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 News : Songkran festival - Road toll soars |
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Posted by sim100 on 2008/4/16 11:28:51 (122 reads)
The roads have been even more deadly this year, with the death toll at the halfway period of the Songkran festival above last year's figure.
Justice permanent secretary Jarun Pukditanakul said there were 1,018 accidents on Songkran day, Sunday, the third day of the seven-day most dangerous period. This was 5.5 per cent up on last year.
He said 76 people were killed (7 per cent up) and 1,103 people injured (3.9 per cent up).
About 45 per cent of the road accidents involved drink driving and 84 per cent involved motorcycles.
The highest number of accidents (39 per cent) occurred on village roads. Most accidents (57 per cent) happened at night, with 30 per cent between 4pm and 8pm.
Chiang Rai province recorded the highest number of accidents, 50, followed by Phetchabun province with 42.
Chon Buri had the highest road death toll yesterday with five fatalities, and Chiang Mai saw the highest number of people injured in road accidents - 51.
In the first three days, since April 11, there were 2,238 road accidents, 180 deaths and 2,514 injuries.
All the stated figures are higher than last year at the same stage.
Mr Jarun, who heads the government's road safety centre, said most road accidents involved teenage motorcyclists in villages after dark and mainly resulted from drunk driving.
He suggested that parents who let their children violate traffic laws should be punished as well.
Anucha Mokhawet, director-general of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said since the figures showed that most deaths occurred in the North, he had ordered the governors of the northern provinces to increase the number of road checkpoints.
He said the state should impose a ban on alcohol sales during Songkran because drink driving was the main cause of road accidents during this period.
Earlier, Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung suggested that if such a ban is introduced it should only cover two days, the first and the last, of the Songkran holiday since most of the driving is done on these two days.
But Mr Jarun has suggested that the ban be enforced on April 13 and 14 as the casualty toll seem to peak on these two days.
Dr Thaejing Siripanit, secretary-general of the Don't Drive Drunk Foundation, said the ban should cover the entire week.
The Thai Red Cross Society yesterday reported that it was running out of blood supplies.
The society needs 1,500 units of blood daily during the Songkran festival, but received only 973 units on April 12 and 950 units on April 13. Its blood bank distributes daily to hospitals nationwide.
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News : Thich Nhat Hanh at Wat Suan Dok |
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Posted by sim100 on 2007/5/22 15:54:24 (678 reads)
 Often referred to as the most beloved Buddhist teacher in the West, Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings and practices appeal to people from various religious, spiritual, and political backgrounds. Nhat Hanh offers a practice of "mindfulness" that is beneficial for people of all faiths, by helping us resist and transform the speed and violence of our modern society. His life and teachings have deeply influenced millions of people.
Thich Nhat Hanh (pronounced "tik not hahn") was born in central Vietnam in 1926 and joined the monkhood at the age of 16. In Saigon in the early 1960's, he founded the School of Youth for Social Services (SYSS), a grass roots relief organization that rebuilt bombed villages, set up schools and medical centers, resettled homeless families, and organized agricultural cooperatives. Rallying some 10,000 student volunteers, the SYSS based its work on the Buddhist principles of non-violence and compassionate action. Despite government denunciation of his activity, Nhat Hanh also founded a Buddhist University, a publishing house, and an influential peace activist magazine in Vietnam.
 Thich Nhat Hanh has been living in exile from his native Vietnam since the age of forty. In that year of 1966, he was banned by both the non-Communist and Communist governments for his role in undermining the violence he saw affecting his people. A Buddhist monk since the age of sixteen, Thay ("teacher") as he is commonly known) earned a reputation as a respected writer, scholar, and leader. He championed a movement known as "engaged Buddhism," which intertwined traditional meditative practices with active nonviolent civil disobedience. This movement lay behind the establishment of the most influential center of Buddhist studies in Saigon, the An Quang Pagoda. He also set up relief organizations to rebuild destroyed villages, instituted the School of Youth for Social Service (a Peace Corps of sorts for Buddhist peace workers), founded a peace magazine, and urged world leaders to use nonviolence as a tool. Although his struggle for cooperation meant he had to relinquish a homeland, it won him accolades around the world. When Thich Nhat Hanh left Vietnam, he embarked on a mission to spread Buddhist thought around the globe. In 1966, when Thay came to the United States for the first of many humanitarian visits, the territory was not completely new to him: he had experienced American culture before as a student at Princeton, and more recently as a professor at Columbia. The Fellowship of Reconciliation and Cornell invited Thay to speak on behalf of Buddhist monks, and he offered an enlightened view on ways to end the Vietnam conflict. He spoke on college campuses, met with administration officials, and impressed social dignitaries. The following year, Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., nominated Thich Nhat Hanh for the same honor. Hanh's Buddhist delegation to the Paris peace talks resulted in accords between North Vietnam and the United States, but his pacifist efforts did not end with the war. He also helped organize rescue missions well into the 1970's for Vietnamese trying to escape from political oppression. Even after the political stabilization of Vietnam, Thich Nhat Hanh has not been allowed to return home. The government still sees him as a threat -- ironic, when one considers the subjects of his teachings: respect for life, generosity, responsible sexual behavior, loving communication, and cultivation of a healthful life style.
He has written more than one-hundred titles, including books of prose, poetry, and prayers. Most of his works have been geared toward the Buddhist reader, yet his teachings appeal to a wide audience. For over the last two decades, Thich Nhat Hanh has visited the United States every other year; he draws more and more people with each tour, Christian, Jewish, atheist, and Zen Buddhist alike. His teachings and philosophy is not limited to preexistent religious structures, but speaks to the individual's desire for wholeness and inner calm.
Photos of Wat Suan Dok here: http://www.twip.org/photos-of-the-world-southeast-asia-thailand-chiang-mai-wat-suandok-en-5090-1.html |
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News : Lamphun - Chiang Mai Day Tripping |
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Posted by sim100 on 2007/2/24 19:24:57 (705 reads)
 Lamphun is Located just southeast of Chiang Mai. Resting on the banks of the Nam Mae Kuang River, this sleepy town of 15,200 is a nice day trip. A visit to Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is worth a visit, as Thai’s revere the tallest of the stupa at this temple as one of the eight holiest stupa in all of Thailand. Known as Chedi Suwan dating back to 1418, it is 46m high and topped with a nine-tier gold umbrella.
Lamphun was the center of a small Hariphunchai principality dating back to AD 750-1281 and originally ruled by Mon queen, Chama Thewi. Long after the Mon and its predecessor Dvaravati were defeated by the Khmer, Hariphunchai succeeded in remaining independent from both the Khmer and the Thais.
Ordinary buses from Chiang Mai leave from Chang Pheuak bus terminal for 12B one way. The 26km ride winds along a pretty country road, in parts shaded by dipterocarp trees.
Article by Lisa Ashley Warshaw, wanderlust.writer(no-spam) at gmail.com, www.travelpod.com/members/lisa-ashley. |
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Posted by sim100 on 2007/2/1 12:44:43 (786 reads)
A Flowering Exhibit in Honor of His Majesty The King
Or Just another Disneyland- like Tourist Attraction?
 Royal Flora Ratchaphruek is a grandiose horticulture exhibit in Chiang Mai, Thailand and of the nearly 80-hectare exhibition, the most beautiful elements are those on a smaller scale: moss growing on the trees in the tropical dome, the bees pollinating in the red leafed flowers, and the mist from the waterfall spraying adjacent violet colored orchids.
The world class horticulture event hosts 2.5 million plants of 2,200 species and weighs in at a total cost of two billion Thai bhat. At the outset of the exhibition over 2,000,000 million visitors from all over the world attended the 92-day exhibition.
Running from 1 November 2006 to January 31, 2007 Royal Flora has been organized for the festive celebrations to mark the most auspicious occasions of the 60th anniversary or the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne in 2006 and the 80th Birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand in 2007.
Perfectly manicured lawns and beds of colorful flowers create an appeasing setting tainted by sausage stands and ice cream vendors. In all its glory, it reminds me of Orlando Florida’s Epcot Center with American fast food stands scattered throughout and trams of tourists being hoarded through the park.
 However, highlights include the delicate orchid pavilion creating a sea of colors ranging from orange, to purple and pink bringing reminders of shades of a sun setting sky. This magnificent and unprecedented display of orchids showcases over 50,000 orchid plants representing nearly 10,000 different native species and hybrid varieties.
International gardens, with displays from countries including Bhutan, where prayer flags blow in the wind and the Netherlands, where one can step into oversized wooden clogs in front of a windmill in a sea of tulips. Other notable participating countries include: Vietnam, Nepal, Pakistan, Brunei, Turkey, Spain, Belgium, Mauritania, Kenya, Nigeria, Gabon, Sudan, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Burundi, Qatar, Iran, Yemen, and Trinidad & Tobago.
The Gardens for The King’s “Path of Wisdom” are an example of His Majesty the King’s care and concern for the lives of the Thai people, combined with His intimate knowledge of agriculture which has resulted in the introduction and successful implementation of thousands of sustainable Royal agricultural Projects. The Gardens for The King also boast Corporate Gardens with sponsorships from 80 domestic and international companies.
 As night falls at Royal Flora firework displays fill the air as a nighttime spectacle parades through the park. The Electrical Parade is divided into seven parts, comprising Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, Literary Epics, Queen of Flora, Magic of Plants, Love for Humanity, and The Royal Father of all Thais and International Unity.
So, now what, the 92-days has passed and what will become of all that Royal Flora once was? The entire project is meant to be handed over to the current government, with no foreseeable practical plan for its future upkeep. Could the billions of bhat spent on the exhibit have been better spent on social issues Thai society is plagued by, such as educational infrastructure or disaster preparedness? There is no doubt that Royal Flora helped tourism blossom in Chiang Mai for three months. But, was this simply another Disneyland-like tourist attraction or was it something that made Thailand stand out amongst the other flowers?
Article by Lisa Ashley Warshaw, wanderlust.writer(no-spam) at gmail.com, www.travelpod.com/members/lisa-ashley. |
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News : The "Can Do" Bar - Turning Tricks into Fair Trade |
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Posted by sim100 on 2007/1/31 8:01:20 (841 reads)
I thought prostitution was illegal in Thailand? Apparently not, because there is a new bar strictly dedicated to it right here in Chiang Mai.
 The "Can Do" Bars grand opening on Friday, 16 September stood as not only a new Chiang Mai night spot, but as a stronghold for sex workers throughout Thailand.
A self proclaimed “experimental – dream bar” run by Empower Foundation, the bar is owned and operated by sex workers. A vibrant energy packed the pub as girls performed skits, music blasted and girls danced a go-go with the poles, while friends brought bouquets of condoms welcoming the Can Do to its new home in Chiang Mai Land.
What exactly is the Can Do bar I wondered, apart from yet another sexual service station? According to Empowers farang frontrunner Liz, it is a “fun and friendly place to drink, fall in love, fall over, sing, learn to pole dance, laugh, and relax.” But, furthermore the “Can Do complies with all Thai Labor Laws and the recommended occupational health and safety standards.”
The three story structure is painted like a Christmas revival, red with green trimming, or that from scenes inside The Matrix. From the bottom up, the downstairs has a roadside patio, full bar, seating, and dual dancing polls on the dance floor. The second floor hosts an exhibition space showing 20 years of “Honey Bee” cartoons featured in the sex workers newsletter, “Bad Girls.” Adjacent is a sex workers museum, with reportedly expensive shag carpeting. Red lighting highlights posters on the walls reading “NOT drowning- waving! Workers not victims” and “it’s not what we do…its how we do it.” Bookshelves are lined with titles such as Diary of a Manhattan Call Girl and “SPREAD: Tricking all over the world”. Among archives included are posted letters covering 400 years of prostitution in Thailand. The third floor has resting quarters for the girls, as well as counseling and conference rooms.
Women feel privileged to work here as the “Can Do” bar is a fair, safe, working environment, a first in the industry. A bar like this, “should have been legitimized a long time ago” claims local author, Mo Tejani.
On opening night, I sat down and spoke with Pilaiporn (Nui), a former sex worker turned Empower staff activist and Tipakson, a PNN Journalist and good friend. In brief intervals our conversations began and continued throughout the night with breaks for dancing and shameless theatrical skits.
 She began by telling us her experiences as a sex worker. “Bar working is complicated work as there are many things to do and we work in unfair conditions. The Can Do bar is a fairness bar – where we can service our customers with good standards” and just then we were interrupted by ear piercing whistle blows from a girl dressed in a police uniform.
“Check Point” a skit whose moral is wrap your member with a rubber before sex, was acted out by sex workers dressed as some of their regular clientele: Japanese tourists and Thai businessmen.
After “Check Point” – that thing is not coming near me with without a hoody on it – Nui continued. Firstly, we don’t get paid overtime compensation. “As bar workers, we work late because we have to wait for the customers to leave, which is usually around 3 a.m. We don’t get what the standard salary in Chiang Mai is; at least 150 Baht per day, instead we normally get a salary of about 3,000 Baht per month or (100 Baht per day). When we are sick we use our own money to go to the doctor or hospital. We can’t claim to refund the money from our work place. The work place never gives us money for health care insurance at all.”
Secondly, in regards to sanitation, there are no standards. “The bar I used to work for has only one bathroom for staff and costumers alike. It was not enough as we had a staff of 10 and many costumers, all needing to use the one bath room at the same time. It’s like they put everything in one room, it’s a mess, and putting us at risk of contagious diseases,” she finished.
Working under the guidelines of labor and social security laws, the ladies are offered social welfare as part of their employment, something that is not regularly offered through other bars. They have an 8 hour schedule with a 1 hour break for rest, as well as one day off a week. Occupational health and safety issues are upheld to standard government regulations.
I wondered what made a girl lucky enough to work under such revolutionary conditions. Nui continued, “Everybody who wants to work here must expose themselves as a sex worker. We want for other people to acknowledge that whether a laborer/employee or a sex worker, both have the rights to work. And, the girls must be 18,” that’s all we ask.
No matter how grand it all seemed at the grand opening, I’m still not sold on the whole sex for sale concept to begin with. While at the party, I had the chance to chat with a Thai friend (who chooses to remain nameless) I’d met a few days earlier on a cultural tour of Lamphun. I asked him his opinion about sex workers rights and in well spoken English he answered, “We have to admit that this issue is a real controversy in Thai society. Many people don’t understand the willingness of the people who sacrifice working to make society understand in sex worker’s rights as a part of the greater human rights scope. But, I think it is hard because in general many people just deny this topic and believe that sex work is immoral.”
Pornpit Pakmai, Coordinator of Empower Chiang Mai, whose nickname is ironically, Porn, claims that “people look at sex workers as if they are not human…Why do these women not have the rights to protect themselves and their bodies from abuse and violence in the work place?” Sex workers rights are human rights, per Empowers fight.
 Found in 1985 the organization currently has 5 facilities from Phuket to Mae Sai with drop-in centers offering computer and informal English training, health education, counseling and other support to sex workers.
A former Empower volunteer has a strong opposing viewpoint towards the goals of the Foundation. She wrote me a letter expressing her thoughts after working with the women though asked to remain nameless. “They glorify prostitution and want women to be able to exploit men more. Perhaps in a safer environment – yet all the same, I don’t feel they ‘empower’ women to have more choices in their lives” other than to be sex workers.
“Opening night means nothing, it is what you do with it I suppose… it is not much different than a one night stand,” claims Mo curb side late night, “and you can quote me on that!” It made me wonder what he’s really doing at the bar...
Can the Can Do bar form a favorable relationship as a night spot locale where sex workers can turn their tricks into fair trade? Or, was it simply a one night stand?
Article by Lisa Ashley Warshaw, wanderlust.writer(no-spam) at gmail.com, www.travelpod.com/members/lisa-ashley.
Photo by Karla Held, www.karlaheld.com |
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