The very fact that the royal anthem is played at every cinema before any movie is the problem here. Why are people coerced into partaking in a royalist ritual when all they want is to entertain themselves watching a movie?
Propaganda or not, the very fact that Russian educated, Chinese and now American abetted Bamar Sit-tut chooses to shut down a news outlet in sync with unusually large amassing of air and land forces including heaviest artillery China, Russia, Belarus and that largest democracy country to the west, India would sell, is the most serious development of this “open season” (pwint-lin yar thi).
Likely reason is that Bamar Sit-tut is bashful about pictures and video’s like in this one
surfacing during their acts waking up the hither-to ignorant/ apathetic/ brain washed/ mesmerised and hypnotised (by Aung San Suu Kyi) Burmese populace.
The Kachin Civil War is now better defined. It is between the people on the ground who has owned and looked after the land undamaged for millennium against business interests internationally (where the interest of Chinese is the same as interest of Americans or Indians) or nationally (where Sit-tut is amply supported by all forms of “democratic oppositions”- NLD,88’s, etc- as well as all the vocal “media” -inside and outside the country- and internet commentators who are all for business and making money called “development” at any cost as described in that celebrated book of Thant Myint-U).
After massive civilian slaughter which is inevitable in an all out war, The World- the United Nations, honourable Western Democracies ( which include Japan and Korea) and International Organizations of all sorts will come out then with, by now very well rehearsed, usual refrain used several times before following Rwanda, Dafur, Srebrenica, Timor, Cambodia, etc. How horrible!, should not happen at this day and age, would have done something if we knew, etc,etc.
This time as in all others, the world has prior knowledge of the intention of The Aggressor (Bamar Sit-tut, proxy for business interest of national and international players- to kill off all the Kachins in the way), their long preparation in arsenals, logistics,intelligence and diplomatic support, and imminent nature of the attack – which is NOW- before yet another massive slaughter of civilian population.
Regardless of feeble attempts to stop the immediate release of pictures and video’s, they will come out in better quality- may be 20 megapixel, and faster magnifying the grotesqueness.
Yet being able to conduct the business- The Pipe keeps on going, plus rail tracks and roads as well for China and the big and small dams, and the mines and mines and mines, forests,etc- the international business and media and organizations owned by them will unite to cover up and divert people’s attention to forget the whole thing.
It is up to the people of Burma NOW to say if there is something they have to say.
In the event that this latest assault fails just like all the previous clumsy slaughtering/torturing/ terrorizing escapades (sacrificing tens of thousands of youths) of Min Aung Hlaing, he is not likely to last beyond this. With him, his Appointer.
Even Aung San Suu Kyi, well versed in the art as she is, may find it impossible to sugar coat that heinous crime against humanity this time even though her total silence and mesmerization of the populace right now at the eve of potential national human disaster is totally expected.
Laiza will be Than Shwe’s Waterloo.
Burma will be “Western” business interests’ Waterloo.
(These are not predictions or rallying cries, mere observations.)
“The Kachin made a deal with Gen. Aung San. The Burmese never fulfill the promise. That’s the problem Burmese never want to fix. ”
This ideal realm of Pinlone is NEVER EVER going to be realized.
The reality of post 1962/1988 is upon Myanmar with the full approval and complicity of the West (which now have no better choice) and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
This new reality is called “Road Map To Discipline Democracy”.
Under RMTDD
Tamadaw is The defacto government with or without Hlutthaw approval. Thus making Sr Gen Than Shwe and such the as power that be (PTB) and U Thein Sein at best next to PTB but never PTB.
Bemoaning without having any foresight to all the implications associated with RMTDD will not change the present destiny of Myanmar Citizenry.
Kachin is but ONE ethnic group that KIA claimed to represent. The history has clearly shown:
1) As with any discord within Myanmar the west (This one clearly the shameful divide and rule of the British) has a hand in it.
2) The Bamar will always come out ahead even if need to be repeated umpteenth times at the expense of all Myanmar it every repetition having a spiraling down effect.
The Kachin like every ethnic groups need to realize the eventuality within these concepts that identity without unity among a citizenry with a common destiny will prolong the status quo created since after the 3rd colonial war if not even earlisr to the time of the Portuguese in Syriam/Thanlyn.
Yes, in 1999 a number of Lao students tried to organize a protest, in order to ask for democratic reforms in the country. Five of the students escaped to Thailand. Later the USA accepted them as political refugees. They are still there. Some of the students were also arrested in Laos. They are believed to still be imprisoned up to now.
However, the situation with Sombath Somphone is different. He was not calling for democratic political reforms in Laos. He was just trying to make Laos a better place to live, without calling for changes in political structures that exist in the country.
Forced labor on the project I guess before they find paid work. More cheap labor to be expected in the form of displaced locals from the dam project in neighboring Mudon but the Dawei road construction already saw locals forced out from their homes and farmlands. So it looks like not so much creation of jobs inside Burma, even as wage slaves in the new SEZs to come, as cheap labor being exported to Thailand.
The government knows exactly what happened to him and the international community should not let this go. It is modus operandi for these people. Didn’t they do the same thing to a group of protesting students some 10 years ago? They are still missing or dead.
Thein Sein is having it both ways. First his ceasefire orders went unheeded because the pony dispatch took too long to reach the front line. Now he was confident Laiza would fall in no time.
He in the main performs his good cop role with consummate skill but perhaps occasionally slips up when his military ‘past’ catches up with him. At least the Kachin realise ASSK can’t be their guardian angel let alone the avenging angel.
Even the US can’t afford to ruin its chances by a halfhearted support for the KIO translating into material terms. Tough luck for the Kachin every other player has decided to do business, not just play the fiddle, while they burn.
Amen to that, Ohn, though you sound like the chief doomsayer. Sad but true the world over, it’s gone viral as they say everyone rushing to join the New World Order with the IMF as its chief chettyar moneylender. The Burmese military regime after its democratic makeover, now aided and abetted by the chief poacher turned gamekeeper, can hardly wait.
I dont think you really understand what is going on in Laos. From what you have seen in the clip, he might not be physically forced into getting inside the car. The police simply confiscated his car key and mobile phone. And told him to go to the police station.
his wife and relatives have been trying to search for him and asked help from police but they did nothing. The state run newspapers not even mention about his missing at all. No one dare to say anything even they know what actually happen to him.
“It’s extremely embarrassing for Thein Sein that he claimed Burma Army can take over Laiza in a few days.”
Not really. At least two reasons. First he is souk-shat-ma-shi . Not just him. All the prominent players in Burma nowadays say BS using all the buzzwords and stuff the armchair “Libertarians” around the world could enjoy simply for entertainment value. Aung San Suu Kyi herself had turned so many 180 degrees now so that poor sod would not know which planet she is in any more.
Next reason is simpler. That bald guy fronting the current production of Bamar Pantomime simply reads the script so that he would not remember any of it.
But on serious side, all meddling Americans, now freely interfering their newest possession’s internal affairs, trying to pre-bribe the KIO could not be faulted as that Dam and that link (Pipe, Rails, Roads, whatever Chinese needs)are going to benefit not just Chinese but all the Asian (rich minute minority there of) and the rest of the world (rich minute minority there of).
Hard to say present massive (more massive than usual) military assault is a serious end-game or not. Whatever it is, innocent people will definitely die in thousands not that any of these fashionably compassionate world’s, and indeed, Burma’s population would give a damn.
In the event that Sit-tut is taking this as the real end-game trying desperately to emulate the Buddhist brothers-in-hell in Sri Lankan led by the Rajapaksa brothers
Hi Nic, It’s a stupid & wishful idea. You better come up with other pragmatic idea as you’re expertise in this field.
Meanwhile, Thein Sein sending more troops instead of making personal visit to Laiza. There is no such a deal even though Thein Sein visit Laiza and KIO would reject his visit. Experts should sbetter understand the history of modern Burma. The Kachin made a deal with Gen. Aung San. The Burmese never fulfill the promise. That’s the problem Burmese never want to fix.
Well, Burma Army is wasting not less than 5% of its combat force within a period of a year and half. To take control Laiza, Burma Army need at least another 10% of combat force with another year, maybe. It’s extremely embarrassing for Thein Sein that he claimed Burma Army can take over Laiza in a few days.
For those who are anti-KIO/KIA and Burmese chauvinists, it’s time to join Burma Army to fight alongside with your compatriots war criminals in the front line, just to get paid by Chinese.
There will be no peace as long as Burma is ruled by war criminals and gangsters recognized by international community. Chinese gained all the profits of the land.
Minister of The Prime Minister’s Office
President of The National Assembly
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Minister of Public Security
Vientiane, Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic
CC:
The Lao Women’s Union, Lao PDR
The Minister of Education, Lao PDR
Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary General of ASEAN
Embassies/consulates of Australia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, USA
Re: Request disclosure of status of investigation into the disappearance of Mr. Sombath Somphone
Dear Madams and Sirs:
We write to you with deepening concern. It has been over ten days since the disappearance of Mr. Sombath Somphone, the founder and former Director of PADETC. A statement released in the KPL on December 19 by the Lao Government said, “the authorities concerned are currently and seriously investigating the incidence in order to find out the truth and whereabouts of Mr. Sombath.” We request information on the findings of this investigation.
Mr. Sombath is deeply respected nationally and internationally for his service to the Lao PDR. He is a well-known advocate of peace and spiritual balance, and has shown by example through his work, the importance of cooperation, compassion and education to achieve sustainable development. Mr. Sombath’s disappearance has raised concerns across the world. Parliamentarians, government representatives, international diplomats, scholars, donors and civil society have joined in urging the Lao Government to urgently investigate the matter and ensure Mr. Sombath’s safety. On December 21, the spokesperson for the UN High Commission for Human Rights expressed concern about the “enforced disappearance of Mr. Sombath Somphone,” and urged the authorities to do everything possible to ensure that Mr. Sombath is found safe and unharmed. тАи тАи
Mr. Sombath’s wife has appealed to the Ministry of Public Security and other Lao Government authorities to investigate Mr. Sombath’s disappearance and ensure his safety. But since his disappearance on December 15, Mr. Sombath’s family, friends and colleagues have not received any updates from the official investigation into his abduction, nor of his possible whereabouts.
We again urge the Lao Government to act with immediacy on this matter, and disclose the progress of the investigation to date, so that we can all cooperate in locating Mr. Sombath and ensure his safe return to his family and community. Swift actions by the Lao Government on this matter and the safe return of Mr. Sombath will surely bring credit to the country.
Respectfully,
1. Aksone Saysana, Lao PDR
2. Alec Bamford, Thailand
3. Andrew Bartlett, United Kingdom
4. Andrew Nette, Australia
5. Angela Savage, Australia
6. ASEAN WATCH-Thailand
7. Asian Public Intellectuals (API) Community
8. Bank Information Centre (BIC)
9. Binh Hoang, Mekong Program Coordinator, GreenID Innovation and Development Center, Vietnam
10. Both ENDS, Netherlands
11. Bruce Shoemaker, USA
12. Dr. Carl Middleton, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
13. Chanida Bamford, Thailand
14. Chris Greacen
15. Chris Perkins, Lao PDR
16. Chunchom Sangarasri Greacen
17. Center for Water Resources Conservation and Development.
18. Chunshan Zhang
19. David J.H. Blake, PhD candidate, School of International Development, University of East Anglia
20. Do Hai Linh, Vietnam
21. EOM Eunhui, National University Asia Center, South Korea
22. Focus on the Global South
23. Fu Tao, China
24. German East Timor Association (DOTG E.V.)
25. Global Association for People and the Environment
26. Grainne Ryder, Canada
27. Green Innovation and Development Centre, Vietnam
28. Hoang Duong Thien, Vietnam
29. Indian Social Action Forum, India
30. International Rivers, USA
31. Ith Mathoura, Samreth Law Group, Cambodia
32. Jacques Op de Laak, The Netherlands
33. Jan Willem Ketelaar, The Netherlands
34. Jim Enright, Mangrove Action Project – Asia, Thailand
35. Dr. Keith D. Barney, Lecturer, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Australia.
36. Ken Kampe, Office of Retired Developers, Thailand
37. Khiev Kanal, Cambodia
38. Lam Thi Thu Suu, Vietnam Rivers Network (VRN)
39. La Via Campesina
40. Le Kim Nhien, Vietnam
41. Man Vuthy, Community Legal Education Center (CLEC), Cambodia
42. Margie Law, Mekong Monitor, Tasmania
43. Mean Meach, 3SPN, Cambodia
44. Mekong Energy and Ecology Network (MEENet)
45. Mekong Peace Journey Alumni
46. Mekong Watch, Japan
47. Mongkhon Duangkhiew, Thailand
48. Mueda Nawanat, Thailand
49. NGO Forum on Cambodia
50. Nguyen Thi Kim Cuc , Mekong Alumni Network ,Vietnam
51. Patricia DeBoer, American Friends Service Committee
52. Dr. Philip Hirsch, Mekong Research Group (AMRC),тАиSchool of Geosciences, the University of Sydney, Australia
53. Phokham, Thailand
54. Randall Arnst, Thailand
55. Dr. Richard M Friend, United Kingdom
56. Sangthorng La, Mekong Allumni
57. Dr. Satoru Matsumoto, Faculty of Intercultural Communication, Hosei University, Japan
58. School of Democratic Economics, Indonesia
59. Shining Som, Burma/Myanmar
60. Tanasak Phosrikun
61. Thai NGO coordinating Committee on development (NGO-COD)
62. Tipakson Manpati, Thailand
63. The Cornerhouse, United Kingdom
64. The Finnish NGO platform Kepa, Finland
65. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
66. Thou, Cambodia
67. Towards Ecological Recovery and Regional Alliance (TERRA)
68. Toukta, Lao PDR
69. Trinh Le Nguyen, Vietnam
70. WARECOD, Vietnam
71. World Rainforest Movement
72. Zuo Tao, China
@CT
What a sad joke! I have that feeling when I look at the image of the crowd on the top of this page. It is totally amazed. What kind of society and country we are living in, do we have a powerful witch in the real world like a bed time story for children?
Sure, the English were *no* logging specialist either, just like the Bamar. I never wrote ├╝ltra-logging was an exclusive Bamar business. However, at least the English installed a railway system. What did the Bamar fascists (that’s *not* all bamar people, but BAMAR+FASCISTS, cumulatively fulfilled) install except for hatred, mysery, horror and religious fundamentalism (AKA the karma farce) ? You tell me please.
ps. Don’t jump to conclusions… Using the word “├╝ltra” doesn’t make me German.
Academic Sombath Somphone wants a rethink of education systems, with an input from students, as Asean countries prepare to come together in 2015
тАв Published: Bangkok Post 24/08/2012
тАв Newspaper section: Life
There is no stopping academic Sombath Somphone from voicing opinions on issues close to his heart _ in this instance the need for Asean to focus on sustainable education as it prepares for the Asean Economic Community in 2015.
The Laos-born recipient of the 2005 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership is currently executive director of the Participatory Development Training Centre in Vientiane.
With degrees in education and agriculture from the University of Hawaii, Sombath’s achievements to date have largely focused on the betterment of his people _ including the Rice-Based Integrated Farm System Project to assist local farmers gain food security, and the founding of PADETC, a pioneering non-profit entity designed to foster sustainable and self-sufficient development in Laos.
Life caught up with the soft-spoken educator while he was in Bangkok to attend the Asian Public Intellectuals Regional Project Culminating Event.
He spoke passionately about the direction education needs to go to take advantage of the coming together of Asean in three years.
“Asean leaders have to focus on improving education in the region to make this union a constructive one.
“However, the road to achieving this does not look bright if we are to judge by the political will of Asean leaders, who are more interested in following such unsustainable patterns of development based on economic growth,” he said. “They also don’t see the need for a fresh approach to education, which might go against what they are used to.
“Unless there is a major crisis, people will not wake up to the realisation that our education system needs a total overhaul. Today’s schooling system is too slow and traditional. The focus should not solely be on academics.
“We have to recognise a student’s individual abilities and talents. Everyone has it, it’s just schools don’t capitalise on the differences that are found amongst the student body. We have to let people excel according to their own abilities and talents, which can develop at any age. Sadly, we have not been taught to self-assess, which I believe is worth taking the time to invest in. The younger the student, the easier it is to find and develop their innate talents and skills.”
Sombath advocates the need to have youth involved in the direction education should be taking. He said it is critical to get their viewpoints because they are the future of the country, and have the right to voice their thoughts via such channels as social media and public forums. It is the responsibility of people in authority to listen.
Today’s students need to be supported and encouraged to share their opinions, said the concerned Magsaysay recipient, who has designed new child-focused lesson plans for primary schools in Laos. As an experienced educator,
Sombath said regional events such as the Ninth Asia Europe Summit Meeting, which Laos will host at the end of this year, are forums that can be used to gauge the pulse of today’s youth and understand what they want from their education system. During the lead up to this people’s forum, there have been public gatherings in Lao provinces to gather ideas from various segments of society, especially the youth on how they want to map their future. He hopes to encourage more countries to practise this.
Innate intelligence, according to Sombath, should be stimulated when children are young. Having researched the issue, he said youngsters can learn as many as eight languages simultaneously prior to reaching puberty.
Unfortunately, the current education system is such that students don’t learn a foreign language until they are about 12, which is not a brain-based approach.
It is regrettable, he lamented, that most parents leave education to schools and progress to development planners and then wonder why students coming out of educational institutions seldom link what they learn with what they do in life. Sombath said educators should be focusing on the connection between economy, spiritual well-being, nature and society as the fundamental building blocks of sustainability and happiness, adding that how one lives and educates himself and his family dictates the future of his loved ones.
“Our education system is not doing its job and should be put in criminal court,” the amiable community leader joked. “A sustainable education and development model should have a balance between the four pillars _ economic development, environmental harmony, promotion and preservation of culture, and spiritual well-being.
“The model of development I propose was first initiated in
Bhutan.”
The goal of development cannot hinge on just how well the GNP (gross national product) is advancing, but also on improvement in people’s well-being, also known as gross national happiness (GNH). In this model, education is conceptualised as the foundation.
“The aforementioned four pillars represent various dimensions of development and are an anchored part of the education process. Education and development in an ecological, holistic manner are interconnected, both are inter-dependent and supportive of each other.
“Of course, at the base of the model is good governance, which promotes justice and fairness for everyone through the rule of law.
BKK, I do not dispute that these are lies. But what I want to know is whether the Judge who delivered this statement said this lie advertently (in other words, knowingly), or inadvertently (unknowingly).
Advertently:
1) the Judge has been enlightened (р╕Хр╕▓р╕кр╕зр╣Ир╕▓р╕З) but he cannot say the truth, as to do so would result in him committing lese majeste, as well as causing harm to his own career and his own family financial security.
2) the Judge knows about the internal politics of Thailand, yet he decides to side with the elites for the long term benefit the elites will give to him and his family.
Inadvertently:
3) the Judge has not been enlightened, and is still believing all the propaganda wholeheartedly, ignoring all the obvious around him.
My guess is the Judge is in the #2 category, although it is possible that he can be in the #1 category. I know a few of the people who are in the #1 category.
A little knowledge with misguided hatred/sympathy can be dangerous. If it does not first make one foolish.
1) fi: slash and burn per se does NOT cause major damage if it gets done by slash and burn specialists -> the way it has been done for the last 10000тА▓s of years (by slash and burn specialists).
2) however, slash and burn by amateurs combined with ultra-logging = full-scale disaster. hill tribes lived in/from the forest for ages, they *know* the drill, they don’t ruin their own backyard. greedy bamar generals/fascists & croonies, ever so proud NOT being “wild” forest folks but bamar-├╝bermensch chased these simple people away from their hills, occupied their land, killed a few 10.000тА▓s, cut all the trees and contaminated the leftovers with landmines.
Facts
1)In Myanmar unlike Germany, poverty and desperation induced by war, deprivation, and any hopelessness as well as natural disasters causes more irreversible environmental damages.
2) The large scale logging/pillaging of timber was very first initiated by The British East India company after the 1st Anglo Burma unjust war. Accelerated beyond imagination after the 2nd and proceeded at a maddening pace after the 3rd. All without an iota of environmental consideration.
“WHERE DO ONE THINK MOST OF THE WOODEN SLEEPERS FOR RAIL ROAD TRACK CAME FROM?”
There is no more of these mighty “PHYINKATHO” trees in existence today since after WWII. ALL sleepers maded are now none wooden.
This government started allowing logging as well as other projects by China , Thailand and Singapore in order to survive the western useless careless policy. The oppositions i.e KIA, KNU and such doing similarly not withstanding at least have replanted the harvested product.
This just blaming the victims without any regards for history need to end if prevention of future deterioration of all Myanmar natural resources as well as HR is desired.
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Domesticating royal power
The very fact that the royal anthem is played at every cinema before any movie is the problem here. Why are people coerced into partaking in a royalist ritual when all they want is to entertain themselves watching a movie?
Next stop? Laiza?
Propaganda or not, the very fact that Russian educated, Chinese and now American abetted Bamar Sit-tut chooses to shut down a news outlet in sync with unusually large amassing of air and land forces including heaviest artillery China, Russia, Belarus and that largest democracy country to the west, India would sell, is the most serious development of this “open season” (pwint-lin yar thi).
Likely reason is that Bamar Sit-tut is bashful about pictures and video’s like in this one
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/sri-lankas-killing-fields/4od
surfacing during their acts waking up the hither-to ignorant/ apathetic/ brain washed/ mesmerised and hypnotised (by Aung San Suu Kyi) Burmese populace.
The Kachin Civil War is now better defined. It is between the people on the ground who has owned and looked after the land undamaged for millennium against business interests internationally (where the interest of Chinese is the same as interest of Americans or Indians) or nationally (where Sit-tut is amply supported by all forms of “democratic oppositions”- NLD,88’s, etc- as well as all the vocal “media” -inside and outside the country- and internet commentators who are all for business and making money called “development” at any cost as described in that celebrated book of Thant Myint-U).
After massive civilian slaughter which is inevitable in an all out war, The World- the United Nations, honourable Western Democracies ( which include Japan and Korea) and International Organizations of all sorts will come out then with, by now very well rehearsed, usual refrain used several times before following Rwanda, Dafur, Srebrenica, Timor, Cambodia, etc. How horrible!, should not happen at this day and age, would have done something if we knew, etc,etc.
This time as in all others, the world has prior knowledge of the intention of The Aggressor (Bamar Sit-tut, proxy for business interest of national and international players- to kill off all the Kachins in the way), their long preparation in arsenals, logistics,intelligence and diplomatic support, and imminent nature of the attack – which is NOW- before yet another massive slaughter of civilian population.
Regardless of feeble attempts to stop the immediate release of pictures and video’s, they will come out in better quality- may be 20 megapixel, and faster magnifying the grotesqueness.
Yet being able to conduct the business- The Pipe keeps on going, plus rail tracks and roads as well for China and the big and small dams, and the mines and mines and mines, forests,etc- the international business and media and organizations owned by them will unite to cover up and divert people’s attention to forget the whole thing.
It is up to the people of Burma NOW to say if there is something they have to say.
In the event that this latest assault fails just like all the previous clumsy slaughtering/torturing/ terrorizing escapades (sacrificing tens of thousands of youths) of Min Aung Hlaing, he is not likely to last beyond this. With him, his Appointer.
Even Aung San Suu Kyi, well versed in the art as she is, may find it impossible to sugar coat that heinous crime against humanity this time even though her total silence and mesmerization of the populace right now at the eve of potential national human disaster is totally expected.
Laiza will be Than Shwe’s Waterloo.
Burma will be “Western” business interests’ Waterloo.
(These are not predictions or rallying cries, mere observations.)
Distressing developments in Laos
A petition has been created on Avaaz asking for Sombath Somphone to be freed.
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Free_Sombath_Somphone/?fnsxOdb&pv=0
Next stop? Laiza?
“The Kachin made a deal with Gen. Aung San. The Burmese never fulfill the promise. That’s the problem Burmese never want to fix. ”
This ideal realm of Pinlone is NEVER EVER going to be realized.
The reality of post 1962/1988 is upon Myanmar with the full approval and complicity of the West (which now have no better choice) and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
This new reality is called “Road Map To Discipline Democracy”.
Under RMTDD
Tamadaw is The defacto government with or without Hlutthaw approval. Thus making Sr Gen Than Shwe and such the as power that be (PTB) and U Thein Sein at best next to PTB but never PTB.
Bemoaning without having any foresight to all the implications associated with RMTDD will not change the present destiny of Myanmar Citizenry.
Kachin is but ONE ethnic group that KIA claimed to represent. The history has clearly shown:
1) As with any discord within Myanmar the west (This one clearly the shameful divide and rule of the British) has a hand in it.
2) The Bamar will always come out ahead even if need to be repeated umpteenth times at the expense of all Myanmar it every repetition having a spiraling down effect.
The Kachin like every ethnic groups need to realize the eventuality within these concepts that identity without unity among a citizenry with a common destiny will prolong the status quo created since after the 3rd colonial war if not even earlisr to the time of the Portuguese in Syriam/Thanlyn.
Distressing developments in Laos
Yes, in 1999 a number of Lao students tried to organize a protest, in order to ask for democratic reforms in the country. Five of the students escaped to Thailand. Later the USA accepted them as political refugees. They are still there. Some of the students were also arrested in Laos. They are believed to still be imprisoned up to now.
However, the situation with Sombath Somphone is different. He was not calling for democratic political reforms in Laos. He was just trying to make Laos a better place to live, without calling for changes in political structures that exist in the country.
The Company in Dawei
Forced labor on the project I guess before they find paid work. More cheap labor to be expected in the form of displaced locals from the dam project in neighboring Mudon but the Dawei road construction already saw locals forced out from their homes and farmlands. So it looks like not so much creation of jobs inside Burma, even as wage slaves in the new SEZs to come, as cheap labor being exported to Thailand.
Next stop? Laiza?
Meanwhile, Burmese Army’ Cyber Unit has taken down the WWW site of KIA propaganda mouth piece KNG (Kachin News Group).
Distressing developments in Laos
The government knows exactly what happened to him and the international community should not let this go. It is modus operandi for these people. Didn’t they do the same thing to a group of protesting students some 10 years ago? They are still missing or dead.
Next stop? Laiza?
Thein Sein is having it both ways. First his ceasefire orders went unheeded because the pony dispatch took too long to reach the front line. Now he was confident Laiza would fall in no time.
He in the main performs his good cop role with consummate skill but perhaps occasionally slips up when his military ‘past’ catches up with him. At least the Kachin realise ASSK can’t be their guardian angel let alone the avenging angel.
Even the US can’t afford to ruin its chances by a halfhearted support for the KIO translating into material terms. Tough luck for the Kachin every other player has decided to do business, not just play the fiddle, while they burn.
Thant Myint-U on Yangon
Amen to that, Ohn, though you sound like the chief doomsayer. Sad but true the world over, it’s gone viral as they say everyone rushing to join the New World Order with the IMF as its chief chettyar moneylender. The Burmese military regime after its democratic makeover, now aided and abetted by the chief poacher turned gamekeeper, can hardly wait.
Distressing developments in Laos
I dont think you really understand what is going on in Laos. From what you have seen in the clip, he might not be physically forced into getting inside the car. The police simply confiscated his car key and mobile phone. And told him to go to the police station.
his wife and relatives have been trying to search for him and asked help from police but they did nothing. The state run newspapers not even mention about his missing at all. No one dare to say anything even they know what actually happen to him.
Next stop? Laiza?
“It’s extremely embarrassing for Thein Sein that he claimed Burma Army can take over Laiza in a few days.”
Not really. At least two reasons. First he is souk-shat-ma-shi . Not just him. All the prominent players in Burma nowadays say BS using all the buzzwords and stuff the armchair “Libertarians” around the world could enjoy simply for entertainment value. Aung San Suu Kyi herself had turned so many 180 degrees now so that poor sod would not know which planet she is in any more.
Next reason is simpler. That bald guy fronting the current production of Bamar Pantomime simply reads the script so that he would not remember any of it.
But on serious side, all meddling Americans, now freely interfering their newest possession’s internal affairs, trying to pre-bribe the KIO could not be faulted as that Dam and that link (Pipe, Rails, Roads, whatever Chinese needs)are going to benefit not just Chinese but all the Asian (rich minute minority there of) and the rest of the world (rich minute minority there of).
Hard to say present massive (more massive than usual) military assault is a serious end-game or not. Whatever it is, innocent people will definitely die in thousands not that any of these fashionably compassionate world’s, and indeed, Burma’s population would give a damn.
In the event that Sit-tut is taking this as the real end-game trying desperately to emulate the Buddhist brothers-in-hell in Sri Lankan led by the Rajapaksa brothers
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/sri-lankas-killing-fields/4od
, Min Aung Hlaing’s hither-to disastrous and shameful C-in-C career will be mercifully over. And it will bring down his “benefactor” as well.
From the sufferings of the Kachin populace and some blood and large amount of Burmese youth blood, something new will come up.
Shame KNU of today is not only spineless but colourless as well.
Next stop? Laiza?
Hi Nic, It’s a stupid & wishful idea. You better come up with other pragmatic idea as you’re expertise in this field.
Meanwhile, Thein Sein sending more troops instead of making personal visit to Laiza. There is no such a deal even though Thein Sein visit Laiza and KIO would reject his visit. Experts should sbetter understand the history of modern Burma. The Kachin made a deal with Gen. Aung San. The Burmese never fulfill the promise. That’s the problem Burmese never want to fix.
Well, Burma Army is wasting not less than 5% of its combat force within a period of a year and half. To take control Laiza, Burma Army need at least another 10% of combat force with another year, maybe. It’s extremely embarrassing for Thein Sein that he claimed Burma Army can take over Laiza in a few days.
For those who are anti-KIO/KIA and Burmese chauvinists, it’s time to join Burma Army to fight alongside with your compatriots war criminals in the front line, just to get paid by Chinese.
There will be no peace as long as Burma is ruled by war criminals and gangsters recognized by international community. Chinese gained all the profits of the land.
Distressing developments in Laos
December 26, 2012
Minister of The Prime Minister’s Office
President of The National Assembly
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Minister of Public Security
Vientiane, Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic
CC:
The Lao Women’s Union, Lao PDR
The Minister of Education, Lao PDR
Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary General of ASEAN
Embassies/consulates of Australia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, USA
Re: Request disclosure of status of investigation into the disappearance of Mr. Sombath Somphone
Dear Madams and Sirs:
We write to you with deepening concern. It has been over ten days since the disappearance of Mr. Sombath Somphone, the founder and former Director of PADETC. A statement released in the KPL on December 19 by the Lao Government said, “the authorities concerned are currently and seriously investigating the incidence in order to find out the truth and whereabouts of Mr. Sombath.” We request information on the findings of this investigation.
Mr. Sombath is deeply respected nationally and internationally for his service to the Lao PDR. He is a well-known advocate of peace and spiritual balance, and has shown by example through his work, the importance of cooperation, compassion and education to achieve sustainable development. Mr. Sombath’s disappearance has raised concerns across the world. Parliamentarians, government representatives, international diplomats, scholars, donors and civil society have joined in urging the Lao Government to urgently investigate the matter and ensure Mr. Sombath’s safety. On December 21, the spokesperson for the UN High Commission for Human Rights expressed concern about the “enforced disappearance of Mr. Sombath Somphone,” and urged the authorities to do everything possible to ensure that Mr. Sombath is found safe and unharmed. тАи тАи
Mr. Sombath’s wife has appealed to the Ministry of Public Security and other Lao Government authorities to investigate Mr. Sombath’s disappearance and ensure his safety. But since his disappearance on December 15, Mr. Sombath’s family, friends and colleagues have not received any updates from the official investigation into his abduction, nor of his possible whereabouts.
We again urge the Lao Government to act with immediacy on this matter, and disclose the progress of the investigation to date, so that we can all cooperate in locating Mr. Sombath and ensure his safe return to his family and community. Swift actions by the Lao Government on this matter and the safe return of Mr. Sombath will surely bring credit to the country.
Respectfully,
1. Aksone Saysana, Lao PDR
2. Alec Bamford, Thailand
3. Andrew Bartlett, United Kingdom
4. Andrew Nette, Australia
5. Angela Savage, Australia
6. ASEAN WATCH-Thailand
7. Asian Public Intellectuals (API) Community
8. Bank Information Centre (BIC)
9. Binh Hoang, Mekong Program Coordinator, GreenID Innovation and Development Center, Vietnam
10. Both ENDS, Netherlands
11. Bruce Shoemaker, USA
12. Dr. Carl Middleton, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
13. Chanida Bamford, Thailand
14. Chris Greacen
15. Chris Perkins, Lao PDR
16. Chunchom Sangarasri Greacen
17. Center for Water Resources Conservation and Development.
18. Chunshan Zhang
19. David J.H. Blake, PhD candidate, School of International Development, University of East Anglia
20. Do Hai Linh, Vietnam
21. EOM Eunhui, National University Asia Center, South Korea
22. Focus on the Global South
23. Fu Tao, China
24. German East Timor Association (DOTG E.V.)
25. Global Association for People and the Environment
26. Grainne Ryder, Canada
27. Green Innovation and Development Centre, Vietnam
28. Hoang Duong Thien, Vietnam
29. Indian Social Action Forum, India
30. International Rivers, USA
31. Ith Mathoura, Samreth Law Group, Cambodia
32. Jacques Op de Laak, The Netherlands
33. Jan Willem Ketelaar, The Netherlands
34. Jim Enright, Mangrove Action Project – Asia, Thailand
35. Dr. Keith D. Barney, Lecturer, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Australia.
36. Ken Kampe, Office of Retired Developers, Thailand
37. Khiev Kanal, Cambodia
38. Lam Thi Thu Suu, Vietnam Rivers Network (VRN)
39. La Via Campesina
40. Le Kim Nhien, Vietnam
41. Man Vuthy, Community Legal Education Center (CLEC), Cambodia
42. Margie Law, Mekong Monitor, Tasmania
43. Mean Meach, 3SPN, Cambodia
44. Mekong Energy and Ecology Network (MEENet)
45. Mekong Peace Journey Alumni
46. Mekong Watch, Japan
47. Mongkhon Duangkhiew, Thailand
48. Mueda Nawanat, Thailand
49. NGO Forum on Cambodia
50. Nguyen Thi Kim Cuc , Mekong Alumni Network ,Vietnam
51. Patricia DeBoer, American Friends Service Committee
52. Dr. Philip Hirsch, Mekong Research Group (AMRC),тАиSchool of Geosciences, the University of Sydney, Australia
53. Phokham, Thailand
54. Randall Arnst, Thailand
55. Dr. Richard M Friend, United Kingdom
56. Sangthorng La, Mekong Allumni
57. Dr. Satoru Matsumoto, Faculty of Intercultural Communication, Hosei University, Japan
58. School of Democratic Economics, Indonesia
59. Shining Som, Burma/Myanmar
60. Tanasak Phosrikun
61. Thai NGO coordinating Committee on development (NGO-COD)
62. Tipakson Manpati, Thailand
63. The Cornerhouse, United Kingdom
64. The Finnish NGO platform Kepa, Finland
65. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
66. Thou, Cambodia
67. Towards Ecological Recovery and Regional Alliance (TERRA)
68. Toukta, Lao PDR
69. Trinh Le Nguyen, Vietnam
70. WARECOD, Vietnam
71. World Rainforest Movement
72. Zuo Tao, China
Domesticating royal power
@CT
What a sad joke! I have that feeling when I look at the image of the crowd on the top of this page. It is totally amazed. What kind of society and country we are living in, do we have a powerful witch in the real world like a bed time story for children?
Myanmar tourism after the boycott
Sure, the English were *no* logging specialist either, just like the Bamar. I never wrote ├╝ltra-logging was an exclusive Bamar business. However, at least the English installed a railway system. What did the Bamar fascists (that’s *not* all bamar people, but BAMAR+FASCISTS, cumulatively fulfilled) install except for hatred, mysery, horror and religious fundamentalism (AKA the karma farce) ? You tell me please.
ps. Don’t jump to conclusions… Using the word “├╝ltra” doesn’t make me German.
Distressing developments in Laos
Bangkok Post interview with Sombath Somphone
—————————–
INTERVIEW
“Teaching happiness”
Academic Sombath Somphone wants a rethink of education systems, with an input from students, as Asean countries prepare to come together in 2015
тАв Published: Bangkok Post 24/08/2012
тАв Newspaper section: Life
There is no stopping academic Sombath Somphone from voicing opinions on issues close to his heart _ in this instance the need for Asean to focus on sustainable education as it prepares for the Asean Economic Community in 2015.
The Laos-born recipient of the 2005 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership is currently executive director of the Participatory Development Training Centre in Vientiane.
With degrees in education and agriculture from the University of Hawaii, Sombath’s achievements to date have largely focused on the betterment of his people _ including the Rice-Based Integrated Farm System Project to assist local farmers gain food security, and the founding of PADETC, a pioneering non-profit entity designed to foster sustainable and self-sufficient development in Laos.
Life caught up with the soft-spoken educator while he was in Bangkok to attend the Asian Public Intellectuals Regional Project Culminating Event.
He spoke passionately about the direction education needs to go to take advantage of the coming together of Asean in three years.
“Asean leaders have to focus on improving education in the region to make this union a constructive one.
“However, the road to achieving this does not look bright if we are to judge by the political will of Asean leaders, who are more interested in following such unsustainable patterns of development based on economic growth,” he said. “They also don’t see the need for a fresh approach to education, which might go against what they are used to.
“Unless there is a major crisis, people will not wake up to the realisation that our education system needs a total overhaul. Today’s schooling system is too slow and traditional. The focus should not solely be on academics.
“We have to recognise a student’s individual abilities and talents. Everyone has it, it’s just schools don’t capitalise on the differences that are found amongst the student body. We have to let people excel according to their own abilities and talents, which can develop at any age. Sadly, we have not been taught to self-assess, which I believe is worth taking the time to invest in. The younger the student, the easier it is to find and develop their innate talents and skills.”
Sombath advocates the need to have youth involved in the direction education should be taking. He said it is critical to get their viewpoints because they are the future of the country, and have the right to voice their thoughts via such channels as social media and public forums. It is the responsibility of people in authority to listen.
Today’s students need to be supported and encouraged to share their opinions, said the concerned Magsaysay recipient, who has designed new child-focused lesson plans for primary schools in Laos. As an experienced educator,
Sombath said regional events such as the Ninth Asia Europe Summit Meeting, which Laos will host at the end of this year, are forums that can be used to gauge the pulse of today’s youth and understand what they want from their education system. During the lead up to this people’s forum, there have been public gatherings in Lao provinces to gather ideas from various segments of society, especially the youth on how they want to map their future. He hopes to encourage more countries to practise this.
Innate intelligence, according to Sombath, should be stimulated when children are young. Having researched the issue, he said youngsters can learn as many as eight languages simultaneously prior to reaching puberty.
Unfortunately, the current education system is such that students don’t learn a foreign language until they are about 12, which is not a brain-based approach.
It is regrettable, he lamented, that most parents leave education to schools and progress to development planners and then wonder why students coming out of educational institutions seldom link what they learn with what they do in life. Sombath said educators should be focusing on the connection between economy, spiritual well-being, nature and society as the fundamental building blocks of sustainability and happiness, adding that how one lives and educates himself and his family dictates the future of his loved ones.
“Our education system is not doing its job and should be put in criminal court,” the amiable community leader joked. “A sustainable education and development model should have a balance between the four pillars _ economic development, environmental harmony, promotion and preservation of culture, and spiritual well-being.
“The model of development I propose was first initiated in
Bhutan.”
The goal of development cannot hinge on just how well the GNP (gross national product) is advancing, but also on improvement in people’s well-being, also known as gross national happiness (GNH). In this model, education is conceptualised as the foundation.
“The aforementioned four pillars represent various dimensions of development and are an anchored part of the education process. Education and development in an ecological, holistic manner are interconnected, both are inter-dependent and supportive of each other.
“Of course, at the base of the model is good governance, which promotes justice and fairness for everyone through the rule of law.
===============================
Symptoms of a dirty business
Here is an impassioned account of the bus drivers’ strike and the sorry state of the unions in Singapore.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/vincent-wijeysingha/you-can-resign-and-go-to-sbs-the-drivers-were-told/517597378258190
Domesticating royal power
BKK, I do not dispute that these are lies. But what I want to know is whether the Judge who delivered this statement said this lie advertently (in other words, knowingly), or inadvertently (unknowingly).
Advertently:
1) the Judge has been enlightened (р╕Хр╕▓р╕кр╕зр╣Ир╕▓р╕З) but he cannot say the truth, as to do so would result in him committing lese majeste, as well as causing harm to his own career and his own family financial security.
2) the Judge knows about the internal politics of Thailand, yet he decides to side with the elites for the long term benefit the elites will give to him and his family.
Inadvertently:
3) the Judge has not been enlightened, and is still believing all the propaganda wholeheartedly, ignoring all the obvious around him.
My guess is the Judge is in the #2 category, although it is possible that he can be in the #1 category. I know a few of the people who are in the #1 category.
Any more discussion on this?
Myanmar tourism after the boycott
hoteldelta
A little knowledge with misguided hatred/sympathy can be dangerous. If it does not first make one foolish.
1) fi: slash and burn per se does NOT cause major damage if it gets done by slash and burn specialists -> the way it has been done for the last 10000тА▓s of years (by slash and burn specialists).
2) however, slash and burn by amateurs combined with ultra-logging = full-scale disaster. hill tribes lived in/from the forest for ages, they *know* the drill, they don’t ruin their own backyard. greedy bamar generals/fascists & croonies, ever so proud NOT being “wild” forest folks but bamar-├╝bermensch chased these simple people away from their hills, occupied their land, killed a few 10.000тА▓s, cut all the trees and contaminated the leftovers with landmines.
Facts
1)In Myanmar unlike Germany, poverty and desperation induced by war, deprivation, and any hopelessness as well as natural disasters causes more irreversible environmental damages.
2) The large scale logging/pillaging of timber was very first initiated by The British East India company after the 1st Anglo Burma unjust war. Accelerated beyond imagination after the 2nd and proceeded at a maddening pace after the 3rd. All without an iota of environmental consideration.
“WHERE DO ONE THINK MOST OF THE WOODEN SLEEPERS FOR RAIL ROAD TRACK CAME FROM?”
There is no more of these mighty “PHYINKATHO” trees in existence today since after WWII. ALL sleepers maded are now none wooden.
This government started allowing logging as well as other projects by China , Thailand and Singapore in order to survive the western useless careless policy. The oppositions i.e KIA, KNU and such doing similarly not withstanding at least have replanted the harvested product.
This just blaming the victims without any regards for history need to end if prevention of future deterioration of all Myanmar natural resources as well as HR is desired.