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Shaolin acrobats join
Chinese New Year
celebrations in Chiang Mai
Jedsadapong Wongkiew
Chinese acrobats from a Shaolin temple in Beijing performed at the Aquarium
grounds at the Central Airport Plaza in honor of Chinese New Year on
February 16. The Tourism Authority of Thailand Chiang Mai (TAT) organized
the event which saw acrobats, Chinese martial arts and boxing, along with
other shows, put on by the 10 member troupe brought over for the show in
cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China.
Representatives from Alumni Associations of 8 Chinese schools in Chiang Mai
joined TAT Director in the celebration, honoring the 30th
anniversary of Thai-Chinese Embassy relations.
Sunday February 28 is Makha Bucha Day
Banks, offices will be closed Monday, March 1
This year, Makha Bucha Day (Buddhist All Saints Day) falls on Sunday,
February 28. Since the holiday falls on a Sunday, government offices, banks
and many businesses will be closed on Monday, March 1.
This holy day commemorates the miraculous event when
1,250 disciples of the Buddha, Gautama Sakayamuni, traveled to meet with the
Buddha with no prearranged agreement, at Weluwan Mahawiharn Temple in the
area of Rachakhryha, India.
Devout Buddhists are expected to turn out in the
thousands at local temples to conduct religious ceremonies.
Creative Economy Conference encourages IT in Chiang Mai
Deputy Minister
Alongkorn Ponlaboot, 3rd
left is joined by U.S. Ambassador Eric G. John, 4th
left, U.S. Consul General Michael K. Morrow, 1st
left, Francis Peters, Commercial Attache at the U.S. Embassy, Chairman of
SIPA, Dr. Jeerasuk Pongpisanupichit and other members of the SIPA
organization on stage for the conference.
By Shana Kongmun
The Creative Economy is not only the newest buzzword
among politicians but, as Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot
stated at the opening of the Northern Thailand Creative Economy Conference;
Opportunities and Challenges in the IT Sector at the Shangri La Hotel on
February 18, is key for Thailand’s economic growth and job creation.
U.S. Ambassador Eric G. John joined the Deputy Commerce
Minister and the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Software Industry
Promotion Agency (SIPA) in welcoming delegates to the conference.
Representatives of the newly opened IBM office in Hang Dong were joined by
Movaci Technology, TT& T, Microsoft, Oracle, SAS software, Chiang Mai
University and other IT related industries.
Ambassador Eric John addressed the conference, mentioning
small communities in the United States who have managed to re-tool their
economies to adapt to the changing world of IT and the creative economy. He
added that Northern Thailand is uniquely placed to become the base for the
creative economy due to the many universities in the region, offering the
building blocks to create the human capital that fuels innovation. He
reiterated the United States dedication to helping Thailand’s government and
private businesses forge ties with U.S. businesses and research
institutions. He asserted the importance of “pushing forward the 3G
licensing in a fair and transparent manner, improving the system of
protection of intellectual property rights that are “key to the survival of
creative technology businesses. Encouraging and fostering creativity and
innovation through the Thai education system, supporting creative businesses
and encouraging foreign investment with tax and other financial incentives,
infrastructure development and efficient regulation”
“I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to visit
universities, high schools and primary schools across Thailand; based on my
conversations with thousands of Thai students I believe there is a deep
reservoir of talent throughout this nation. Particularly, here in the North”.
Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn agreed that the
schools were the future of Thailand’s joining the world’s creative
economies. Mentioning the new “Creative Kids’ Program that is being tested
as a pilot curriculum in 40 schools around Thailand, offering textbooks on
IT and technology. “We need to teach our children the importance of the
creative economy,” he said. Using multi –media, digital animation and other
creative media, the government also plans to start “Creative Kid Camps”
designed to encourage and foster creativity among students.
The Deputy Minister also introduced a new campaign
entitled “Creative King” focusing on HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, with over
500 movie theaters nationwide airing a 2 minute film clip featuring HM the
King as inventor, author, musician and creator. As the holder of over 1000
patents and holder of numerous awards for his ceaseless work for the
betterment of the Thai people, “His Majesty is a role model not only for
Thai people but for people around the world. He inspires the business and
academic sectors to lead the way in innovation and creation,” the Deputy
Minister added.
The Deputy Minister believes that Chiang Mai, with its
creative and artistic community, many universities and focus on the arts, is
an ideal location for the creation of digital media, animation and film.
Chiang Mai University has joined the 45 university strong “Creative Academy”
with each university choosing what field to specialize in, from digital
media, to fashion design, to IT technology.
“We have a clear policy to support business investment in
the North. We hope to reach the goal of increasing the creative economy to
1/5th of Thailand’s gross domestic product within the
next 2 years”
“It is Thailand’s turn to be the role model for
developing countries. We must sweep out the old ways and replace them with
new,” the Deputy Minister concluded.
Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA) Chairman Dr.
Jeerasak Pongpisanupichit concluded the opening by explaining the goals of
SIPA; to elevate Thailand as a digital content leader in S.E. Asia, promote
the competiveness of Thai games and software and increase training. To that
effect SIPA plans to run training workshops to assist entrepreneurs and
creative thinkers to connect to the global market.
The Northern Thailand Creative Economy IT Conference
attracted more than 200 participants from the public, private and academic
sectors. The aim of the conference sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, SIPA and
the Ministry of Commerce was to get more American firms involved in making
Chiang Mai an IT and creative hub for the country.
Correction
In the article “Local VFW Post honored for support by Thai Army”, the name
of Major General Chanukorn Tahntagoson, Commander of Army Region 3 was
incorrectly spelled, the correct spelling is as above. Our apologies to the
Major General for the error.
New Spirit of Siam hopes to bring resolution through seminars
Nopniwat Krailerg
The Spirit of Siam hopes to help solve the country’s
current crisis, claimed Asawin Bird, the chairman of the project. The Spirit
of Siam, a charitable organization, launched its new project on February 16;
a round table seminar titled “The Spirit of Siam; New Path to Nation
Reformation ofr Peace, Solidarity and Happiness” at Khum Naresuan in Mae
Rim.
Asawin Bird, the chairman of the project, introduced his organization and
its planned seminars to the public
Chairman Asawin Bird has an extensive background in
creating seminars and exchanges of new ideas among people of different
social, political, economic and cultural backgrounds
He said that as the country has undergone social and
political conflicts during the past two years, he has held informal seminars,
between various groups and Thai politicians. The country faces political
deadlock and uncertainty.
“The present conflict in Thailand could occur in other
countries, and we have to learn how to solve these problems from the past,
the present and to look to the future.
The Spirit of Siam project is a social process aimed at
achieving this same goal, and we see that the differences and conflicts are
small issues, he continued. This project will combine the race, nationality,
and unity called Siam, which is the center of searching, thinking, approval
and resolution. These goals are bigger than the constitution, he added.
Peerapol Sirsing, the Siam Seminar project manager of
Spirit of Siam, and Charoen Kampeeraparb, vice chairman of the Project
discuss the conflicts that need to be addressed.
Peerapol Srising, the manager of the Siam Seminar project,
Spirit of Siam said that this is a new step for mobilizing change and
introducing new ideas in social and political issues,
Their seminars, he said, will be held nationwide under
various topics so that Thai people can continue to help Thailand grow and
prosper.
Charoen Kampheerapharb, vice chairman of the Project
added that Thailand at present is stuck in a trap of the same ideas and in
finds itself constantly circling back to the same issues and problems.
Charoen believes that the Spirit of Siam will be able to help link the
different groups of people to be more unified in their outlook so as to help
solve the conflicts currently afflicting the nation.
Education scholarships
donated to 25 families
Hope Watcharaprecha awards scholarships donated to needy
students.
Twenty five families received education sponsorships at the Red Cross
Station Three donated by New Life Foundation under Royal Patronage of H.
R. H. The Princess Mother.
Children create their own art at the Red Cross event.
Throughout the day, students and grandparents participated in various
activities to promote and support a well-rounded lifestyle. These
activities were led by the director of the Red Cross and the staff, as
well as volunteers.
The children were given t-shirts and art supplies, provided by Cultural
Canvas Thailand, to make an artistic portrayal of their choice. They
were also put into groups to write lists about their daily lives and
share with the group, after a group meditation run by Creating Changes
Thailand. Meanwhile, the grandparents exercised their minds and bodies
through a number-oriented movement game, run by Rotary Club of Sarapii.
The day ended with sponsorships and dictionaries being distributed to
the children for their education, provided by Rotary International and
international sponsors. To close day, chocolates were enjoyed while
families mingled and volunteers integrated into the community.
Mayor launches
greening of Chiang Mai
Supoj Thiamyoj
Chiang Mai Municipality launched a new project to promote
the greening of Chiang Mai, titled “Kiew Suay Horm (green,
beautiful and good smell).
Chiang Mai Mayor Tassanai Buranupakorn introduces the
newest project to create more green areas in the city.
Mayor Tassanai Buranupakorn launched the promotional campaign at
the Three Kings Monument on February 14, in a bid to bring more
greenery and cleanliness to Chiang Mai city and improve the
health and well being of its’ residents.
He said that Chiang Mai is a hub of tourism, communications,
education, and Northern economy and trade. The Thai government’s
policy is to drive development work, and with the city’s growth
and expansion, mega construction projects, and rapidly
increasing population with the corresponding increase of
vehicles on the road air pollution problems for the city have
been on the rise.
The Municipality hopes to increase the number of green areas in
the city so as to help, in part, tackle air pollution problems.
Plants and trees should be grown to not only help the pollution
problems but increase the city’s beauty. The project also
addresses the issue of educating people as to the importance of
green areas, and the need to solve the pollution problems to
keep Chiang Mai livable and beautiful.
Tourist Police receive thanks from Canadian tourist
A representative of
the Canadian Embassy joined the Chiang Mai Canadian Consul in
delivering a thank you letter to the Chiang Mai Tourist police
from the Canadian tourist recently lost while trekking at the
Monthatharn Waterfall near Doi Suthep. The Canadian
representatives also delivered their thanks to the Chiang Mai
Mail for reporting on the event, adding that Canadian diplomats
help the Tourist Police in every aspect of aiding Canadian
tourists in Thailand.
2 districts declared disaster areas due to drought
2 districts, San Sai and Omkoi, have already been declared
disaster areas due to drought by Chiang Mai Governor Amornphan
Nimmanant. The districts encompass 105 villages with a total of
9,477 families and 1,285 farms.
Sriphanee Boonyamanit, Chief strategist for the Office of
Chiang Mai Provincial Public Disaster Prevention and Relief Work, announces
plans to tackle the drought in Chiang Mai Province.
Sriphanee Boonyamanit, Chief strategist for the Office of Chiang
Mai Provincial Public Disaster Prevention and Relief Work, said
plans have already been laid and efforts stepped up to prevent
drought as the rainy season was low and the water level in many
dams has already receded.
The Mae Ngad Somboonchol dam in Mae Taeng district has 77.22 %
of capacity while the Mae Kuang Udomthara dam in Doi Saket
District is only at 24% capacity.
The Disaster Prevention Office has earmarked a budget of 364,000
baht so far to help tackle the upcoming drought problems.
“Firstly, a task force center has been set up tackle the drought
problem, at the district and provincial level. A list is being
compiled of drought risk areas, and preparations are being made
for the mobilization of materials and equipment; water trucks,
water pumps and tools for use in relief work,” Sriphanee
Boonyamanit said.
In addition, the Office has also inspected water sources,
reservoirs, and water containers for efficient use. More
dredging and digging of ponds, canals, and public water sources
for public use in the village is also planned.
A promotional campaign for more supplies and water containers
has been launched, encouraging public participation in providing
more containers for water consumption. The Office also
introduced farmers to plants that consume less water during the
summer, and informed the public and local organizers help
promote education about water conservation.
Last year, 12 districts, 353 tambons, 329 villages, 19,622
families, and 10,622 rai of agriculture land were hit by
drought.
Lanna flowers in bloom; tree and plant festival
Supoj Thiamyoj
The 33rd Military Circle is hosting the
Dok Mai Ban Lanna fair on Chotana Road from February 25 to March
1, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with garden exhibitions, plants and
flowers on sale.
 Major Suthas Rattanapracharom of
the 33 rd
Military Circle introduces the newest festival for Chiang Mai; the Dok Mai
Ban Lanna plant festival.
The event features orchid contests, gardening
tools and equipment, plant and flower sales, as well as OTOP
products, food and live music.
Major Suthas Rattanapracharom, of the 33rd
Military Circle said that the event is being held to promote
environmental awareness, promote HM the King’s philosophies
regarding the sufficiency economy and to raise peoples’
awareness of the need for green areas and to reduce pollution.
The Circle hopes to encourage people to plant trees and flowers
to make Chiang Mai greener.
Songs of Memory: Hill Tribes music saved for posterity
By Shana
Kongmun
The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre behind the Three
Kings monument is not only a lovely building but a magnificent
venue to host Victoria Vorreiter’s short videos, clothing and
instrument collection. Victoria has spent the past three years
filming and cataloging the uniquely beautiful music of the
various Hill Tribe people of the Golden Triangle.
 A
Karen musician performs traditional welcoming music at the
exhibition opening.
Not only offering short videos of various Hill Tribe music
and rituals but the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre hosted a
symposium between tribal elders, academics, and experts in a variety of
fields, sharing knowledge with the public and acting as a bridge to the
cultures of northern Thailand on Saturday February 20. Tribal groups
performed traditional music in the square in front of the Three Kings
Monument on Sunday February 21. The exhibition will host a series of
conferences to learn more about tribal cultures, with the next one on March
13, titled, “From the Hands of the Hills: The Richness of Traditional
Craftsmanship” Beginning March 1, tribal members will construct a
traditional hut in the square. For the full schedule of upcoming conferences
and events please see http://www.cmocity.com/.
Traditional tribal costumes on display
at the exhibition at the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre.
Smoke and dust in the air expected to worsen
Nopniwat Krailerg
Particulate matter, or minute dust particles in the air,
is expected to be higher than the usual in the upcoming dry season, unless
residents stop burning. Burning fields and garbage is the biggest cause of
smoke covering the area, according to the Office of Chiang Mai Provincial
Natural Resources and Environment.
Prayad Annatadej of the Office of Chiang Mai
Provincial Natural Resources and Environment announces the high particulate
matter in the air around Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Lampang.
A recent survey showed that minute particulate matter was
high during early February in Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Lampang Provinces.
Prayad Anantadej, of the Natural Resources and Environment Office, said that
particulate matter was measured on February 9, and was found to be less than
40-60 microgram per cubic meter.
“But this increased to 60- 80 micrograms per cubic meter,
(at medium level) now when compared to the standard level that is not more
than 120 micrograms per cubic meter. However, this figure was also less than
the figure measured in 2008 and 2009, during the same period in February,”
he said.
During February 9-11, 24-26 hot spots were found, areas
where burning regularly occurs, in Chiang Mai and neighboring Myanmar, and
have caused an excess of dust particles in Lampang (over the standard ) on
February 8, 13, and 14 as well as in Lamphun on February 8, and 13.
The Forest Fire Control Unit reported 58 forest fires in
January this year, affecting 311 Rai of forest area. February has seen 296
forest fires break out so far, with 1922.5 Rai of forest land burned. Doi
Saket had the highest incidences of forest fire, with 73 fires damaging
531.5 Rai. Hod District came in second with 64 fires being reported with 412
Rai affected, and Chormthong District also had 64 fires, with 402 Rai
affected.
Wichai Kitmee, acting director of the 16thOffice of
Conservation Area Management and chairman of the committee on Chiang Mai
forest fires and smoke problems, said this year’s smoke and forest fire
problem is expected to be worse than last year.”This year seems to be hotter
and drier than usual,” he remarked. He added that the dry weather has caused
a large number of easily flammable dried plants in the forest and in
agriculture.
Mae Chaem district is reporting as much as 30,000 tons of
dried field corn stubble left after harvesting. It is hoped that private
companies could buy as much as 10,000 tons for fertilizer production, but
this would leave 20,000 tons that will most likely be burned off in the
conventional manner.
“If people do not stop burning, this smoke and fire
problems will continue and negatively impact Chiang Mai residents. Chiang
Mai is located in a shallow valley, and it is usually covered with smoke
created in Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Lamphun and nearby country like Myanmar.
“The district that has the worst impact from this air pollution is
Saraphi district, in Chiang Mai, which is located in a shallow valley bowl,
large numbers of residents report lung problems there, “Wichai concluded.
Residents continue to burn to clear land,
despite the worsening air problems.
11 killed in accident in Lamphun
A ten wheeled truck, fleeing a previous accident, ran a red
light around 8 PM in Lamphun, killing 11 people. The accident
occurred at the Northern Region Industrial Estate intersection
in Lamphun last Saturday, February 13.
The Lamphun police said 4 of the dead were employees of
L-TEC company, 2 worked at Lamphun Hospital, 2 from the Hoya Company, and 3
more whose place of work was unknown. The injured were admitted to the
Haripunchai Memorial Hospital.
Police said the truck ran the red light at a time when
many people were returning home from work in the area.
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