Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Thai Videos
<embed src="http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/1349104/learn_thai_podcast_com_pronunciation_the_five_tones.swf" width="400" height="345" wmode="transparent" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" name="Metacafe_1349104"> </embed><br><font size = 1><a href="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1349104/learn_thai_podcast_com_pronunciation_the_five_tones/">Learn-Thai-Podcast.com: Pronunciation - The Five Tones</a> - <a href="http://www.metacafe.com/">Click here for more amazing videos</a></font>
Friday, December 5, 2008
Your Seat at the Table
I have been following an historic event in the area of public involvement in governmental process. President Elect Obama’s change.gov, it is truly amazing through the power of transparency that I sitting here in Thailand am allowed to participate through comments and intense debate at the same time that the meetings are going on.
Why would someone be interested in these meetings? Simple, we all face the same problems. The financial crisis, rising unemployment, energy crisis, healthcare, recession and education all are problems every country must face.
In the past all of these issues were kept behind closed doors lacking public input and transparency. Transparency is the process that allows real change. The process is called Your Seat at the Table.
Thailand has put into place the beginnings of this process with egov sites for example in paying taxes. Thailand can make available all policy documents from official meetings on policy issues in real time. This can replace archaic tactics of carrying signs on the street, avoiding mob hysteria, three phrases dumbing-down issues and many other social ills.
This is a posted comment that shows how this applies to every country. “This site allows an exchange of information that will help educate and inform the people of our nation to engage and commit to act when and where opportunities are found.”
This will allow our leaders to also formulate and implement policy decisions more quickly as feedback can be gathered from around the world. It is just too hot in Thailand to carry a sign on the street and to allow critical policies decisions to be paralyzed at a time of domestic and global crisis.
Get your seat at the table.
Why would someone be interested in these meetings? Simple, we all face the same problems. The financial crisis, rising unemployment, energy crisis, healthcare, recession and education all are problems every country must face.
In the past all of these issues were kept behind closed doors lacking public input and transparency. Transparency is the process that allows real change. The process is called Your Seat at the Table.
Thailand has put into place the beginnings of this process with egov sites for example in paying taxes. Thailand can make available all policy documents from official meetings on policy issues in real time. This can replace archaic tactics of carrying signs on the street, avoiding mob hysteria, three phrases dumbing-down issues and many other social ills.
This is a posted comment that shows how this applies to every country. “This site allows an exchange of information that will help educate and inform the people of our nation to engage and commit to act when and where opportunities are found.”
This will allow our leaders to also formulate and implement policy decisions more quickly as feedback can be gathered from around the world. It is just too hot in Thailand to carry a sign on the street and to allow critical policies decisions to be paralyzed at a time of domestic and global crisis.
Get your seat at the table.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Yes, We can.
In a world of crisis a once in a generation leader is born, just as a generation ago Sir Winston Churchill was that leader and brought the world to victory and now President Elect Obama is that world leader called upon in the time of the greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression, in countries divided such as our own and at a time when our planet is at peril. Why is this so important to us in Thailand coming from a leader of a country so far away from us? And most important what is the answer to our problems?
The answer came from President Elect Obama’s victory speech in three words “Yes, We can”. The mighty words of Democracy, Free Markets and Government By the People and For the People are not at fault. The failure has come from the implementation of these great ideals. Generations of trickle-down economics and trickle-down politics benefiting a chosen few are on their way out of the world stage. This is the change that is coming.
President Elect Obama did not come from the powers that be nor was his campaign born in the hall of power in Washington instead he came from a background not unlike most of us against all odds received an education through honest hard work and belief in self and country. This experience gives him an insight into the problems facing most of us in our daily lives that government has forgotten.
The reality that some problems are greater than the individual and the solution of sink or swim can no longer be followed instead the reality that government has a responsibility and a duty to respond to these problems for all people rich or poor. “Yes, We can”, is the answer for all of us not just America as President Elect Obama has pointed out in his victory speech it is the answer for the world. Along the way, it will be pointed out by cynics that we are not intelligent enough or educated enough or do not care or that it will take 500 years. Just remember cynics are for entertainment purposes only intent on the status quo, the answer is “Yes, We can”.
Many cynics will also say that this is just talk but the difference is it is the right talk. The implementation of “Yes, We can start with our individual efforts to answer the call to service in every aspect of our daily lives at work, leisure and family.
The reality is Thailand is a small player on the world stage but at one time so was England and Japan the fact is the sum of the parts is greater than the whole and thus we have a brighter future together in the era of globalization and we can contribute greatly. Can President Elect Obama guide America in the right direction and can we do the same? Yes, we can.
The answer came from President Elect Obama’s victory speech in three words “Yes, We can”. The mighty words of Democracy, Free Markets and Government By the People and For the People are not at fault. The failure has come from the implementation of these great ideals. Generations of trickle-down economics and trickle-down politics benefiting a chosen few are on their way out of the world stage. This is the change that is coming.
President Elect Obama did not come from the powers that be nor was his campaign born in the hall of power in Washington instead he came from a background not unlike most of us against all odds received an education through honest hard work and belief in self and country. This experience gives him an insight into the problems facing most of us in our daily lives that government has forgotten.
The reality that some problems are greater than the individual and the solution of sink or swim can no longer be followed instead the reality that government has a responsibility and a duty to respond to these problems for all people rich or poor. “Yes, We can”, is the answer for all of us not just America as President Elect Obama has pointed out in his victory speech it is the answer for the world. Along the way, it will be pointed out by cynics that we are not intelligent enough or educated enough or do not care or that it will take 500 years. Just remember cynics are for entertainment purposes only intent on the status quo, the answer is “Yes, We can”.
Many cynics will also say that this is just talk but the difference is it is the right talk. The implementation of “Yes, We can start with our individual efforts to answer the call to service in every aspect of our daily lives at work, leisure and family.
The reality is Thailand is a small player on the world stage but at one time so was England and Japan the fact is the sum of the parts is greater than the whole and thus we have a brighter future together in the era of globalization and we can contribute greatly. Can President Elect Obama guide America in the right direction and can we do the same? Yes, we can.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Thailand Constitution Rewrite
Thailand Constitution Rewrite
Posted by Tawan , Reader : 310 , 10:45:15
Print
The Constitution is only a framework designed to provide check and balances, accountability and transparency to fight the sins of our past history of corruption. Those against this framework wants to return to the sins of our past because it is a successful business model for them and the only game they know in which they have evolved into masters. Since the elections this inner circle has observed that the sins of the past can be returned to and continued into the future because Thailand has not provided a workable alternative to the framework and this inner circle of people have joyously concluded that once again they are the only game in town.
The framework has given us valuable time in the past few months to provide an alternative model to the sins of our past. Instead of, taking advantage of the past few months in developing a workable alternative plan of action, we have sit on the sidelines and observed the slow but sure step by step return to the sins of our past. The people have played by the rules of Democracy by voting and sending politicians to represent the people. Now the people are waiting for a workable alternative to the sins of our past. In other words, where is our Senator Obama that has pledged to change the way Washington D.C. is influenced by special interest and lobbyist and finally let the voice of the people be heard in Washington D.C. also alongside special interests. With no workable alternative we are doomed to continue our sins of the past simple because there will be no alternative when there is only one game in town to vote for. The only one game in town has been made quite clear and under this scenario will continue to be voted for by the people.
The world record commodities prices as stated by the United Nations and many others, has given us a small window of opportunity to use the profits to develop our agriculture sector. The economy, financial sector, inflation and private and foreign investment have all been put on hold by the political crisis. This window of opportunity does not stay open long. Just as in Thailand some in the Global financial community are fighting efforts of a regulation framework to provide accountability, disclosure and transparency to avoid another global crisis. Simply because they have also become masters of the only game in town serving the needs of the few.
The people are anxiously waiting to see if this window of opportunity will be closed or will we have an alternative before the window is closed. Perhaps the foreign investors has posed the question better will the Thai Constitution be rewritten or not? For they two must first wait to see which rules of the game they will be forced to play by, the sins of our past or a workable alternative.
Posted by Tawan , Reader : 310 , 10:45:15
The Constitution is only a framework designed to provide check and balances, accountability and transparency to fight the sins of our past history of corruption. Those against this framework wants to return to the sins of our past because it is a successful business model for them and the only game they know in which they have evolved into masters. Since the elections this inner circle has observed that the sins of the past can be returned to and continued into the future because Thailand has not provided a workable alternative to the framework and this inner circle of people have joyously concluded that once again they are the only game in town.
The framework has given us valuable time in the past few months to provide an alternative model to the sins of our past. Instead of, taking advantage of the past few months in developing a workable alternative plan of action, we have sit on the sidelines and observed the slow but sure step by step return to the sins of our past. The people have played by the rules of Democracy by voting and sending politicians to represent the people. Now the people are waiting for a workable alternative to the sins of our past. In other words, where is our Senator Obama that has pledged to change the way Washington D.C. is influenced by special interest and lobbyist and finally let the voice of the people be heard in Washington D.C. also alongside special interests. With no workable alternative we are doomed to continue our sins of the past simple because there will be no alternative when there is only one game in town to vote for. The only one game in town has been made quite clear and under this scenario will continue to be voted for by the people.
The world record commodities prices as stated by the United Nations and many others, has given us a small window of opportunity to use the profits to develop our agriculture sector. The economy, financial sector, inflation and private and foreign investment have all been put on hold by the political crisis. This window of opportunity does not stay open long. Just as in Thailand some in the Global financial community are fighting efforts of a regulation framework to provide accountability, disclosure and transparency to avoid another global crisis. Simply because they have also become masters of the only game in town serving the needs of the few.
The people are anxiously waiting to see if this window of opportunity will be closed or will we have an alternative before the window is closed. Perhaps the foreign investors has posed the question better will the Thai Constitution be rewritten or not? For they two must first wait to see which rules of the game they will be forced to play by, the sins of our past or a workable alternative.
Issan Farmer's Shock with uS Farm Crisis
Issan Farmer's Shock with U.S. Farm Crisis
Posted by Tawan , Reader : 225 , 07:56:01
Print
Issan farmers may see the U.S. sub-prime crisis affecting their future as well. Conditions are very similar to the U.S. 1980 farm collapse. Increasing farm debt that caused the collapse of 300 agriculture banks in the U.S. Seeds and fertilizer are doubling in price. Worldwide increases in commodities prices leading more U.S. farmers to take on more debt. If commodities prices fall, recent investments in machinery and land will cause the debt to be more than the value of the farm exactly as the residential mortgage market.
U.S. subsidies for ethanol production have led more farmers to plant corn. The recent political backlash in the world with food riots from increasing food prices has shown rushing into bio-fuels production has been poorly planned.
Issan farmers will be affected by a new sub-prime farmer’s crisis adding more trade and financial sectors shock from the U.S.
Posted by Tawan , Reader : 225 , 07:56:01
Issan farmers may see the U.S. sub-prime crisis affecting their future as well. Conditions are very similar to the U.S. 1980 farm collapse. Increasing farm debt that caused the collapse of 300 agriculture banks in the U.S. Seeds and fertilizer are doubling in price. Worldwide increases in commodities prices leading more U.S. farmers to take on more debt. If commodities prices fall, recent investments in machinery and land will cause the debt to be more than the value of the farm exactly as the residential mortgage market.
U.S. subsidies for ethanol production have led more farmers to plant corn. The recent political backlash in the world with food riots from increasing food prices has shown rushing into bio-fuels production has been poorly planned.
Issan farmers will be affected by a new sub-prime farmer’s crisis adding more trade and financial sectors shock from the U.S.
Road Trip Back Home
Road Trip Back Home
Posted by Tawan , Reader : 166 , 07:29:15
Print
My every other month trip back to my fathers’ hometown was a pleasant two and a half hour drive from Udon Thani. It is a nice drive on a four lane highway all the way. I keep forgetting to stay out of the passing lane speeding tickets are 100 baht. My father always looks forward to our trip back home. It gives him a chance to relax and talk to his 10 brothers and sisters.
My duty is to collect our share of rice, fish, vegetables and fruits as much as we can carry. It is like going to Makro. Our farm village has grown to around one thousand people so many aunts uncles and cousins that I do not know. The rice farm does not look like a farm anymore; it looks more like a housing development than a farm with so many houses everywhere.
Makes me worry in a few years this generation will be too old to farm anymore. Although something must be up in the mechanization plans there were at least a dozen trucks unloading Kobuta tractors. In a few years time I will have to start buying rice and fish at Makro like everyone else.
Now that I am back, how is our country? Have we solved the political conflict, dealt with food and energy inflation, the credit crunch. The asset bubble, bank bailouts, regulations and standards, agriculture spillover effects, competitive exports. falling dollar, speculation and hedging, education in the knowledge based economy, risk management, stress testing and contingency plans?
Just a few questions to see where to start.
Posted by Tawan , Reader : 166 , 07:29:15
My every other month trip back to my fathers’ hometown was a pleasant two and a half hour drive from Udon Thani. It is a nice drive on a four lane highway all the way. I keep forgetting to stay out of the passing lane speeding tickets are 100 baht. My father always looks forward to our trip back home. It gives him a chance to relax and talk to his 10 brothers and sisters.
My duty is to collect our share of rice, fish, vegetables and fruits as much as we can carry. It is like going to Makro. Our farm village has grown to around one thousand people so many aunts uncles and cousins that I do not know. The rice farm does not look like a farm anymore; it looks more like a housing development than a farm with so many houses everywhere.
Makes me worry in a few years this generation will be too old to farm anymore. Although something must be up in the mechanization plans there were at least a dozen trucks unloading Kobuta tractors. In a few years time I will have to start buying rice and fish at Makro like everyone else.
Now that I am back, how is our country? Have we solved the political conflict, dealt with food and energy inflation, the credit crunch. The asset bubble, bank bailouts, regulations and standards, agriculture spillover effects, competitive exports. falling dollar, speculation and hedging, education in the knowledge based economy, risk management, stress testing and contingency plans?
Just a few questions to see where to start.
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