Can’t wait to watch this one with popcorn and chai tea in my military apparel. Stallone should be US ambassador to ASEAN. Arnold is in power, why can’t it happen? Dream Sylvester, dream!
Ex-Ajarn, it makes us Western people feel better about our damning inherited history that largely doesn’t bother us when we don’t see it. Shouldn’t New Mandala be giving $30 a month to World Vision ?!
On SBS World News tonight there was footage of the ‘huge influx’ of Burmese who had fled to the Thai border from Mandalay (or so I believe). However, most of the people were in ‘refugee camps’ and looked like they had been there for a while longer than a week. There was also an interview with David Steinberg who gave calming answers to anxious oh my god type questions. All of us fretting over our friends in that place called Myanmar we never knew existed till a week ago should feel better now. Theres hacky sacks to lightly tap! (rather than ‘kick’.. such a violent word) Post-materialism! I can afford it!
And what effect is expected on the people from Burma of 1 million signatures on an online petition expected to have?
If it makes one feel like one is “doing something” to help the people who are being oppressed by a horrible regime by clicking on a link, than by all means go ahead, but it will have no effect. The dictators already know they are hated worldwide, but don’t really care.
I don’t know the actual extent of the oppression but, so far we haven’t seen the “expected” huge influx of people here on the Thai-Burmese border fleeing the oppression, at least not here on the area bordering the Karen States.
The BurmaGateway website is being inundated with emails and phone calls since the begining of the recent crisis in Burma. Many people have emailed or phoned to be alerted to Burma Protest rallies and events in order that they can join in support of the Burmese people and monks.
For anyone interested in joining, all rallies and events across Australia are being continuously updated on this website. Please visit http://www.burmagateway.org for events taking place in Australia.
Posted by Lotus_in_the_hills: “We know for a fact that there are monastery lock-downs, so how are monks getting food? What is happening to detained protesters, both lay and monastic?”
And because among the common folk of Burma, the poorest of the poor come to the monastery to get what the monks do not consume, what becomes of those hungry poor? The social order is brutally disrupted, not by accident but as a lesson to all.
The Vientiane Times is running an article today, “Work on Nam Tha 1 dam to start in Bokeo” with some additional specifics. For example, the name of the Chinese company is the China Southern Power Grid Co. that is also involved in the feasibility studies for the Sambor dam in Cambodia (signed MoU with Cambodian government in October 2006).
I’m glad that people are actually discussing the use of technology by groups with irredentist demands. Incidentally my post graduate thesis is titled “Making the Naga Nation – A analysis of nationalist ideologies online.” The study focuses on the internet’s potential to build nations by the transmission of nationalist ideologies etc. In my research I’ve come across many other websites emanating from Nagaland and from Nagas around the world showing how technology indeed is being used to promote distinct ethnic ideologies about the nation and freedom. I’m at the analysis stage now and have chosen 4 websites. It would be quite interesting if more people could share their insights on this issue with me. A different or alternate perspective or opinion is always welcome.
Keep building dams to produce all the electrical energy needed by Laos’ neighbors–Thailand, Vietnam, China, Myanmar and Cambodia. After the expiration of all the concessions, who will ensure that the dams built will survive for life, and that Laos will have enough technical personnel to manage all those energy producing landmarks?
As part of being an ‘engaged Buddhist’ I am sending out a weekly email to people on my contact list around the world. At present it is dealing with the Burma tragedy, but will touch upon other world situations where expressing Metta (Loving Kindness) and Compassion might cause people to think! I am not an expert or a journalist (nurse actually),I am just a small person in a big world, but will try to make a difference. if anyone wants to be on my mailing list, please let me know. Raising consciousness is important.
Brian
Apparently there is a rally In Martin Place (Sydney) this Thursday at 12 midday or 12.30pm. I am working so can’t be there in person, but iwll be there in spirit.
Brian
[…] Comment on Strange but true in Laos by JOELao people are slowly but surely getting fed up with this kind of ┬лwise guy┬╗ behaviour. This way of acting in a superior or ┬лI know best┬╗ way is not only deeply ennoying, but also offensive! Andrew, did the colleagues you mention really … […]
[…] Amy Strand wrote an interesting post today on Here’s a quick excerpt…The Lao farmers seem quite happy about these contracts, and most of them have been convinced by the arguments of the Chinese companies, who said that in China, a family can have a decent life by planting only 30 rubber trees. … […]
Re: 13, 15, 23, 24, Corruption at the top and honesty at the bottom:
I’ve just reread Kasian Tejapira’s “Toppling Thaksin” (New Left Review 39, May 2006) which rather presciently predicted the palace was prepared to take more exteme action against Thaksin. It points out that on 3rd October 2003 the King made a speech against corruption and mobilised the “monarchical network” against corruption, peaking in televised anti-corruption hearings in December 2005. Since the TI index rating for Thailand began to climb in 2003, it may well be that the country became cleaner at low levels due to royal action, rather than any leadership from Thaksin’s government.
and they show a sharp decline in Thailand’s ratings (back down to 3.3), which must be laid at least partly at the door of the coup government who have held power all of this year.
Of course, given the media feedback loops these days, widespread reports that troops were defecting might in itself cause division and defection even if the initial reports are unconfirmed.
[…] development, both in Bokeo and Namtha provinces. The case of the┬ rubber plantations have been already mentioned here in New Mandala. In the two provinces of Luang Namtha and Bokeo, Chinese joint ventures (see […]
р╣Иjust one minor correction (I haven’t had a chance to read all the above closely): And certainly the Crown Property Bureau is a wealthy conglomerate, controlled by the palace but overseen also by the Finance Ministry
actually this is not the case at all.
the 1948 law precribes that the Finance Minister and ONLY the Minister NOT the Ministry be nomially appointed ‘Chairman’ of the board (all other members the King appoints at his pleasure). But he has no legal power whatsoever over the CPB (see article 4 of the law : the board has the vague ‘duty’ of ‘general overseeing’ (р╕Фр╕╣р╣Бр╕ер╕Чр╕▒р╣Ир╕зр╣Др╕Ы)
I published an article in Fah Diew Kan a year or so ago, showing with evidence from the State Council (krit-sa-di-ka) that over the past 50 years, the CPB has not been subject to any ‘overseeing’ by any government. In fact no government can even ‘touch’ it.
I think we ‘re as people should consider that life of people that more importand than just the dam. but some body will be responsility for that people’s life the loa government should look at closely, if it’s benifit to the country but not for the people than they should consider.
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Stallone: “This is a hellhole beyond your wildest dreams”
Can’t wait to watch this one with popcorn and chai tea in my military apparel. Stallone should be US ambassador to ASEAN. Arnold is in power, why can’t it happen? Dream Sylvester, dream!
Global protest petition on Burma
Ex-Ajarn, it makes us Western people feel better about our damning inherited history that largely doesn’t bother us when we don’t see it. Shouldn’t New Mandala be giving $30 a month to World Vision ?!
On SBS World News tonight there was footage of the ‘huge influx’ of Burmese who had fled to the Thai border from Mandalay (or so I believe). However, most of the people were in ‘refugee camps’ and looked like they had been there for a while longer than a week. There was also an interview with David Steinberg who gave calming answers to anxious oh my god type questions. All of us fretting over our friends in that place called Myanmar we never knew existed till a week ago should feel better now. Theres hacky sacks to lightly tap! (rather than ‘kick’.. such a violent word) Post-materialism! I can afford it!
Rambo takes on the Tatmadaw
[…] New Mandala readers may remember that we have previously written about the latest installment in Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo series – Rambo […]
Global protest petition on Burma
And what effect is expected on the people from Burma of 1 million signatures on an online petition expected to have?
If it makes one feel like one is “doing something” to help the people who are being oppressed by a horrible regime by clicking on a link, than by all means go ahead, but it will have no effect. The dictators already know they are hated worldwide, but don’t really care.
I don’t know the actual extent of the oppression but, so far we haven’t seen the “expected” huge influx of people here on the Thai-Burmese border fleeing the oppression, at least not here on the area bordering the Karen States.
What the Burmese junta wants you to believe…
The BurmaGateway website is being inundated with emails and phone calls since the begining of the recent crisis in Burma. Many people have emailed or phoned to be alerted to Burma Protest rallies and events in order that they can join in support of the Burmese people and monks.
For anyone interested in joining, all rallies and events across Australia are being continuously updated on this website. Please visit http://www.burmagateway.org for events taking place in Australia.
Unconfirmed report from Burma
Posted by Lotus_in_the_hills: “We know for a fact that there are monastery lock-downs, so how are monks getting food? What is happening to detained protesters, both lay and monastic?”
And because among the common folk of Burma, the poorest of the poor come to the monastery to get what the monks do not consume, what becomes of those hungry poor? The social order is brutally disrupted, not by accident but as a lesson to all.
The Nam Tha dam
The Vientiane Times is running an article today, “Work on Nam Tha 1 dam to start in Bokeo” with some additional specifics. For example, the name of the Chinese company is the China Southern Power Grid Co. that is also involved in the feasibility studies for the Sambor dam in Cambodia (signed MoU with Cambodian government in October 2006).
See: http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/Business/Business_Work.htm
or wait until tomorrow to view it for free.
Nagalim online
I’m glad that people are actually discussing the use of technology by groups with irredentist demands. Incidentally my post graduate thesis is titled “Making the Naga Nation – A analysis of nationalist ideologies online.” The study focuses on the internet’s potential to build nations by the transmission of nationalist ideologies etc. In my research I’ve come across many other websites emanating from Nagaland and from Nagas around the world showing how technology indeed is being used to promote distinct ethnic ideologies about the nation and freedom. I’m at the analysis stage now and have chosen 4 websites. It would be quite interesting if more people could share their insights on this issue with me. A different or alternate perspective or opinion is always welcome.
Reach me @ [email protected]
Regards
The Nam Tha dam
All right my friends,
Keep building dams to produce all the electrical energy needed by Laos’ neighbors–Thailand, Vietnam, China, Myanmar and Cambodia. After the expiration of all the concessions, who will ensure that the dams built will survive for life, and that Laos will have enough technical personnel to manage all those energy producing landmarks?
Just my very humble thoughts.
SYS
Burma protest in Sydney
As part of being an ‘engaged Buddhist’ I am sending out a weekly email to people on my contact list around the world. At present it is dealing with the Burma tragedy, but will touch upon other world situations where expressing Metta (Loving Kindness) and Compassion might cause people to think! I am not an expert or a journalist (nurse actually),I am just a small person in a big world, but will try to make a difference. if anyone wants to be on my mailing list, please let me know. Raising consciousness is important.
Brian
Burma protest in Sydney
Apparently there is a rally In Martin Place (Sydney) this Thursday at 12 midday or 12.30pm. I am working so can’t be there in person, but iwll be there in spirit.
Brian
Paul Handley replies to comments
Thanks for your response.
Strange but true in Laos
[…] Comment on Strange but true in Laos by JOELao people are slowly but surely getting fed up with this kind of ┬лwise guy┬╗ behaviour. This way of acting in a superior or ┬лI know best┬╗ way is not only deeply ennoying, but also offensive! Andrew, did the colleagues you mention really … […]
More on the Chinese in northern Laos
[…] Amy Strand wrote an interesting post today on Here’s a quick excerpt…The Lao farmers seem quite happy about these contracts, and most of them have been convinced by the arguments of the Chinese companies, who said that in China, a family can have a decent life by planting only 30 rubber trees. … […]
Observing an electoral fiction
Re: 13, 15, 23, 24, Corruption at the top and honesty at the bottom:
I’ve just reread Kasian Tejapira’s “Toppling Thaksin” (New Left Review 39, May 2006) which rather presciently predicted the palace was prepared to take more exteme action against Thaksin. It points out that on 3rd October 2003 the King made a speech against corruption and mobilised the “monarchical network” against corruption, peaking in televised anti-corruption hearings in December 2005. Since the TI index rating for Thailand began to climb in 2003, it may well be that the country became cleaner at low levels due to royal action, rather than any leadership from Thaksin’s government.
I also note, however, that the 2006 and 2007 figures are now in:
http://www.transparency-thailand.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=1
and they show a sharp decline in Thailand’s ratings (back down to 3.3), which must be laid at least partly at the door of the coup government who have held power all of this year.
Unconfirmed report from Burma
Of course, given the media feedback loops these days, widespread reports that troops were defecting might in itself cause division and defection even if the initial reports are unconfirmed.
Borders of rubber
[…] development, both in Bokeo and Namtha provinces. The case of the┬ rubber plantations have been already mentioned here in New Mandala. In the two provinces of Luang Namtha and Bokeo, Chinese joint ventures (see […]
The Nam Tha dam
[…] to my post on the Nam Tha dam it is interesting to examine some other aspects of development in northwestern Laos,┬ and the extent […]
Paul Handley replies to comments
р╣Иjust one minor correction (I haven’t had a chance to read all the above closely):
And certainly the Crown Property Bureau is a wealthy conglomerate, controlled by the palace but overseen also by the Finance Ministry
actually this is not the case at all.
the 1948 law precribes that the Finance Minister and ONLY the Minister NOT the Ministry be nomially appointed ‘Chairman’ of the board (all other members the King appoints at his pleasure). But he has no legal power whatsoever over the CPB (see article 4 of the law : the board has the vague ‘duty’ of ‘general overseeing’ (р╕Фр╕╣р╣Бр╕ер╕Чр╕▒р╣Ир╕зр╣Др╕Ы)
I published an article in Fah Diew Kan a year or so ago, showing with evidence from the State Council (krit-sa-di-ka) that over the past 50 years, the CPB has not been subject to any ‘overseeing’ by any government. In fact no government can even ‘touch’ it.
The Nam Tha dam
I think we ‘re as people should consider that life of people that more importand than just the dam. but some body will be responsility for that people’s life the loa government should look at closely, if it’s benifit to the country but not for the people than they should consider.