalty. We see that on several important occasions, a ceremony in the grand palace is both Brahmin and Buddhist.
While we are asking questions about Brahmins, what of the black magic statements coming from Sonthi Limthongkul regarding the need to perform ceremonies to ward off Cambodian magic. Anyone been watching this or have a perspective?
Both sides are doing it. See the article Naew thang saiyasat nai krabuankan khluenwai kanmueang yuk lokaphiwat (Supernatural tendencies in political movements in the globalization age) in Matichon, 3 November, which mentions the Brahman ceremony at Rajamangala and also points out that a ‘history student from a US university’ (i.e., Sondhi) has been pronouncing incantations on the PAD stage all along, as well as enchanting Jatukam Ramathep amulets and other khlang stuff.
[…] colleague in Thailand has provided me with a fascinating footnote to the Truth Today rally staged last Saturday by the pro-government and pro-Thaksin┬ red-shirts. According to one […]
I want to raise some issues from Portman in the post above:
Portman says: “On the other hand I don’t notice the same depth of political feeling when I visit northeastern villages and don’t believe that most farmers are highly politicized.”
I have been involved in various activities in the NE for more than 25 years, and I can only think that Portman visits another NE. Villagers in the NE are highly engaged in politics. This is true historically and presently. There is ample evidence for this in reports by academics and (for the historical period) from US analysts who tried to wean the NE off a politics they didn’t like.
Portman says: “At election time you see almost exclusively TRT/PPP posters in the villages but farmers do not seem particularly interested in politics.”
This was certainly not true in the southern NE in the last election. It was true for the election in 2005 and less so in 2000.
Portman says: “Villagers openly admit that they sell their votes and vote the way the pooyai baan tells them to.”
Villagers do say that the sell votes, but they also say a lot more than that. One village that I looked at carefully during the 2007 election did not vote for who the phuyai suggested. I think if you look at some of the academic studies you’ll find other stories. Andrew walker has done this for the N and Somchai P. did a bit in his piece in the Journal of Contemporary Asia. But, the pattern in the NE is now very mixed on both vote-buying and the role of phuyai and other village notables.
Portman: “They are happy to get the money and scared not to vote for the person they are paid to vote for because they believe that the buyers will be able to look inside the ballot box and see who they voted for.”
This is not correct any longer. Again, the academic research shows that this is an old and outdated perception.
Portman: “Their lives are intertwined with the political canvassers who are also the Thai Chinese millers and merchants that control the rice trade and there is not much point in trying to go against the system.”
This may be true for the central region. It is not much true for the NE. A study that suggests these kinds of linkages is that by Arghiros, but this is not about the NE. I haven’t seen any research or reports of this in recent times in the NE.
Portman: “Conversations about politics around election times usually revolve around who is paying how much for votes where and nothing much about parties or policies.”
That may be correct, but I am not certain. In the village I watched last election, villagers complained about a lack of information about policies because the junta had restricted information flows to villages.
Portman: “What is very obvious though is that there is a picture of the King and Queen in each and every rural home.”
They do although the meaning and significance of this cannot be taken for granted.
Portman: “Raising the standard of rural education is probably the only long-term solution for Thai politics but this is unfortunately and for obvious reasons the last thing that either PPP or the PAD would like to see.”
Why blame education or lack of it? Sure, the system isn’t great, but the wonderfully educated Bangkok middle and upper class seems not to have prevented corruption in Bangkok. If corruption is really what bothers Bangkokians, they have not shown a particular ability, based on education, to overcome it.
I am not saying Portman is completely wrong, but I think his/her ideas are somewhat dated.
if you look at the Bangkok Post Forum, Local politics, Law is law
you will discover that the FIDF is not a government agence and that Section 100 specifies that a conflict of interest occurs where a public official or spouse enters into a contract with a government agency
Yes, in SA there is next to no resources available, and from having briefly taken introductory Mandarin, most students are Commerce acolytes — not that there is anything wrong with that. No.
Tony, to learn Vietnamese you only have to go and hang around Pennington!
I think the geopolitical reality of Asia being so close still does not counter the tyranny of distance that we suffer over land. Is there an Asian Studies center at Charles Darwin University? I’ll stop being facetious. The biggest problem I had with taking “Asian Studies”, or looking to pursue an area study at all was the label. I think the identity of Australians is as much in question here as the policy of Asia literacy. I see ‘Asia literacy’ policy as a diplomatic card more than anything else. An effort to be in touch with a more local region, but at the same time not to antagonize the dominant roots of Eurocentrism. Perth is only 11 hours away from Johannesburg, but there isn’t an African studies programme at UWA. Maybe “Area” is the issue??
$60 million is not nearly enough. Will that employ native speakers of a various languages to come and be conversationalists at Universities? Would Rudd, the diplomat, really want to rock the boat when “Australiana”, is still defining itself away from the colonial past. Furthermore, I think Rudd’s flat rejection of Paul Keating’s thoughts about Kokoda this week undermines his purported willingness to bring Australia ‘closer’ to Asia over his own political posturing. Hardly evidence of the political will necessary to strike a deeper chord with our neighbours.
This website really serves as an advertisement for studying at the ANU, haha.
Your posts are like introductions to tutorials which is great, maybe a more in depth ‘tutorial’, would take your much appreciated help further. I feel though that you will be tempted to charge!
“The political uncertainty has dented investor confidence and government planning, but it has had one unexpected benefit: It has prevented the building of the sort of asset price bubbles that have amplified problems elsewhere in the world.”
in “Thailand Escapes Financial Meltdown: Past Lessons Helped Nation Lessen Risk”
Who would have thought the Thai political crisis had any economic benefits! I say it’s still early days – and Thailand (and all others) will succumb in the scenario that the US and Europe economy further deteriorates…
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The Great Wall of Chitralada
This project seems quite suspicious. Saying the firewall is necessary to protect the monarchy seems designed to deflect criticism and probing into the details of this project. The ministry has not mentioned exactly what it will spend the money on and what else it will block in addition to websites deemed offensive to the monarchy. The government seems to have already forced Thai ISPs to block thousands of websites. I would have thought the number of websites that could be construed as offensive in this way must be relatively small, as the subject is not widely followed outside Thailand. Surely the existing resources are pretty much sufficient for the task, while much of the funding will go to external consultants.
What happened on 7/10/2008?
Amberwaves, I think the so called elite that supposedly lends its backing to PAD would like the rural people to remain as uncomplaining farmers and migrant laborers. Some but not all of the PAD leaders are more enlightened. The PAD rank and file, being largely middle class city folk of a conservative political hue, would also not see much direct benefit in educating the rural masses.
The top leadership of PPP are wealthy business people of the type that would not want their children to marry an ethnic Thai and who carefully scrutinise resumes to avoid wasting time interviewing management candidates without lengthy last names. Their attitude to rural people is at least as patronising as that of the “elite”. In their businesses country people are docile laborers and consumers. Politically they are a simply means to political power and riches but not an end in themselves. The middle management of PPP are nearly all aspiring business people from the provinces who go into politics purely as a way to further their business interests. PPP is a right wing party that sees politics as a business with targetted returns on investment and populism as a marketing tool. There is no sign that they have made any efforts to improve education or to reduce rampant corruption in the Ministry of Education.
What is the man who oversaw the Tak Bai massacre doing in Australia?
Those common men among us are not privy to the intricate arrangements made between governments and visiting dignitaries like this. However, this (The Thai seems to indicate he is an assistant to the MOD adviser, not the adviser himself) visit is likely dual purpose, as most are. Australia’s trade relations with Thailand, and its more strategic goals of ensuring a future with the larger Asia sphere means more to the country’s coffers than a few dead people in the south. Not to be callous, but when it comes to good relations based on money changing hands and possible differences based on legitimate criticism of human rights violations, one’s overall commercial interests will always come first.
Thaksin and the Brahmins
It is not unusual to see some sort of Brahmin ritual in an event like this. I would says it does not have significant meaning behind it, just tradition. You can see this kinds of ritual when Thais move into new house, wedding (usually in the morning of wedding day), moving to new office, before concert – sports(Thai soccer team do a ritual like this before compete in World cup preliminary).
“Speech by a special guest”
Thanks David Brown. However, a much more accurate source would be the Bank of Thailand’s website where FIDF’s site is also located:
http://www.bot.or.th/English/FinancialInstitutionsDevelopmentFund/About_FIDF/Pages/History.aspx
“Juristic Status
FIDF is a separated juristic entity from the Bank of Thailand. The Fund Management Department of Bank of Thailand carry on the operations of FIDF and provide administrative staffs. FIDF keep its own accounting records and budget. The Auditing General Office audit FIDF and report the audit result to the Minister of Finance and inform BOT.”
Obviously from your post you are a big fan of PMThaksin – but for the sake of reconcilliation, please acknowledge his flaws too. Remember even the man himself admitted that “I am not perfect” and rather prone to “honest mistakes”. You can read my posts and see that I acknowledged his positive side and accomplishments. White-washing him is not the path to peace.
Frankly, and I am only speaking for myself, I would be happy if he and KYPotjaman comes back and serve a year jail term and then seeks pardon (pending other possible convictions in court ofcourse – it may have to be more). Then he can come out, repented it is assumed, and reenter politics if he wishes. Who knows, we might get a truly “liberal democrat” leader who values robust checks-and-balances at the other end…
Thaksin and the Brahmins
hello walker,
Which planet are you from? As an interested observer of Thailand, you are not very observant. Religious ceremonies, both Brahmin and other Buddhist, some Taoist even confucianism have been and will still be part of Thai lives. Everyone and their neighbour practice it. No important occasion / procession / street demonstrations are not preceeded by some sort of religious ceremony. NOTHING strange and no other significance.
BTW, if you go to the “4 face” buddha statue in Silom and do a survey, you will find a percentage of the Thais paying homage there are actually Christians. Going to church and believing in a Christian god is not going to stop them from the need to seek blessings from the ancient cultural ‘need’
What is the man who oversaw the Tak Bai massacre doing in Australia?
There are examples in Europe where the perpetrators of similar crimes against humanity have been arrested on international warrants – the most notable being Pinochet of Chile, arrested on a Spanish warrant while in the UK. Could something similar not be arranged for this gentleman?
What happened on 7/10/2008?
re post #84….
Nick, your note that you have not been invited to testify to enquiries on Oct7 is yet another cause for concern for the processes at work here in Thailand…
I suppose optimistically, its just the committees are loathe to include testimony from a non-Thai
pessimistically, they might not want to run the risk that you could report outside Thailand on the manner or content of their investigations and you might be incorruptible or objective unlike most of the Thai witnesses they might call
it also raises the issue of exactly which witnesses they are hearing, how many are real eye-witnesses? how many are spokespersons for various interest groups with no first-hand knowledge of the events?
if anyone sees the reports I for one would be really interested to know how much detail, list of witnesses, etc the reports include…
The Great Wall of Chitralada
If such a wall is needed, there is probably something wrong with those to be protected by the wall. Perhaps these wall-protected people should ask themselves what they indeed have done to need the protecting wall.
Sufficiency economy gurus
All things said, don’t forget the book Small Is Beautiful by E.F. Schumacher (I hope I spell his name right). In the book there is an inspiring chapter on Buddhist economics. Actually, I think, this sufficiency economics originates with Buddhism. As the majority of Thais are Buddhist, I don’t see why we should get excited about this being a novel theory. The Buddha gave this out long, long ago, and many Thais have practiced it from time immemorial!
Studying up for an Asian future
As per the above points, I’ve found (although no longer in formal uni studies) the occasional New Mandala posts on Asian language issues to be interesting and useful – both practical pieces like Nic’s list of Thai abbreviations and more anthropological stuff like the recent discussion on Pali. These can be especially helpful when supported by recommended study materials and links to online resources (I’m thinking of things like the online version of Saya Saw Tun’s self-study texts for Burmese). Please continue providing language-related posts.
Studying up for an Asian future
Colum, I find hanging around Chinatown very useful too; there’s a myriad of languages spoken in the central city area of Adelaide thanks to the growing wealth of (expensive) student accommodation available.
Most of my language practice comes from associating with my partner (an Isan native) and her work colleagues who are a mixture of Lao students on scholarships and their partners, and the large number of Lao settlers living here. Nevertheless, away from Thailand and Laos, my speaking has gone downhill (lacking confidence), but listening is improving.
From my own perspective New Mandala has proven a vital resource of ideas and comment – as a ‘mature age’ student, tracking down resources presents a challenge which I revel in, but I can imagine that for younger students wishing to study Thailand for example, the lack of access to necessary resources outside of the old standards such as those of Wyatt, Girling, Keyes et al would be disconcerting if not studying at ANU, Monash, or wherever. It’s incredible at times just how little one can lay their hands on here unless you use document delivery and wait (until you’ve forgotten what you needed it for).
What I would most like however, is to read Thai and Lao; that is, to gain the ability to at least gain a grasp of what the Thai newspapers are saying for example (knowing there is a difference between newspaper language and standard written Thai). So what I’m suggesting to New Mandala (or whoever) is perhaps a series of tutorials for beginners and try-hards like myself in reading for Thai (for example) politics, culture, etc. This is the area I feel most disadvantaged in, and I’m sure would be of some help.
Once again, thanks to Andrew and Nicholas for the invaluable resource you provide.
Thaksin and the Brahmins
Dear Walker:
As a Thai, I see nothing unusual about having a Brahmin ceremony at an auspicious event. This Brahmin involvement is part of Thai life when some rite is performed, as it is believed that the Hindu gods can powerfully protect the country and people. Very often a Brahmin ceremony is conducted side by side with a Buddhist one. This is a practice not only among common people but also for royalty. We see that on several important occasions, a ceremony in the grand palace is both Brahmin and Buddhist.
Thaksin and the Brahmins
While we are asking questions about Brahmins, what of the black magic statements coming from Sonthi Limthongkul regarding the need to perform ceremonies to ward off Cambodian magic. Anyone been watching this or have a perspective?
Thaksin and the Brahmins
Both sides are doing it. See the article Naew thang saiyasat nai krabuankan khluenwai kanmueang yuk lokaphiwat (Supernatural tendencies in political movements in the globalization age) in Matichon, 3 November, which mentions the Brahman ceremony at Rajamangala and also points out that a ‘history student from a US university’ (i.e., Sondhi) has been pronouncing incantations on the PAD stage all along, as well as enchanting Jatukam Ramathep amulets and other khlang stuff.
“Speech by a special guest”
[…] colleague in Thailand has provided me with a fascinating footnote to the Truth Today rally staged last Saturday by the pro-government and pro-Thaksin┬ red-shirts. According to one […]
What happened on 7/10/2008?
I want to raise some issues from Portman in the post above:
Portman says: “On the other hand I don’t notice the same depth of political feeling when I visit northeastern villages and don’t believe that most farmers are highly politicized.”
I have been involved in various activities in the NE for more than 25 years, and I can only think that Portman visits another NE. Villagers in the NE are highly engaged in politics. This is true historically and presently. There is ample evidence for this in reports by academics and (for the historical period) from US analysts who tried to wean the NE off a politics they didn’t like.
Portman says: “At election time you see almost exclusively TRT/PPP posters in the villages but farmers do not seem particularly interested in politics.”
This was certainly not true in the southern NE in the last election. It was true for the election in 2005 and less so in 2000.
Portman says: “Villagers openly admit that they sell their votes and vote the way the pooyai baan tells them to.”
Villagers do say that the sell votes, but they also say a lot more than that. One village that I looked at carefully during the 2007 election did not vote for who the phuyai suggested. I think if you look at some of the academic studies you’ll find other stories. Andrew walker has done this for the N and Somchai P. did a bit in his piece in the Journal of Contemporary Asia. But, the pattern in the NE is now very mixed on both vote-buying and the role of phuyai and other village notables.
Portman: “They are happy to get the money and scared not to vote for the person they are paid to vote for because they believe that the buyers will be able to look inside the ballot box and see who they voted for.”
This is not correct any longer. Again, the academic research shows that this is an old and outdated perception.
Portman: “Their lives are intertwined with the political canvassers who are also the Thai Chinese millers and merchants that control the rice trade and there is not much point in trying to go against the system.”
This may be true for the central region. It is not much true for the NE. A study that suggests these kinds of linkages is that by Arghiros, but this is not about the NE. I haven’t seen any research or reports of this in recent times in the NE.
Portman: “Conversations about politics around election times usually revolve around who is paying how much for votes where and nothing much about parties or policies.”
That may be correct, but I am not certain. In the village I watched last election, villagers complained about a lack of information about policies because the junta had restricted information flows to villages.
Portman: “What is very obvious though is that there is a picture of the King and Queen in each and every rural home.”
They do although the meaning and significance of this cannot be taken for granted.
Portman: “Raising the standard of rural education is probably the only long-term solution for Thai politics but this is unfortunately and for obvious reasons the last thing that either PPP or the PAD would like to see.”
Why blame education or lack of it? Sure, the system isn’t great, but the wonderfully educated Bangkok middle and upper class seems not to have prevented corruption in Bangkok. If corruption is really what bothers Bangkokians, they have not shown a particular ability, based on education, to overcome it.
I am not saying Portman is completely wrong, but I think his/her ideas are somewhat dated.
“Speech by a special guest”
hi Sidh S and Mungo
if you look at the Bangkok Post Forum, Local politics, Law is law
you will discover that the FIDF is not a government agence and that Section 100 specifies that a conflict of interest occurs where a public official or spouse enters into a contract with a government agency
Studying up for an Asian future
Yes, in SA there is next to no resources available, and from having briefly taken introductory Mandarin, most students are Commerce acolytes — not that there is anything wrong with that. No.
Tony, to learn Vietnamese you only have to go and hang around Pennington!
I think the geopolitical reality of Asia being so close still does not counter the tyranny of distance that we suffer over land. Is there an Asian Studies center at Charles Darwin University? I’ll stop being facetious. The biggest problem I had with taking “Asian Studies”, or looking to pursue an area study at all was the label. I think the identity of Australians is as much in question here as the policy of Asia literacy. I see ‘Asia literacy’ policy as a diplomatic card more than anything else. An effort to be in touch with a more local region, but at the same time not to antagonize the dominant roots of Eurocentrism. Perth is only 11 hours away from Johannesburg, but there isn’t an African studies programme at UWA. Maybe “Area” is the issue??
$60 million is not nearly enough. Will that employ native speakers of a various languages to come and be conversationalists at Universities? Would Rudd, the diplomat, really want to rock the boat when “Australiana”, is still defining itself away from the colonial past. Furthermore, I think Rudd’s flat rejection of Paul Keating’s thoughts about Kokoda this week undermines his purported willingness to bring Australia ‘closer’ to Asia over his own political posturing. Hardly evidence of the political will necessary to strike a deeper chord with our neighbours.
This website really serves as an advertisement for studying at the ANU, haha.
Your posts are like introductions to tutorials which is great, maybe a more in depth ‘tutorial’, would take your much appreciated help further. I feel though that you will be tempted to charge!
Sufficiency economy gurus
“The political uncertainty has dented investor confidence and government planning, but it has had one unexpected benefit: It has prevented the building of the sort of asset price bubbles that have amplified problems elsewhere in the world.”
in “Thailand Escapes Financial Meltdown: Past Lessons Helped Nation Lessen Risk”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/23/AR2008102303801.html?hpid=artslot
Who would have thought the Thai political crisis had any economic benefits! I say it’s still early days – and Thailand (and all others) will succumb in the scenario that the US and Europe economy further deteriorates…