Today Thailand is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Most people experience Thailand as the picture above; a white sand beach, clear crystal water, palm trees and a kind population. But maybe there are more to it than just this bounty feeling?
The 22th of May 2014 was the day of the 12. Military coup in Thailand since 1932. From 1932, the military have dominated Thai politics and military coups have been so frequent an event that in the latest years it has become a natural part of the people in Thailand. The resent military coup shows no future signs of change.
Before of our trip to Thailand, we did not have a realistic idea of the political situation; it was a holiday destination as it still is for many people. As many Danes, our original impression of Thailand was a tourist destination, a place with no worries, a paradise. We did not know anything about
the conflict between the two main groups in Thai politics, the Red Shirts and the Yellow Shirts. On top of that, we did not know much about the extent of corruption in Thailand as in most of South Asia.
We were briefly introduced to the political situation and the current problems in Thailand before our trip, which made us notice signs on these issues when walking the streets of Bangkok in the first week of our trip. Additionally our new and more realistic image of Thailand was strengthened when we visited a number of organizations, working with Human Rights and refugees both in Bangkok and in Mae Sot.
All of this made us think how it is possible to travel to a country, not knowing anything about what view of humanity, form of government and values of the decision-makers in the country. Some would perhaps call it naive tourism. When we came to Bangkok, we lived at the backpacker area around Khaosan Road. It is a place made for the tourist; western food, bars, souvenir shops, travel agencies and so on. There is no sign of the authentic Thailand. Even if we had stayed in this area for a week, we would not have known anything about the real life of Thai people. This is perhaps the perfect example of naïve tourism.
But is it ok to be a naive tourist?
We think that as a tourist you have an influence on the countries you choose to visit. If you know the context then it is possible to take a stand and support whom you believe in. When you return home, you can also spread awareness of the real story.
Of course, you cannot save the whole world as a tourist and it is totally okay to relax on the beach and enjoy life. But maybe it’s not too much to ask, knowing a bit about the basic history, politics and culture of the country you travel to. Or just be curious about your surroundings.
If you choose to take that responsibility, you become a global citizen.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Friday, May 20, 2016
During two weeks in Thailand, I had learnt many knowledges, experiences and new insights. I had learnt many different organizations or communities as AAPP (Assistance Association for Political Prisoners), Forum Asia, Youth Connect, Thai Peace Foundation and TBC (The Border Consortium) and received knowledges in human rights, education system, political situation, culture, economic, historical, border country situation and migration in Thailand.
There are many education foundations for Myanmar refugees and migrators which is in Mae Sot, Thailand and Myanmar Border. From Youth Connect Foundation, what I had received about was many students from Myanmar are striking for their family needs and they don't have a chance to study for their education. Now, I felt that I would like to share what I had learnt about before to them. I will find a chance to do as a volunteer to share knowledge and experiences to them.
There are many education foundations for Myanmar refugees and migrators which is in Mae Sot, Thailand and Myanmar Border. From Youth Connect Foundation, what I had received about was many students from Myanmar are striking for their family needs and they don't have a chance to study for their education. Now, I felt that I would like to share what I had learnt about before to them. I will find a chance to do as a volunteer to share knowledge and experiences to them.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
During two weeks in Thailand,we had learnt and got new experiences,knowledges,environment and new insights.We had many challenges what is happening everything,and everywhere in the world.We had a chance to learn human rights,education system,political situation,culture,economic,historical knowledge and border country situations in Thailand.We had learnt about many different organizations or communities,Thai Peace Foundation,Forum Asia in Thailand and AAPP(Assistance Association for Political Prisoners),Youth Connect and TBC(The Border Consortium),what are they working for.
Thailand is monarchy country and ruled by military currently.There are many international schools and universities that students from all around the world come to Thailand.There are many education foundations for Myanmar refugees and migrant workers.I had got a chance to observe in one of the education foundations, “Youth Connect Foundation”,which is in Mae Sot,Thailand and Myanmar border.We had a time to share our knowledge and experience to each other.Thai culture is quite closed to Myanmar.Thai people are mostly polite and respect to elder.
We also went to Myawady “Friendship Bridge”,and local market,Myanmar and Thailand border,which is in Mae Sot,Thailand.Many people from Myanmar and Thailand use Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge for official crossing.But there are many people who still cross the river even it is illegal.We had seen economic situations of the border.
We had to divided into four groups and made a presentation for each group,as facilitators and also as participants.We had learnt that what should a facilitator have and what are the real difficulties of a facilitator.We had to learn new insights and inspirations from this trip,that made me to think about what is “Active Citizenship ”,and what are they doing.Now,I can find the result,it's just “Act Local,Think Global”
Saturday, May 14, 2016
The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
If some of the participants from our Global Citizenship Course where of the opinion that human rights is optained and a living reality in our world, you would think differently after our visit at Forum Asia the 6th of May.
During a afternoon session at Forum Asias headquarter in Bangkok, we all got some very interesting and new insight into the objectives of the organization, and the extensive problem they are up against. The basic aim of the organization is to promote and protect all human rights all over Asia. A task which is not simple, and requires brave, ambitiouse and engaged members to operate their way through the different and often critical political fields of Asia.
And since Forum Asia covers not only one country, but a entire continent they need to work together and cooperate with other Human Right organizations and defenders all over Asia. Only by a collective voice Forum Asia is able to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights and democracy in Asia and beyond. They are stronger together and through that combined power they reach and engage with states and other stakeholders at national, regional and international levels.
And as we spoke with the organization that afternoon, we realized how important this work is, in order for Asia to move towards better circumstances and prospects, where especially the freedom of expression and the freedom of gathering can create the foundation of a unrestricted and fair continent.
... But how do you do that?
Small steps and small successes. You need to keep that in mind, when dealing with such a big issue. But what Forum Asia does is for example to focus on different programs. At our visit we were told about The Human Right Defenders (HRD) programme, which aims to equippe HRD with leadership skills and strengthen their advocacy actions in a harsh enviroment, that is marked by threats and intimidation.
Admirable people. Both the ones at the offices and those acting all over Asia. I believe that we all left the headquarter with that in mind. And a desire to not only use, but also appreciate our Human Rights. Freedoms everyone should be in possessions of.
//Freia Bille
During a afternoon session at Forum Asias headquarter in Bangkok, we all got some very interesting and new insight into the objectives of the organization, and the extensive problem they are up against. The basic aim of the organization is to promote and protect all human rights all over Asia. A task which is not simple, and requires brave, ambitiouse and engaged members to operate their way through the different and often critical political fields of Asia.
And since Forum Asia covers not only one country, but a entire continent they need to work together and cooperate with other Human Right organizations and defenders all over Asia. Only by a collective voice Forum Asia is able to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights and democracy in Asia and beyond. They are stronger together and through that combined power they reach and engage with states and other stakeholders at national, regional and international levels.
And as we spoke with the organization that afternoon, we realized how important this work is, in order for Asia to move towards better circumstances and prospects, where especially the freedom of expression and the freedom of gathering can create the foundation of a unrestricted and fair continent.
... But how do you do that?
Small steps and small successes. You need to keep that in mind, when dealing with such a big issue. But what Forum Asia does is for example to focus on different programs. At our visit we were told about The Human Right Defenders (HRD) programme, which aims to equippe HRD with leadership skills and strengthen their advocacy actions in a harsh enviroment, that is marked by threats and intimidation.
Admirable people. Both the ones at the offices and those acting all over Asia. I believe that we all left the headquarter with that in mind. And a desire to not only use, but also appreciate our Human Rights. Freedoms everyone should be in possessions of.
//Freia Bille
How to make a long-lasting change?
That is a question I often aske myself. I think a lot of us dream about making a change. Making a difference. Being somebody, doing something.
I dream about it.
But how to go from a dream to a reality?
In Bangkok not everybody is blessed with a home in a skyscraper or with a well paid job. Some live in communities close up with their neighbors, with streets like a labyrinth, dogs, cats and kids running around. Small shops here and there. Some have a job and some do not. People come and go in the community. It is not a place you voluntarily make to your permanent home. Some even call it a slum.
But Thai Peace Foundation saw the communities potential.
This should not be a place to be ashamed of. This should be a place with unity, opportunities and knowledge. But how do you break down a bad history, a bad-told story?
You move in with the people of the community. That is what Daniel and his family did. That is what the interns do. That is what the volunteers do and that is how Thai Peace Foundation work.
Thai Peace Foundation is build on the believe that you can not be distenced and an expert telling people what to do unless you live with them. You share their sorrow and pain their celebration and happiness. You need the local insight and knowledge to know what is needed and how you can help and you need to work with the other resident. If you want to the change to last.
Thai Peace Foundation makes programs based on the needs of the community e.g playing football with the young boys. At first the boys were fighting on the football field but then Sprite, the football coach and local volunteer, told them to play football instead. But fighting is the only thing we know, the boys responded. I believe in you, Sprite told them. And from that day they played football. This little example shows that with a bite of love and belive you can make a change but Sprite would never have been able to move the boys had he not been living among them.
Christine, a former intern and now fulltime worker (and angaged to Sprite), runs programs for the kids in the community as well as a girl club called Young ladies Club. One problem in the community is that the young girls become sex-workers to earn money. Thai Peace Foundation can not stop this but they can give them knowledge in safe sex, healthy relationship and help. Thai Peace Foundation is very much aware of the systems but instead of trying to change the communities all ready existing systems they try to work with them. Planting a seed for the future.
We asked Daniel and the others what it takes to get the communities trust. Time and patience they all answered. But I also think it takes a lot of dedication and maybe also some personal sacrifices. Meeting the people of Thai Peace Foundation has really inspired me. They work by becoming, and loving, the people of the community. They don't force the "correct way" of living.
And by doing this, they really make room for long-lasting change.
//Signe B.
I dream about it.
But how to go from a dream to a reality?
In Bangkok not everybody is blessed with a home in a skyscraper or with a well paid job. Some live in communities close up with their neighbors, with streets like a labyrinth, dogs, cats and kids running around. Small shops here and there. Some have a job and some do not. People come and go in the community. It is not a place you voluntarily make to your permanent home. Some even call it a slum.
But Thai Peace Foundation saw the communities potential.
This should not be a place to be ashamed of. This should be a place with unity, opportunities and knowledge. But how do you break down a bad history, a bad-told story?
You move in with the people of the community. That is what Daniel and his family did. That is what the interns do. That is what the volunteers do and that is how Thai Peace Foundation work.
Thai Peace Foundation is build on the believe that you can not be distenced and an expert telling people what to do unless you live with them. You share their sorrow and pain their celebration and happiness. You need the local insight and knowledge to know what is needed and how you can help and you need to work with the other resident. If you want to the change to last.
Thai Peace Foundation makes programs based on the needs of the community e.g playing football with the young boys. At first the boys were fighting on the football field but then Sprite, the football coach and local volunteer, told them to play football instead. But fighting is the only thing we know, the boys responded. I believe in you, Sprite told them. And from that day they played football. This little example shows that with a bite of love and belive you can make a change but Sprite would never have been able to move the boys had he not been living among them.
Christine, a former intern and now fulltime worker (and angaged to Sprite), runs programs for the kids in the community as well as a girl club called Young ladies Club. One problem in the community is that the young girls become sex-workers to earn money. Thai Peace Foundation can not stop this but they can give them knowledge in safe sex, healthy relationship and help. Thai Peace Foundation is very much aware of the systems but instead of trying to change the communities all ready existing systems they try to work with them. Planting a seed for the future.
We asked Daniel and the others what it takes to get the communities trust. Time and patience they all answered. But I also think it takes a lot of dedication and maybe also some personal sacrifices. Meeting the people of Thai Peace Foundation has really inspired me. They work by becoming, and loving, the people of the community. They don't force the "correct way" of living.
And by doing this, they really make room for long-lasting change.
//Signe B.
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