Responsible drinking is nearly as responsible as responsible gambling. Must we have depravity as a price for progress and prosperity? Never mind wasting time arguing over Myanmar and Burma.
But you could almost see a smile spread across Myoma Nyein’s face in his grave. Well done his Mandalay family!
There is a parking place just before the bridge on your left hand side which looked like a place for long term parking with a guard. Did not check it out so I am not 100% sure.
There is a simplicity to this and I agree with this post. The tool of ‘primary health care’ objectives are a great start. There are 5-10 basic building blocks communities need. These were devised back in the 80’s and then morphed into the MDG’s.
And yes there are small organizations who are ethical and un-sung hero’s in their commitment to all Myanmar people.
As a partner in Peace with all of Myanmar this section of the above article may a productive pathway. I have found people in the far flung villages don’t want to rule a country they just want to enjoy the families and home lives and their faith. Development of basic infrastructure is a great healer.The infrastructure I speak of is very simple stuff as long as it is done in participatory manner and not the old ‘Dev’ arrogance’
Quote-
A more credible approach would direct much needed international community development support to building negotiation capacities of local militarized actors and promote their participation in legitimate institutions that can engage communities in solving local issues. Building capacities through inclusive and participatory engagement will go far to overcome the exclusion of those who have for so long been outside of political dialogue and decision-making processes.
Fair critique although an awful lot of Burmese bristle and come to the defence of the Lady immediately on social media whenever that happens.
Many unfortunately are bound to be disillusioned or at least disappointed in the long run since expectations are running foo high and so much wishful thinking involved.
In the current constitutional straitjacket she is unlikely to get the presidency she covets, nor will she be able to deliver much. Her aspirations and her energy can dissipate in the comng tug of war between the powerful military flexing its muscles and her epic efforts to find a strategic exit out of the constitutional restraints.
Hope she wins by popular support and action with the more enlightened part of the military joining in.
Maybe it is a cultural thing. Indonesian are not comfortable with hetero display of affection, let alone flagrant flamboyance -except for crass entertainment purposes.
Ironically, physical relationship between men is widespread in Indonesia. They just don’t call it LGBT. They think this is only a phase to be sorted with marriage. Just ask any indonesian of what’s happening at Islamic boarding schools and how the boys bond with each other. Many married men and those with female partner are also still enjoying their mate’s ‘company’ so long as they have the look. This is especially rampant in urban centre. There are so many unspoken under-the-surface going-ons only indonesian themselves know and understand. Tragically, as this is one of society’s taboo subject, the sexual health aspect got overlooked. Nobody would admit their action, and especially those of rural, low economic and education background are not informed of the safety consequences. The government recently launched a campaign for pregnant women to be screened for hiv, with storyline along the ‘what for? We are good people’ tag. Other than cheating husbands, the unspoken men-sex-men culture also contribute greatly to this.
Nonetheless, rather than bashing, the government should focus more on sexual health and safety education. That is if they can get past the protest of religious conservatives for promoting promiscuity.
[…] decorated for gallantry in battles against the Kuomintang, is still talked about as a potential presidential proxy if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi remains excluded from that high office. It would be a remarkable final […]
“btw the ‘expected’ next wave of Rohingya boats that UN agencies, NGOs and some NM types tried to tell us would be inevitable when the weather once more permitted – never happened. Of course, it was never going to. Well done to the Rohingya propagandists who so successfully captured their targets. They used a well-read playbook.”
“Rohingya” is a mammoth and growing business industry with lots and lots of career opportunites. Good intention- optional.
Continuing insult with insult is a typical way of argument of racists! Especially those upper clas kids who gained form all the imperisliasm. In contrast, my family has a history of 2.000 years (in words twothousands) of anti-imperialist struggle! First against the romans, later against Chalrmagne and his enforced christianization. And, from this history having a guy making such funny comments, who never experienced real imperialism and massacre, is more then an insult!!!!!
Touched a nerve, did I? Two wrongs do not make a right, do they? Talk about stereotypes and we have a whole litany of sweeping generalisations hurled back. Pots and kettles, eh? Touche.
Forgive my ignorance if I haven’t seen rows of Jesus and Mary at garden centres or any in a non-Christian’s backyard or bathroom. Or those non-believers publicly disrespecting them in the West. Extremists aside would they be so insensitive in a foreign land?
The Buddha and Hitler? Apples and oranges? Holocaust deniers not confined to the Middle East and Asia either.
Black or white, East or West, if the cap fits wear it…. tsk, tsk.
I feel racially discrminated by such formulations! The arrogance by which some people refer to white western men is highly insulting and humiliating. All I wish is a little bit of respect!!!!
The 13,500 figure includes a single hit of over 1000 Rohingyas and Bangladeshis who hadn’t intended to come to Australia and therefore are not relevant to the success or otherwise of OSB.
Prior to 2013 asylum seekers were already being turned back to Indonesia. They were being handed over at sea to Indon Customs and SAR boats. This would probably have remained the status quo under Abbott had the Snowden leaks not led to Jakarta cancelling cooperation.
The presence of Shia Hazaras in Australian funded IOM facilities has become a security issue because of the rising Sunni v Shia tensions in the ME spreading to Indonesia resulting in a campaign by Sunni clerics against them.
No, not all Australian officials see the problem as one of lax border controls and corruption, only the extremely stupid and inexperienced ones. Anyone who’s worked at the coalface knows there’s a geopolitical element. Smugglers and asylum seekers are the proxies.
btw the ‘expected’ next wave of Rohingya boats that UN agencies, NGOs and some NM types tried to tell us would be inevitable when the weather once more permitted – never happened. Of course, it was never going to. Well done to the Rohingya propagandists who so successfully captured their targets. They used a well-read playbook.
Martin, thanks for this important observation. We really need to learn more about the complexities of foreign investment in Laos and the players involved. According to some observers, the recent changes in the central committee (in particular the retirement of Choummaly and Somsavat, both involved in huge Chinese projects) are related to Hanoi’s resentment towards Chinese activities in Laos. Maybe the situation is more complex than a simple China-Vietnam opposition. In the mining sector, Laos is an arena of many different business interests. Recently, the BMW of a Chinese mining company was bombed in Xaysomboun. Things seem to get hectic up there.
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Life under Thailand’s 2016 constitution
Deeply saddened to see you “bite your tongue” in your chosen words. Not sure how to phrase that properly in English.
A superb analysis shared by MANY Thais.
Thank you for your courage in writing this…
Beer barons and ballads in Myanmar
Responsible drinking is nearly as responsible as responsible gambling. Must we have depravity as a price for progress and prosperity? Never mind wasting time arguing over Myanmar and Burma.
But you could almost see a smile spread across Myoma Nyein’s face in his grave. Well done his Mandalay family!
http://www.irrawaddy.com/factiva/trouble-brewing-over-tuborg-terminology.html
http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/opinion/tussle-over-tu-po-terminology
New Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong
There is a parking place just before the bridge on your left hand side which looked like a place for long term parking with a guard. Did not check it out so I am not 100% sure.
New Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong
We are going to Laos for about 10 days and wondered if there is a long term parking place on the Thai side of the bridge?
Myanmar’s future can be built in the interim
There is a simplicity to this and I agree with this post. The tool of ‘primary health care’ objectives are a great start. There are 5-10 basic building blocks communities need. These were devised back in the 80’s and then morphed into the MDG’s.
And yes there are small organizations who are ethical and un-sung hero’s in their commitment to all Myanmar people.
Dealing with militarisation in Myanmar
As a partner in Peace with all of Myanmar this section of the above article may a productive pathway. I have found people in the far flung villages don’t want to rule a country they just want to enjoy the families and home lives and their faith. Development of basic infrastructure is a great healer.The infrastructure I speak of is very simple stuff as long as it is done in participatory manner and not the old ‘Dev’ arrogance’
Quote-
A more credible approach would direct much needed international community development support to building negotiation capacities of local militarized actors and promote their participation in legitimate institutions that can engage communities in solving local issues. Building capacities through inclusive and participatory engagement will go far to overcome the exclusion of those who have for so long been outside of political dialogue and decision-making processes.
The NLD’s iron-fisted gerontocracy
Fair critique although an awful lot of Burmese bristle and come to the defence of the Lady immediately on social media whenever that happens.
Many unfortunately are bound to be disillusioned or at least disappointed in the long run since expectations are running foo high and so much wishful thinking involved.
In the current constitutional straitjacket she is unlikely to get the presidency she covets, nor will she be able to deliver much. Her aspirations and her energy can dissipate in the comng tug of war between the powerful military flexing its muscles and her epic efforts to find a strategic exit out of the constitutional restraints.
Hope she wins by popular support and action with the more enlightened part of the military joining in.
Hope and reality in a new Myanmar
In multiple constituencies, “Myanmar’s people” get to vote again in Aug/Sept by-elections.
Unity in (sexual) diversity?
Maybe it is a cultural thing. Indonesian are not comfortable with hetero display of affection, let alone flagrant flamboyance -except for crass entertainment purposes.
Ironically, physical relationship between men is widespread in Indonesia. They just don’t call it LGBT. They think this is only a phase to be sorted with marriage. Just ask any indonesian of what’s happening at Islamic boarding schools and how the boys bond with each other. Many married men and those with female partner are also still enjoying their mate’s ‘company’ so long as they have the look. This is especially rampant in urban centre. There are so many unspoken under-the-surface going-ons only indonesian themselves know and understand. Tragically, as this is one of society’s taboo subject, the sexual health aspect got overlooked. Nobody would admit their action, and especially those of rural, low economic and education background are not informed of the safety consequences. The government recently launched a campaign for pregnant women to be screened for hiv, with storyline along the ‘what for? We are good people’ tag. Other than cheating husbands, the unspoken men-sex-men culture also contribute greatly to this.
Nonetheless, rather than bashing, the government should focus more on sexual health and safety education. That is if they can get past the protest of religious conservatives for promoting promiscuity.
Hope and reality in a new Myanmar
Oh! When will an ‘Aung San Suu Kyi’ appear on the Thai political scene?
The president and the proxy
[…] decorated for gallantry in battles against the Kuomintang, is still talked about as a potential presidential proxy if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi remains excluded from that high office. It would be a remarkable final […]
Stuck fast; review of Troubled transit
“btw the ‘expected’ next wave of Rohingya boats that UN agencies, NGOs and some NM types tried to tell us would be inevitable when the weather once more permitted – never happened. Of course, it was never going to. Well done to the Rohingya propagandists who so successfully captured their targets. They used a well-read playbook.”
“Rohingya” is a mammoth and growing business industry with lots and lots of career opportunites. Good intention- optional.
Southeast Asian snapshots
Continuing insult with insult is a typical way of argument of racists! Especially those upper clas kids who gained form all the imperisliasm. In contrast, my family has a history of 2.000 years (in words twothousands) of anti-imperialist struggle! First against the romans, later against Chalrmagne and his enforced christianization. And, from this history having a guy making such funny comments, who never experienced real imperialism and massacre, is more then an insult!!!!!
Southeast Asian snapshots
Touched a nerve, did I? Two wrongs do not make a right, do they? Talk about stereotypes and we have a whole litany of sweeping generalisations hurled back. Pots and kettles, eh? Touche.
Forgive my ignorance if I haven’t seen rows of Jesus and Mary at garden centres or any in a non-Christian’s backyard or bathroom. Or those non-believers publicly disrespecting them in the West. Extremists aside would they be so insensitive in a foreign land?
The Buddha and Hitler? Apples and oranges? Holocaust deniers not confined to the Middle East and Asia either.
Black or white, East or West, if the cap fits wear it…. tsk, tsk.
Southeast Asian snapshots
I feel racially discrminated by such formulations! The arrogance by which some people refer to white western men is highly insulting and humiliating. All I wish is a little bit of respect!!!!
Elections, parties and decentralisation in Cambodia
Great read! It would be interesting to hear more about the decline of the culture of dialogue in Cambodia.
Stuck fast; review of Troubled transit
Some notes.
The 13,500 figure includes a single hit of over 1000 Rohingyas and Bangladeshis who hadn’t intended to come to Australia and therefore are not relevant to the success or otherwise of OSB.
Prior to 2013 asylum seekers were already being turned back to Indonesia. They were being handed over at sea to Indon Customs and SAR boats. This would probably have remained the status quo under Abbott had the Snowden leaks not led to Jakarta cancelling cooperation.
The presence of Shia Hazaras in Australian funded IOM facilities has become a security issue because of the rising Sunni v Shia tensions in the ME spreading to Indonesia resulting in a campaign by Sunni clerics against them.
No, not all Australian officials see the problem as one of lax border controls and corruption, only the extremely stupid and inexperienced ones. Anyone who’s worked at the coalface knows there’s a geopolitical element. Smugglers and asylum seekers are the proxies.
btw the ‘expected’ next wave of Rohingya boats that UN agencies, NGOs and some NM types tried to tell us would be inevitable when the weather once more permitted – never happened. Of course, it was never going to. Well done to the Rohingya propagandists who so successfully captured their targets. They used a well-read playbook.
Forty years of Lao PDR: what’s next?
Martin, thanks for this important observation. We really need to learn more about the complexities of foreign investment in Laos and the players involved. According to some observers, the recent changes in the central committee (in particular the retirement of Choummaly and Somsavat, both involved in huge Chinese projects) are related to Hanoi’s resentment towards Chinese activities in Laos. Maybe the situation is more complex than a simple China-Vietnam opposition. In the mining sector, Laos is an arena of many different business interests. Recently, the BMW of a Chinese mining company was bombed in Xaysomboun. Things seem to get hectic up there.
Myanmar’s future can be built in the interim
“If Myanmar is to move forward as a united nation, then embedding the local into any federal framework is essential.”
Bamar-Land as a latest play-dough to mold!!!
Hmm…. Oh! sorry, thank you.
Myanmar’s future can be built in the interim
Yes you are right,
Our citizen needs in Firstly Education, Secondly Health care and but I think the Third should be ethical..
most myanmar loss ethic, we should build this as soon as posible.
Thanks