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<title>Travelfish Culturepolitics forum</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/</link>
<description>Digest of the Culturepolitics travel forum</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:04 +0000</pubDate>
<language>en</language>
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<title>Elephants At Citadel In Hue</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/9383_Elephants-at-Citadel-in-Hue/0</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:38:47 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Please don't support the business of taking photos on the elephants at the Citadel in Hue. The two animals I saw were both chained (by a very short chain) to a tree and seemed very agitated and frustrated by the fact that they could barely move. There is no reason why a fence couldn't be built so at least the animals could move around while they are not being used at photo props!!! ]]></description>
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<title>Hmong To Be Deported</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/8966_Hmong-to-be-deported/0</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:50:53 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Thailand used the Hmong just like the US did in it's fight against communist incursion. This action disgraces Thailand for sure. The US should accept the Hmong refugees - we owe them.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091228/ap_on_re_as/as_thailand_hmong ]]></description>
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<title>Have The Thai Police Been Told Or......</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/8314_Have-the-Thai-police-been-told-or------/0</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:29:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ On our recent trip to Thailand there seemed to be an awful lot of Police doing vehicle checks.Every day we saw at least one road check and one day I saw four in different locations.Even saw a Bangkok red bus pulled up and the policeman writing out a ticket.Don't know if he was booking the driver or there was a problem with the bus.Anyone else noticed any difference?Perhaps it's just getting close to Xmas he he. ]]></description>
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<title>Buddhist Pendant Question</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7944_Buddhist-pendant-question/0</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:30:36 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I was visiting a wat outside of Sangklaburi, Thailand.  I came across a monk and spent some time of rough conversation about the temple, the meditation poses of the Buddha, and my trip through the town. Before I left, he gave me a small pendant with the image of a monk on both sides. I've tried to do some research on the meaning behind such a gift, but can't seem to find anything. I'm not too well versed in Buddhism, so maybe this question has an obvious answer.  Was I supposed to reciprocate with an offering? Is it appropriate to wear? Why would a monk hand out pendants?

I often see pendants for sale in the markets that look similar to the one I was given.

Also, I'm female if that makes any difference.

Thanks for any insight! ]]></description>
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<title>Preah Vihar And The Thai-Cambodian Love/hate Relationship</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7917_Preah-Vihar-and-the-Thai-Cambodian-love-hate-relationship/0</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:52:09 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I just thought this was a very thoughtful and interesting article on Thai Cambodian relations.
This is a small quote the full article in the Bangkok Post can be found here.http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/25160/hun-sen-cambodia-agent-provocateur

'Professor Chanvit Kasetsiri rightly noted that among the neighbouring countries of Southeast Asia, none seems more similar to Thailand than Cambodia. Both nations share similar customs, traditions, beliefs and ways of life. This is especially true of royal customs, language, writing systems, vocabulary, literature, and the dramatic arts. In light of these similarities, it seems surprising, therefore, that relations between Thailand and Cambodia should be characterised by ... ]]></description>
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<title>Thailand For Sale</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7889_Thailand-for-sale/0</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:00:22 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The very good Thai politico blog khikwai.com has just published a very interesting story on Thailand, and how the sex and political "industries" are intertwined. 

You can download the full story here (in a 12 page PDF format).

A lot gets written about Thailand's sex industry -- much of it bland, boring and, more often than not, just plain wrong --this is certainly not the case with this particular piece. 

It does concentrate on the farang side of the industry, barely touching on the seamier side for locals, but that fault aside, it's a well worthwhile read. ]]></description>
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<title>What Happened To The Americans Captured By The Pathet Lao?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7622_What-happened-to-the-Americans-captured-by-the-Pathet-Lao-/0</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:06:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I have done a lot of reading on this subject. The government of Laos itself has been vague and non-commital on exactly how many were held, where they were held, and what happened to them. To my knowledge, only one was ever released, and one escaped. What of the rest? I am sure that they are all long since dead - probably executed at the end of the war. Has anyone here heard anything on this subject while visiting Laos? ]]></description>
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<title>Dressing As A Tourist.</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7571_Dressing-as-a-tourist-/0</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:37:53 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hello,
I'm heading to Cambodia, Vietnam and Lous in December with 3 girls, 2 guys all around the age of 20. This will be my first time overseas and I'm very very excited!

I'm a little concerned about acceptable dress. I understand as girls we'll need to dress conservatively but just how conservative?

As I'm very fair I intend on wearing long sleeve light shirts alot. What is acceptable length for skirts/ shorts? - would just above the knee be okay?

When swimming are bikinis okay? (not a strappy one or anything like that) 

I would love your help. 
Thanks ]]></description>
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<title>On Vang Vieng: What Do People Think?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7559_On-Vang-Vieng--What-do-people-think-/0</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:06:00 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Somsai is the word of wisdom here. The kids who are partying in VV aren't hurting anyone. "Not respecting Laos culture?" Nonesense. I don't doubt that there are some Laotians complaining about the drunk kids, everywhere in the world people complain about drunk kids having fun. It's one small part of the country that's become a little party town - what's wrong with that? Nothing is the answer to that question.

If that activity makes you uncomfortable or you don't want your kids to see it, then just don't go there. The country has a bunch of other places to visit. Just go see them instead of complaining about it. ]]></description>
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<title>SE ASia &amp; USA (CIA)</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7415_SE-ASia--amp--USA--CIA-/0</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:20:15 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Across several threads here on Travelfish, references have been made to the impact of US politics on SE Asian political affairs.  And, embedded within these references has been the involvement of the (US) CIA.

To be fair, the references largely point to CIA involvement pre-1980's.

Nevertheless, and as history shows, when the US has sought to involve itself in SE Asian affairs, and wanted to involve itself at a hands on level, but doesn't want to be seen as doing it at a 'state' level, it has traditionally done so by using the CIA.

While the US gov't hasn't been overtly active in SE Asia since the early 1980's, that is not to say the US administration hasn't been meddling in SE Asian 'affairs' since then.

While it is true ... ]]></description>
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<title>A 'culture' Issue</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7314_A--culture--issue/0</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:27:47 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ On another Forum 'discussion', some contributors took the view that because they are married to a SE Asian, and regularly travel to SE Asia, they are more able to make comment than mere 'tourists'.

Implied in their stance is that only westerners that have an emotional and psychological 'bonding' to SE Asian culture (read have 'partners' to teach/explain) are in a position to comment authoritatively on matters of SE ASia.

The question this raises is should only these 'bonded' people answer social/cultural questions on Travelfish?

The expressions by a couple of contributors living outside SE Asia, but with an SE Asian partner, is that despite the fact that they live away from the region because they regularly return for family ... ]]></description>
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<title>Cockfights</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7289_Cockfights/0</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:27:47 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ My wife's village has a cock fighting "arena" and I also found one near my house where I live now. I'm not a fan of animal fighting (cocks or dogs), but I do know that it is popular here. Not sure if it's legal or not - but obviously it goes on pretty openly. Have any of you attended? Thoughts? ]]></description>
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<title>Does Travellling To A Country Support A Regime?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7170_Does-travellling-to-a-country-support-a-regime-/0</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:25:18 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I have struggled with this question for a number of years.

But probably most recently on travels in China. China is repressive to ethnic minorities, the pollution they contribute to the planet is absolutely unbelievable to someone who hasnt been there.

So do we support china in buying their products,,, should we not go there.... how can Aus industries possibly compete when they are doing the right thing by their employees and the environment...

I don't have any answers, except that to say if we boycott chinese industries we will harm those people most disenfranchised by their government.

My view is that travellers actually enhance the chances of disenfranchised minorities. We gain a lot from them but equally they see the way ... ]]></description>
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<title>Being Called Farang. Is It Racist?</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7115_Being-called-farang--Is-it-racist-/0</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:45:51 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ There's a discussion in todays Bangkok Post about the widespread use of the word farang in Thailand.I accept but dislike being referred to in this way.How do other people feel?
Is it racist? 
Is it the equivalent of calling a black man 'a darkie?'
The Chinese often call white people 'kwai loh' which is offensive. Is farang the same? ]]></description>
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<title>Thai Chess</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/7034_Thai-Chess/0</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:22:39 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ For any of you who enjoy playing International Chess, Thai Chess is very easy to learn. If you play international chess well, you will adapt to Thai chess fairly quickly. I love playing it and recently spent an entire afternoon in Bangkok playing with a bunch of motorcycle taxi drivers. The origins of the game are fascinating and I encourage any chess players to take the time (and it won't be much - I learned in about five minutes) to learn. Great fun. ]]></description>
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<title>China Invests In Myanmar</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/6928_China-invests-in-Myanmar/0</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:36:48 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ According to an AlJazeera press report, nearly 90% of foreign investment into Myanmar comes from China.

Last year, China invested some nearly $1 billion in Myanmar.

http://english.aljazeera.net/business/2009/07/200971633541548833.html

It appears the thrust of the investment is based on China shoring up access to Myanmar's energy resources. 

From this, one could conclude that tourists ought no longer boycott Myanmar as the withdrawal of their financial contribution is now a meaningless statement.  And, not visiting Myanmar appears only to deny self enjoyment.

Cheers ]]></description>
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<title>What's Wrong With This Picture - Malaysia</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/6893_What-s-wrong-with-this-picture---Malaysia/0</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:46:10 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Proselytizing of Malaysia's majority Muslims by members of other religions is forbidden, though the reverse is allowed. Muslims are also not legally permitted to change religion. ]]></description>
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<title>Myanmar - A Television Documentary</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/6881_Myanmar---a-television-documentary/0</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:45:18 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The ABC Australian television program Foreign Correspondent has scheduled for Tuesday 14th July an indepth program on Myanmar.

The program describes the content as:

[colour=blue]"Last year Cyclone Nargis devastated Burma. Thousands of orphaned children were left to fend for themselves. Undercover camera teams risk jail to reveal their touching stories of the youngest survivors".

Foreign Correspondent programs are usually hard hitting and revealing.

ABC Australia also screens Foreign Correspondent on Australia network.

The scheduling of this program is:

Thailand:

Burma - Orphans of the storm
Wednesday, 15 July 2009 at 19:30
Burma - Orphans of the storm
Thursday, 16 July 2009 at 11:30
Burma - Orphans of the ... ]]></description>
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<title>Robert McNamara Dead At Age 93</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/6769_Robert-McNamara-dead-at-age-93/0</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:56:43 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Robert McNamara, considered by many as the primary architect behind the Vietnam war died yesterday at age 93.

The Washington Post has a fascinating five-page obituary on him -- it is well worth a read.

McNamara "changed his mind" well after the events of both World War Two and Vietnam -- best captured in the film The Fog of War -- a fascinating documentary on the man and has actions.

In one of his best known quotes in the film, he says (talking of the firebombing of Tokyo):
"In a single night we burned to death 100,000 civilians - men, women, and children — in Tokyo. I was part of a mechanism that in a sense recommended it." 

He later recounts how LeMay admitted, "'If we lost the war, we'd all be prosecuted as war ... ]]></description>
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<title>Soi Dogs</title>
<link>http://www.travelfish.org/board/post/culturepolitics/6757_Soi-Dogs/0</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:25:19 +0000</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ One of the many problems facing Thailand is the amount of stray dogs wandering the city streets.For the first time visitor,from the West,it must be  upsetting to see these  animals in such a state.I'm sure all of us have seen them,covered in sores,fleas,no hair etc-so what's the answer?I know there are a few homes for them but really the problem is just too great.Culling is probably the way to go and I think there may have been some talk about it a while back but it was taken no further.Anyone got any ideas? ]]></description>
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