* Siam Mapped: A History of the Geo-Body of a Nation

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* Saying the Unsayable: Monarchy and Democracy in Thailand

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The flood crisis over the past couple of months has been Thailand’s worst in 50 years and has continued to affect one- third of the country’s provinces, with more than 400 people dead and damaged millions of homes.

People in the U.S. who wish to help flood victims in Thailand can donate through the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. by sending a money order (payable to Royal Thai Embassy) to Consular Affairs Section, Royal Thai Embassy, 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007. A donation box has also been set up in front of the Consular Affairs Section of the Embassy.

The Embassy has updated information on donation on their Facebook page (Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C.) and Twitter (@ThaiEmbDC). Additional questions about the donation request can be addressed to First Secretary Nipatsorn Kampa at 202-285-1547.

- International Red Cross: Both the Cambodian Red Cross and Thai Red Cross are accepting donations for relief efforts though their respective websites.

- Royal Thai Embassy: Donations to flood victims in Thailand are being accepted through the embassy. Send checks or money orders (payable to Royal Thai Embassy) to Consular Affairs Section, Royal Thai Embassy, 1024 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20007. See the embassy’s Facebook page (Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C.) for donation updates or call the embassy’s First Secretary Nipatsorn Kampa at 202-285-1547.

- Save the Children: International aid organization is accepting donations for flood relief in Thailand through its Thailand Floods Children in Emergency Fund. See the Save the Children website.

- Royal Embassy of Cambodia: Contact the embassy at 4530 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20011; phone 202-726-7742.

- World Vision Cambodia: International aid group is distributing rice to affected communities where rice fields and other food sources have been compromised by flooding. See the Save the Children Cambodia website.

http://www.cseashawaii.org/wordpress/2011/10/photography-thailand-flood/

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Endorphine is one of the most popular Thai rock bands in Thailand today. The band consists of Da(lead vocals), Kia(guitar), Bird(bass), and Bomb(drum). Current members are (nickname in parenthesis): Thanida Thamwimon (Da): lead vocals, Anucha Boethongkhamkul (Kia): guitar, Thanat Amornmanus (Bird): bass guitar, Thapaphol Amornmanus (Bomb): percussion.

The band started in junior high school. Friends Bomb (drums) and Kia (guitar) decided to form a band and asked Bomb’s brother Bird (bass) to join in. They decided they needed a lead vocalist, and that’s when Da came in. Impressed with Da’s unique and powerful voice, the band asked her to join. “Since we played rock music, we never thought our lead singer would be a girl,” Bomb said. “But when we heard Da sing, we knew she was the missing piece.” They were almost set, but there was still one other thing they needed — the right name. Stuck in traffic one day, Bomb spotted a bumper sticker that had the word “endorphine” written on it. Curious, Bomb looked the word up and found the perfect name for his band. “Endorphins are a chemical substance produced by the brain when we’re happy or in pain,” Bomb said. “And we want people to be happy listening to our songs. Hence the name Endorphine.” -Wikipedia

Official Website (English) | Official Website (Thai) | Last.fm | eThai Music

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Director: Yongyoot Thongkongtoon
Cast: Arak Amornsupasiri, Krit Setthathamrong, Sansanee Wattananukul, and Yarinda Boonag
Cinematography: Somboon Phopitakkul

Keng (Arak Amornsuphasiri) is a veterinarian sentenced to do social work for a drunk driving arrest. He is assigned to teach senior citizens how to use computers. In class, love blossoms discreetly between durian farmer Jamras (Krit Setthathamrong) and widow Somphis (Sansanee Wattanukul). Their infectious bliss reawakens Keng’s longtime crush on his best friend’s ex-wife Fai (Yarinda Boonag). The two love stories develop autonomously, but the two generations’ perspectives are deftly interwoven to bear upon each others’ lives in a sweet story that ends in a most profound way. The film topped the domestic box office in 2009 and was chosen as Thailand’s Oscar foreign film entry in 2010. -Maggie Lee

Center of Korean Studies Auditorium
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
6:00 pm – 8:30 p.m.

Free admission
Donations will be accepted for flood relief in Thailand before and after the film.
Contact: The Thai Student Association (UH)

Trailer: Best of Times (Thailand)

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The flood crisis over the past two months is Thailand’s worst in 50 years and has continued to affect one- third of the country’s provinces, with more than 400 people dead and damaged millions of homes.

People in the U.S. who wish to help flood victims in Thailand can donate through the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. by sending a money order (payable to Royal Thai Embassy) to Consular Affairs Section, Royal Thai Embassy, 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007. A donation box has also been set up in front of the Consular Affairs Section of the Embassy.

The Embassy has updated information on donation on their Facebook page (Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C.) and Twitter (@ThaiEmbDC). Additional questions about the donation request can be addressed to First Secretary Nipatsorn Kampa at 202-285-1547.

- International Red Cross: Both the Cambodian Red Cross and Thai Red Cross are accepting donations for relief efforts though their respective websites.

- Royal Thai Embassy: Donations to flood victims in Thailand are being accepted through the embassy. Send checks or money orders (payable to Royal Thai Embassy) to Consular Affairs Section, Royal Thai Embassy, 1024 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20007. See the embassy’s Facebook page (Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C.) for donation updates or call the embassy’s First Secretary Nipatsorn Kampa at 202-285-1547.

- Save the Children: International aid organization is accepting donations for flood relief in Thailand through its Thailand Floods Children in Emergency Fund. See the Save the Children website.

- Royal Embassy of Cambodia: Contact the embassy at 4530 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20011; phone 202-726-7742.

- World Vision Cambodia: International aid group is distributing rice to affected communities where rice fields and other food sources have been compromised by flooding. See the Save the Children Cambodia website.

http://www.cseashawaii.org/wordpress/2011/10/photography-thailand-flood/

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* Folk Stories of the Hmong: Peoples of Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam
* A Glimpse of Vietnamese Oral Literature: Mythology, Tales, Folklore
* Cambodian Folk Stories from the Gatiloke
* In Grandmother’s House: Thai Folklore, Traditions, and Rural Village Life
* Indonesian Folktales

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Focus on the Global South is an Asia-based policy research think tank, with headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, and country presence in the Philippines and India. For more than fifteen years, Focus has been one of the leading critical voices on globalisation, governance and development, grounded in its commitment to social, ecological and gender justice, peoples’ democracy and plurality. Focus is a team of committed activists working with social movements and other organisations in their common quest for ecological, social and economic justice. Working locally, nationally, regionally and internationally, the Focus team has a wealth of experience and skills, as well as diverse cultural perspectives, educational and work backgrounds, languages and ways of working. The organisational structure reflects Focus’ commitment to horizontality and democracy and aims to maximise inter-connections between issues, level of analysis and geographic locations.

Executive Director
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Deadline: 15th November 2011

* play a strategic leadership role;
* create an environment where the development of ideas and activist engagement flourishes;
* be a good team player and inspirational team builder, with a commitment to a participatory style of management;
* provide overall coordination for and oversee the financial, fundraising, organisational and human resource affairs of the organisation;
* ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the Focus programme;
* report regularly to the Focus International Board for all Focus’ activities and programmes; and,
* employ a management style that is egalitarian, open, fair and non-bureaucratic.

* a strong background and a proven track record in progressive, critical analysis and strategy in the areas of development, including trade and/or finance and/or the commons;
* a good understanding of political economy and regional dynamics of East, South East and South Asia;
* a history of activism and a strong political commitment to social justice, the interests of impoverished and marginalised people and to building alternatives to the current system;
* experience working in networks and with social movements, and interacting with diverse political actors;
* strong background in advocacy and popular campaigning;
* at least 10 years of work experience with a minimum of 5 years in policy work at senior management level;
* proven capacity for out-of-the-box innovative and visionary thinking;
* excellent writing skills in English;
* experience and skills in public speaking;
* demonstrated skill in strategic planning;
* experience of managing finances and personnel;
* a good understanding and experience of institutional fundraising;
* a consultative style combined with decisiveness and an ability to deliver;
* teambuilding and mentoring skills;
* the capacity for empathy and the ability to resolve differences;
* good communication and motivational skills;
* the ability to work effectively across different cultural contexts;

Focus would prefer a candidate who can take up the role in early January 2012 if possible.

Interview for shortlisted candidates will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 24th, with a possible final round on November 26th 2011.

To apply, please send the following:

* brief curriculum vitae;
* published article/paper on an issue of relevance to Focus’ areas of work;
* covering letter which includes: the reasons why you want to join Focus; a summary of the skills and experience you will bring to the post; the names and contact details of two referees indicating the capacity in which they know you; and,
* an indication of when you would be free to take up the post.

Applications should be addressed to: The Focus Selection Panel, and sent by email to: Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez, ( jchavez.focusjobs@gmail.com). On the subject line, please put: Executive Director.

Operations Manager
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Deadline: 15th November 2011

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Operations Manager is responsible for setting up and implementing systems for fundraising, budgets, administration, personnel management and organisational coordination. S/he will:

• fundraise for the institution, packaging Focus work plans into fundable projects and grant proposals;
• monitor budget allocations and expenditures;
• implement a system for monitoring and evaluation;
• take responsibility for personnel and staff development matters;
• be a good team player and team builder, able to work in a participatory fashion while still ensuring accountability and effective performance; and,
• employ a management style that is egalitarian, open, fair and non-bureaucratic.

* at least 7 years work experience including 3-5 years of relevant experience in managing tasks or teams;
* proven experience and a thorough knowledge of fundraising processes with a demonstrated track record in successful fundraising; familiarity with international donors would be an advantage;
* proven experience of financial and personnel management; experience of long-distance management would be an advantage;
* familiarity with budgeting and financial reporting;
* experience in monitoring and evaluation and the ability to develop organisational systems and tools for this;
* a history of activism with a strong commitment to social justice would be an advantage;
* good communication and motivational skills; and good people skills;
* an ability to combine a consultative style with decisiveness and an ability to deliver;
* a capacity for listening, empathy, patience, fairness, and objectivity in interpersonal relations; and,
* an ability to work effectively across different cultural contexts.

Interview for shortlisted candidates will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 25th, with a possible final round on November 26th 2011.
To apply, please send the following:

* brief curriculum vitae;
* covering letter which includes the following: the reasons why you want to join Focus; a summary of the skills and experience you will bring to the post; the names and contact details of two referees indicating the capacity in which they know you; and,
* an indication of when you can join Focus if offered the post.

Applications should be addressed to: The Focus Selection Panel, and sent by email to: Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez, ( jchavez.focusjobs@gmail.com). On the subject line, please put: Operations Manager.

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Phra Apai Manee and the Spell of Laweng
Kofman Auditorium at Alameda High School, California
Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 4pm with dinner reception after the show

Summary
On Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Kofman Auditorium at Alameda High School, the Thai Cultural Center of Berkeley will be putting on our latest production of Thai music, dance and drama, entitled Phra Apai Manee and the Spell of Laweng. Most recently performed at the National Theater in Bangkok, we bring this tale of love, guile and betrayal to our audiences here:

Phra Aphai Mani and his brother, Sisuwan were princes who were sent to study by their father as he hoped they could use the knowledge gained to rule the country, but Phra Aphai came back with the knowledge of playing the pipe and his brother at sword-fighting. Their father was angry and drove them away. But the pipe Aphai had learned was a magic one. Its sound could put people to sleep and take the soul out of the body causing death.

One day while the others were lulled to sleep by the sound of the pipe, a giant came and took Aphai away to her cave where she transformed herself into a beautiful girl. He lived with her until she bore a son, Sinsamut. When Aphai found out that his wife was really the giant, Nang Phisua Samut, he fled with his son. He was assisted by a family of mermaids, father, mother and a daughter. The father and mother were caught and eaten by the giant.

The daughter took Aphai and Sinsamut to Kokaew Phitsadan (Wonder Island) where a hermit saved them from the giant. The young mermaid later bore a son with Aphai, called Sutsakhon. One day a ship went by the island. In the ship were King Silarat of Phleuk with his daughter, Princess Suwannamali. She was engaged to marry Prince Usaren of Lanka. Aphai and Sinsamut asked to go with them on the ship, but on the way the giant attacked them and killed King Silarat. Aphai escaped to the shore and had to blow the pipe which killed the giant. Sinsamut swam with the princess to an island. They continued their journey and met Sisuwan and his daughter, Arun Rasami. They went on in search of Phra Aphai.

Phra Aphai met Usaren who came out looking for his fiancee, Suwannamali. They went together until they met Sinsamut and Suwannamali. She refused to go to Usaren. There was a fight, Usaren fled back to Lanka. Phra Aphai came to Phleuk where the queen asked him to rule the country. Suwannamali was still angry at Phra Aphai for daring to give her up to Usaren, so she fled to become a nun. With the trick of a maid, Nang Wali, Suwannamali left the nunhood to marry Phra Aphai. She bore him twin daughters named Soisuwan and Chantasuda. Usaren and his father came back to attack Phleuk. The father was killed and Usaren died heart-broken.

The throne of Lanka fell to his sister, nang Laweng. A very beautiful Laweng decided to take revenge and she declared to all the princes in countries around that whoever could kill King Aphai would have her and her Kingdom. Nine armies moved to surround Phleuk. Aphai followed Laweng and won her love but the war continued until a hermit came and helped to stop the war between them.

Event & Contact Information
$25 per person (includes dinner)
For tickets, call (510) 520-1468 or email ( info@tccsfbayarea.org)

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Heavy monsoon rains have been drenching Southeast Asia since mid-July, causing mudslides and widespread flooding along the Mekong River. Parts of Thailand are now experiencing the worst floods in half a century, as water inundates villages, historic temples, farms, and factories. At least 281 people have been killed in Thailand, and another 200 in neighboring Cambodia. Rescue workers are scrambling to prevent a humanitarian disaster, and Thailand’s prime minister is warning businesses not to use the flooding as an excuse to raise prices. About 8.2 million people in 60 of Thailand’s 77 provinces have been affected by the flooding, and economic losses are so far estimated to top $2 billion. Collected here are recent images of the crisis in Thailand as some 10 million residents in Bangkok keep a wary eye on the approaching surge of floodwater, due to reach the capital in a few days.

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