THIS MONTH
Hua Hin Events
Somphop and Noo tie The Knot - congratulations from all at the observer!
Kevin and Noi enjoy the cake at sabai bar for noi's birthday - happy birthday, noi!
The farang team try to avoid getting wet as they take part in the annual dragon boat race on the Pranburi river (see article in local)
Hua Hin Online Community
We would like to wish all of our readers and forum members a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Last month saw a number of discussions on new super developments in Hua Hin including a proposed “Disney” or similar theme park. The impact of such a project would be huge in terms of environment, traffic, local economy and infrastructure. The pros and cons formed an interesting debate. A fascinating question was posed by one concerned reader about recycling in Hua Hin and Thailand as a whole, with frightening statistics and a number of suggestions on what we can all do to alleviate the problem.
More concern was voiced by Hua Hin residents, but this time about gangs of teenagers on motorcycles, who found great amusement by throwing firecrackers into bars and restaurants over the Loy Krathong weekend. It seems that incidents like this are on the increase and little is being done about it. Johnny Walkers’ opening day went off in style with a huge party and some excellent covers from the band. The recently refurbished bar is hoping to make live music a regular event following the success of the night. Congratulations to the farang dragon boat team who actually completed their race without getting wet, plenty of liquid was consumed afterwards though!
As high season approaches accommodation hunters were looking for recommendations and reports on various hotels, resorts and guesthouses around town. For those that fancy a quiet getaway down at Dolphin Bay on the edge of Khao Sam Roi Yot national park we recommend Long Beach Inn. This newly renovated boutique hotel offers Jacuzzi suites, a swimming pool and is only a short stroll to the beach, check them out at www.longbeach-thailand.com. The property section had new discussions on the general costs of construction and materials as some people decided to take the “do it yourself” route. The demand for rentals has also increased dramatically so if you have a house for rent get in touch with HHAD and find out how to get it listed, there are plenty of interested tenants out there.
The new Hua Hin Sport website has info and updates on the latest additions to the Hua Hin golf scene; Banyan Golf Club and Black Mountain Golf Course, find out more at www.huahinsport.com. We also welcome our latest sponsors AGP Golf Tours who can take care of everything for you so you can relax and enjoy your holiday and your golf.
If you’re wondering what to do for Christmas dinner and want to eat out, try Crawfords, who will be putting on their finest traditional festive fayre. For those looking for a nice home cooked feast get round to Hua Hin Ham and Bacon and grab yourself a turkey before they run out.
HHAD are launching a series of monthly events and get-togethers for readers and members, the first of which is a beach gathering at a local restaurant in Khao Takiab (Baan Kiang Talay). It will be held on Saturday December 9th from 1pm onwards, activities are social, eating, drink, and beach games. A good opportunity to meet new faces and have a relaxing afternoon by the sea - more details can be found on the board.
For those with pets you can now relax, as there is a complete pet hotel with full facilities in Hua Hin. Catering for cats and dogs Kennel Scandinavia offers top-notch services and training; see their page on HHAD for more details or call them on 081-1989071.
HHAD forums are the definitive online message boards and discussions for the area with over 2,000 members. There are sections for finding and booking accommodation, seeking out bargains, and exploring the local area and beyond. There is also a nightlife sectionfor the night owls, a restaurant and feeding guide along with an online meeting point for visa runners and clubs. The ever popular “Ask the expats” section is great for quickly getting the answers you need from the people that live here.
Logon and find out what is happening in Hua Hin:
DRAGON BOATS & CRAZY FARANGS
It must have been early July this year when I paid a visit to Cap’n Barry Stone of Mermaid Cruises & Shipping Co. down in Pak Nam Pran. I had gone to discuss the possibility of promoting each other’s businesses.
You see, I run Hua Hin Fishing Lodge and avail my customers of the
joys of freshwater fishing. Cap’n Barry, on the other hand, runs seafishing
trips on the Peacock, when he’s not cruising around the bay or going upriver in his electric eco boat, so it made sense to assist each other as we are not in competition.
Agreement was reached almost immediately on the fishing and then
he hit me with a real whacky idea.
“Fancy paddling a Dragon Boat?”.
“Aye”, says I – and think to myself, I must be bloody mad. But hey, I’m a mere 57 and I’ll try anything once and the thought of all that high-speed mayhem was quite appealing.
I had worked previously in Taiwan and had witnessed these events several times and had naively thought – hey that’s fun!!!!!!!!
Further discussion revealed that this was indeed a serious concept. It turned out that Cap’n Barry had sponsored a local team from the village last year. They won, as indeed they had done the year before. Their Cap’n is a local councillor and village headman. To look at him, you would not believe how fit and strong he is. His team had won the event over a 500m course the previous year in 1 min 30 secs. This man had already agreed to train our farang team, find us a boat and
get us into the event.Mermaid Cruises agreed to sponsor the boat and the entire team (food and drink) for all the training sessions up to and including race day
Cap’n Barry just needed a farang crew.
So – over a few glasses of Wine Daeng I seemed to have been pressganged
into being First Mate. Now I had to find the crew. So – a quick posting on the forum of Hua Hin After Dark.
“Wanted – Crazy Farangs for Dragon Boat Race”
Quite an amazing response and before we knew it we were in to regular Sunday afternoon ‘training sessions’
STRATEGY: When attending the first session some time in August
we witnessed a local team on a practice run past the jetty at Mermaid Cruises. This immediately confirmed our master plan – basically to lose in the first round and retire to the Peacock, which would be strategically moored half way along the course. Here we could discuss tactics for next year over a barrel or two of Chang and some good wholesome grub served up by Cap’n Barry’s staff.
For several weeks we attended every Sunday to paddle this monster boat (23 m long). Designed to seat 32 fit young Thai guys, it was soon apparent that there was no way that the motley crew of fat rearended farangs would fit two abreast as per the Thais. So we opted for alternate left / right seating and some load
spreading.
COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS: Bear in mind we now had a crew of Irish, English, Australian, German, Austrian, Finnish, American with a Thai Trainer who didn’t speak any of these languages. We soon got used to whistle commands – we had no choice.
POWER TO WEIGHT RATIO: In a word – poor.
It was clear from studying the tactics of our Thai competitors that
whilst we possessed tremendous power – we could not effectively get it to move the boat. They on the other hand could whip up bursts of speed and maintain them. We had several practice races with the local guys and whilst we could keep up and indeed get a lead on them, they just banged the side of their boat with two sharp knocks. This signalled them to second gear and they were gone.
SPORTSMANSHIP: These guys knew that we were no competition, but we were always well received and indeed encouraged by the onlookers on the river bank, who were now gathering every Sunday afternoon for the farang spectacular. At the end of any sprint between us there was always a smile and plenty of applause of appreciation in both directions.
WHY DO IT?: In the beautiful Thai word – it’s simply Sanuk – very Sanuk. It was clear that the local population enjoyed the novelty of our presence. For those who took part, it was a chance to meet a few zany other farangs who were in it for fun.
RACE DAY: We were whitewashed and thus achieved our objective
of early retirement. However, I can honestly say that the atmosphere in that boat on the river was electric.
DO IT AGAIN? Absolutely!
If you want to take part in something different, meet some loonies like
those who attended this year, then watch out for more info around
May time next year.
By Terry Theobold, Hua Hin Fishing Lodge
081-9271271 Thai / English, 089-8374079 English
Email: terry@huahinfishing.com
You can contact Cap’n Barry Stone, Mermaid Cruises and Shipping
Company by email on bookings@huahincruises.com or by telephone
084-800 74 00 and 087-2382106.
Photos here and on the Events page kindly supplied by DJ Dr Dave Soul Monsta
MERMAID CRUISES ECO-TOURISM LAUNCH
The “Kingfisher” is the first and, as yet, only electric tour boat in
Thailand. It is virtually silent and creates no pollution. The idea was
conceived by Barry Stone (Ireland), Managing Director of Mermaid
Cruises & Shipping Co., Ltd. in Pak Nam Pran. After trying to run
river trips using a conventional speedboat, the company came to the
conclusion that the noise and smell of the engine, plus the pollution,
was not suited to observing nature and was not a very pleasant
experience for the passengers.
Barry decided that he wanted a silent boat and the only option was
electrical power.
However, he wanted the boat to look like a traditional-style Thai
riverboat with a long-tail engine – but it had to be high-tech, i.e.
made from fibreglass and with an electric motor.
The search then began to find someone to do the technical design and
build the boat. It proved impossible to find anyone with experience in
building electrically powered boats in Thailand. Eventually, however, a
small company was found in Pattaya that had extensive experience in
building golf carts, using the same electrical technology. They agreed
to construct the boat and install the electrical drive.
A lot of attention was also paid to the seating arrangements in order
to avoid simple rows of benches. The solution was an L-shaped
interactive compartment for up to 8 of the maximum number of 12
passengers. The entire project was completed within 3 months and
no modifications were necessary whatsoever after the river/sea
trials.
The Kingfisher takes visitors on tours of the Mangroves at Pran Buri
Forest Park and along the Pranburi River to see all the natural flora
and fauna there, including monitor lizards up to more than 2 metres
long and almost 20 different species of birds, including kingfishers,
ospreys, egrets, herons, swifts, peacock, etc.
KINGFISHER DETAILS
Prototype built in Pattaya/Thailand in July 2006, motor and batteries
from USA
8 metres long, 1.65 m wide, fibreglass.
Upholstered interactive seating, tables, drink holders, soft roof and
side curtains. Draft fully loaded 30 cm
Seating capacity: 12 plus 2 crew
Electric motor direct drive: 4.5 HP (equivalent to 18 HP petrol motor).
6 x 6 v deep cycle batteries (total 36 v)
Top speed fully loaded 12 knots (20 km/h)
Range: 6-7 hours at 6-7 knots. Recharge time approx. 5-6 hours
Mermaid Cruises is further extending its commitment to ecotourism:
Barry is currently building a 9-seater electrically driven minibus to
take visitors to and from the Kingfisher eco-tours. The vehicle will
take to the roads next month. Mermaid Cruises will then start building
Thailand’s first-ever environmentally friendly speedboat, almost 10
m long with room for up to 20 passengers. Early next year, visitors
to the Hua Hin/Pak Nam Pran area will be able to experience the
unbelievable excitement of skimming across the sea at nearly 50
km/hour in virtual silence: a truly exhilarating experience! And yet as
eco-friendly as you can possibly get!!
Mermaid Cruises also runs all-day sightseeing/fishing tours and
evening squid-fishing trips on its 21 metre, 2-deck seagoing
passenger ship, “The Peacock”.
Booking and information: 032-632223 (office), 084-8007400
(Barry – English/German/Thai), 089-0120885 (Nang – Thai)
ON POINT WELCOME IBM
ON point welcomed the 100-strong management-team of IBM to Hua
Hin last month for a Corporate Wellness training and development
program. The 2-day program took place at The Hyatt Regency, Hua
Hin on 11th-12th November 2006.
The focus of the program was on recognising the importance of
having a healthy work/life balance and how this can be put into
practice.
ON point spoke to the Observer about the importance of a company
taking responsibility for the wellness of its employees, and explained
how this is not idealistic and impractical, but achievable and
rewarding.
“A happy and healthy team is a productive team and it’s refreshing
to see a multi-national organisation such as IBM acknowledging their
responsibility to employee development and wellness. All companies realise the benefits of training and developing their staff’s skills, but many still don’t recognise the value of having a workforce that is healthy in body and mind, focussed and capable of reaching its potential.
It’s great to see companies valuing their workforces and investing in
people. This is a concept which is, thankfully, becoming more popular
and widely appreciated.”
For information about ON point’s wide range of Training &
Development programs, and other services, please call 032 530
409 or email info@onpoint-online.com. Alternatively, check out the
website at www.onpoint-online.com.
COLLAGE OF CULTURES 2006
‘A Collage of Cultures' is an annual show held by the Webster Thailand Student Council. Every year students from different countries throughout the WUT community come together in one night to share the diverse cultures of the World.
Through Dance, Play, Music, Innovative and Traditional shows, performers entertain audience members while the atmosphere of the event inspires all those who attend.
Join them for the 4th annual Collage of Cultures, and expand your World view...
December 9th 2006. 18:00
Location: Hilton Hotel
AVIVA INSURANCE NAME CHANGE
All readers please note that with effect from 9th November 2006 Aviva will change it's name to MSIG Insurance ( Thailand ) Co,. Ltd. The logo woll also change to reflect this. MSIG is the Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group from Japan , who became the largest shareholder after acquiring Aviva's general insurance operations in South East Asia . Business will continue as normal with the same management team, and customers will be dealing with the same company, just one now supported by one of Asia 's largest and fastest growing general insurers, which operates in 38 countries worldwide.
Health
Combined with our articles on health and fitness in the last issue, we are delighted to present an interview with the Director of Hua Hin Hospital, Dr. Chaiyanan Thayawiwat MD.MPH. With the renovation and rebuilding of the hospital in progress, he was keen to let the community know what they could expect.
What have been the main problems for you since your arrival at the hospital?
“The biggest problem has been about organising the construction of the new
hospital. What is being built is a Heart and Trauma Centre, and there are
many things that need planning. We are trying very hard to make sure that the
construction is finished on time, with no delays. Another main problem is that of
human resources, both in numbers and training – we need many new staff, and
we need them to be trained and ready to use the new facility when construction
is completed. The third problem is that of the culture. As you know this hospital
was designed as a District Hospital, and the Ministry of Public Health wants it to
become a Provincial hospital level, so that the mission of the hospital has been
changed from a general service to a specialised service. This is mainly due to the
rapid expansion of the Hua Hin area.”
We asked the Director if his budget had been affected by recent political
turmoil?
“We have many areas in Thailand that require money from the budget, but this
hospital has been identified by the Ministry of Public Health for special attention
to service His Majesty the King, because he lives in Hua Hin most of the time.
Consequently there is not too much budgetary restriction.”
What is the estimated opening date of the hospital?
“The new building will be finished in June 2007, and I am quite confident that it
will be on time, but we will need 2 or 3 months to test the systems and processes,
and that the hardware all functions properly. “
What are your main objectives at the hospital?
“The Heart Centre and the Trauma Centre are the key objectives, and the function
of the old building will change to be used as a Social Medicine department,
Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Ophthalmology etc. As I mentioned already,
Human Resources Development is another key area which must be concentrated
on.”
What will be the capacity of the new building?
“The number of beds in the hospital as it stands was 120, but that has increased
since I arrived to 150, and the new building will cater for 200 new beds, making a
total of 350 beds available.”
Can you outline the facility that may be provided for HM King?
“The 10th floor will be used exclusively for the King and the Royal Family, for
whatever is needed for them.”
Is there currently any difficulties, language or otherwise, for foreigners usingthe hospital’s services?
“Currently not many foreigners come here but I am hoping that once
the new facility is opened that both Thai and foreign patients will
feel more confident to come here. The number of out patients has
increased since I have been here from 300 to 500 but they are mostly
Thais, but we have developed a Department of Public Relations
where all the staff speak English, so we are hoping that will help any
foreigners who come or want to come to the hospital.”
Is access to hospital for emergency ambulances a problem?
“People may not know that we provide a free ambulance service for
everyone here, but we have ensured that access for the ambulances
during construction is not affected. For the information of your
readers, they can contact the hospital on 1669, 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week for ambulance or other services.”
Are there waiting lists for some services?
“No. The system in Thailand is different to other countries; the public
hospitals are all linked in a network, and some of the private hospitals
are also linked in some areas where they have the facility to run tests
more quickly for example, so there is generally no delay for those
needing surgery or treatment. We have a very new computer system
which is going to help improve the links between the hospitals too.”
Can you compete with the services supplied in Bangkok hospitals?
“This hospital is going to, and must improve its services to be as good
as possible, especially as we are going to be looking after the King. Anything we
can improve we will try to improve to be as best as possible, so yes we want to be the best hospital, as good if not better than any in Bangkok.”
Can you give our readers a rough idea of costs of treatment they are likely to face?
“This will always depend on the type of treatment needed, but the price is very
low here compared to private hospitals. For Thai people the new policy just
released for Thai people is that it is completely free now, and the ’30 baht ‘ scheme has been scrapped. For foreigners it will also depend on the insurance cover they have, but the cost per night to stay in the hospital is 600 baht, and the doctors fee is 50 baht per consultation.”
Do you still have time to just be a doctor, or is all your time now taken up with administration?
“My specialties as a doctor are preventative medicine and family medicine but
before in the five years I worked in the Ministry in Bangkok I didn’t practice as a
doctor, but now I am in the hospital I enjoy being able to deal with patients, when
I have time away from my administrative duties.”
Have you ever visited hospitals in other countries? If so, where, what were
your impressions and what ideas (if any) did they give you for hospitals in
Thailand?
“Yes, and when I compare to for example Japan I know there are many areas that can be improved in the hospital here and in Thailand. My aim is to make Hua Hin hospital one of the best, not just in Thailand but also in Asia. This hospital has plans to go to a fully computerised system, with an optic fibre backbone, equivalent to the most modern hospitals in the world. We also plan to make
it a ‘paperless’ hospital, all within the next two years.”
What do you do to get away from the
undoubted stress of running a hospital?
“In my spare time I like to do many things – play golf sometimes, read, and I also enjoy playing the guitar and karaoke!”
How do you see your future in Thailand’s Health Service?
“I am at the beck and call of my bosses at the Ministry, but in the near future obviously want to achieve all the aims stated in this interview, and hopefully I will get to stay here for some time to see the fruits of my efforts; however I will be happy to go wherever I am needed once the job here is completed. I would also like to thank the Observer for giving me the opportunity to tell everyone about the changesand improvements at the hospital.”
Dr. Chaiyanan Thayawiwat has taken on a big job in the upgrading and
improvement of Hua Hin Hospital, but the progress so far is already impressive.
The good doctor is extremely enthusiastic and excited about the project, and he can’t wait for visitors and residents of the area to see the finished article.
The Observer would like to wish him the best of luck in his endeavours, as he is performing a vital task for everyone.
Buddhism
A simple guide for tourists and foreign residents
Buddhism (also known as Buddha Dharma, “the teachings of the awakened one”) is a dharmic, non-theistic religion, a way of life, a practical philosophy, and arguably a form of psychology. Buddhism focuses on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, who was born in Kapilavastu in what is now Nepal, with the name Siddhartha Gautama. Buddhism spread throughout the Indian subcontinent in the five centuries following the Buddha’s passing, and propagated into Central, Southeast, and East Asia over the next two millennia.
Today, Buddhism is divided primarily into three traditions: Theraveda, Mahayana,
and Vajrayana. Buddhism continues to attract followers worldwide, and it is
considered a major world religion. Buddhism is the fifth-largest religion in the
world behind Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and traditional Chinese religion,
respectively. Buddhism is the fourth-largest organised religion in the world, and
the monks’ order Sangha is amongst the oldest organisations on earth.
When used in a generic sense, a Buddha is generally considered to be a person
who discovers the true nature of reality through years of spiritual cultivation,
investigation of the various religious practices of his time, and meditation.
This transformational discovery is called bodhi - literally, “Awakening” (more
commonly called “Enlightenment”). Any person who has become awakened
from the “sleep of ignorance” by directly realizing the true nature of reality is
called a Buddha. Gautama Buddha is said to have been only the latest of many of these; there were other Buddhas before him and there will be others in the future. According to Gautama Buddha, any person can follow his example and become enlightened through the study of his words “Dharma” and putting them into practice, by leading a virtuous, moral life, and purifying the mind.
Concisely put, the aim of Buddhist practice is to put an end to the stress of
existence. “I teach one thing and one thing only: suffering and the end of suffering” (The Buddha). To achieve this state of the end of suffering (Nirvana
or Nirodha), adherents train and purify the mind by following the Four Noble
Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, eventually arriving at an understanding of
the true nature of all things. In this way all ignorance and unhappiness is ended,
and liberation attained. Buddhist teaching encourages individuals to practice and
verify the Buddha’s teachings based on their own personal experience, and also
after consulting with ‘the wise’. If they find the teachings are valid (leading to
more happiness and less suffering), they can apply these teachings in a practical
form into their daily life if they so wish.
THE BUDDHA TEACHING - THE MEANING OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Two extremes are to be avoided: the extreme of indulgence in sensuality and
worldly pleasures, and the extremes of austerity, mortification and self-torture.
Austerities produce confusion and sickly thoughts, while sensuality is enervating
and makes man a slave of his passions. One should follow the Middle Path, which keeps aloof from both extremes. One should satisfy the necessities of life, and keep one’s body in good health and one’s mind strong in order to comprehend the Four Noble Truths:
The first Noble Truth is the existence of suffering: Birth is suffering, sickness is
suffering, old age is suffering, death is suffering, sorrow, dejection and despair
are suffering. Contact with unpleasant things and not getting what one wants are
suffering. Suffering must be comprehended, and it’s cause given up.
The Second Noble Truth is that the cause of suffering is craving or desire. Craving for pleasures, wealth, power or even craving for rebirth, create eventual suffering because of inherent greed and lust.
The Third Noble Truth is that anyone can eliminate the cravings (and thereby,
the suffering) on his own, without the need of Gods and priests to direct our
beings.
The Fourth Noble Truth is the path leading to cessation of suffering. Known as
The Eightfold Path it consists of: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech,
Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right
Concentration.
Buddha taught these fundamentals of what was to become one of the world’s great religious philosophies - a way of life towards individual salvation, and a path that is today followed by countless millions.
Influences Three major forces have influenced the development of Buddhism in Thailand.
The most visible influence is that of the Theravada school of Buddhism, imported
from Sri Lanka. While there are significant local and regional variations, the
Theravada school provides most of the major themes of Thai Buddhism. By
tradition, Pali is the language of religion in Thailand. Scriptures are recorded in
Pali, using either the modern Thai script or the older Khom and Tham scripts. Pali is also used in religious liturgy, despite the fact that most Thais understand very little of this ancient language. The Pali Tipitaka is the primary religious text of Thailand, though many local texts have been composed in order to summarise the vast number of teachings found in the Tipitaka. The monastic code (Patimokkha) followed by Thai monks is taken from the Pali Theravada- something that has provided a point of controversy during recent attempts to resurrect the bhikkhuni lineage in Thailand.
The second major influence on Thai Buddhism were Brahmanist beliefs received
from Cambodia, particularly during the Sukhothai period. Vedic Brahmanism
played a strong role in the early Thai institution of kingship, just as it did in
Cambodia, and exerted influence in the creation of laws and order for Thai
society as well as Thai religion. Certain rituals practiced in modern Thailand,
either by monks or by Brahmanist ritual specialists, are either explicitly identified
as Brahmanist in origin, or are easily seen to be derived from Brahmanist
practices. While the visibility of Brahmanism in Thai society has been diminished
substantially during the Chakri dynasty, Brahmanist influences- particularly shrines to the god Brahma- continue to be seen in and around Buddhist institutions and ceremonies.
Folk religion - attempts to propitiate and attract the favour of local spirits known
as phi - forms the third major influence on Thai Buddhism. While Western
observers (as well as urbane and Western educated Thais) have often drawn a
clear line between Thai Buddhism and folk religious practices, this distinction is
rarely observed in more rural locales. Spiritual power derived from the observance of Buddhist precepts and rituals is employed in attempting to appease local nature spirits. Many restrictions observed by rural Buddhist monks are derived not from the orthodox Vinaya, but from taboos derived from the practice of folk magic. Astrology, numerology, and the creation of talismans and charms also play a prominent role in Buddhism as practiced by the average Thai- topics that are, if not proscribed, at least marginalized in Buddhist texts.
Additional, more minor influences can be observed stemming from contact
with Mahayana Buddhism. Early Buddhism in Thailand is thought to have been
derived from an unknown Mahayana tradition. While Mahayana Buddhism was
gradually eclipsed in Thailand, certain features of Thai Buddhism- such as the
appearance of the bodhisattva Lokesvara in some Thai religious architecture, and the belief that the king of Thailand is a bodhisattva himself- reveal the influence of Mahayna concepts. The only other bodhisattva prominent in Thai religion is Maitreya; Thais sometimes pray to be reborn during the time of Maitreya, or dedicate merit from worship activities to that end.
In modern times, additional Mahayana influence has stemmed from the presence
of Chinese immigrants in Thai society. While some Chinese have ‘converted’
to Thai-style Theravada Buddhism, many others maintain their own separate
temples in the East Asian Mahayana tradition. The growing popularity of the
goddess Kuan Yin in Thailand (a form of Avalokitesvara) may be attributable to
the Chinese Mahayanist presence in Thailand.
ORDINATION AND CLERGY
Like in most other Theravada nations, Buddhism in Thailand is represented
primarily by the presence of Buddhist monks, who serve as officiants on
ceremonial occasions, as well as being responsible for preserving and conveying
the teachings of the Buddha.
Up until the latter half of the 20th century, most monks in Thailand began their
careers by serving as dek wat (literally ‘temple kid’). Dek wat are traditionally no
younger than eight, and do minor housework around the temple. The primary
reason for becoming a dek wat is to gain a basic education, particularly in basic
reading and writing and the memorization of the scriptures chanted on ritual
occasions. Prior to the creation of state-run primary schools in Thailand, village
temples served as the primary form of education for most Thai boys. Service
in a temple as a dek wat was a necessary prerequisite for attaining any higher
education, and was the only learning available to most Thai peasants. Since the
creation of a government-run educational apparatus in Thailand, the number of
children living as dek wat has declined significantly. However, many governmentrun schools continue to operate on the premise of the local village temple.
After serving (typically for four years or more) as a dek wat, a future monk typically ordains as a novice (samana in Pali, or nain in Thai). Novices live according to the Ten Precepts, as do monks, but are not formally required to follow the full range of monastic rules found in the Pattimokha (Buddhist monastic code). There are a few other significant differences between novices and monks. Novices often are in closer contact with their families, spending more time in the homes of their parents than monks. Novices do not participate in the recitation of the monastic code (and the confessions of violations) that take place on the uposatha days. Novices technically do not eat with the monks in their temple, but this typically only amounts to a gap in seating, rather than the separation observed between monks and the laity.
CHILD MONKS IN THAILAND
Young men typically do not live as a novice for longer than one or two
years. At the age of 20, they become eligible to receive upasampada,
the higher ordination that establishes them as a full bhikkhu. A novice
is technically sponsored by his parents in his ordination, but in practice
in rural villages the entire village participates by providing the robes,
begging bowl, and other requisites that will be required by the monk
in his monastic life.
Temporary ordination is the norm among Thai Buddhists. Most young
men traditionally ordain for the term of a single rainy season (known
in Pali as vassa, and in Thai as phansa). Those who remain monks
beyond their first vassa typically remain monks for between one and
three years, officiating at religious ceremonies in surrounding villages
and possibly receiving further education in reading and writing
(possibly including the Kham or Tham scripts traditionally used in
recording religious texts). After this period of one to three years,
most young monks return to lay life, going on to marry and begin
a family. Young men in Thailand who have undergone ordination
are seen as being more suitable partners for marriage. A period as a
monk is also a prerequisite for many positions of leadership within the
village hierarchy. Most village elders or headmen were once monks,
as were most traditional doctors, spirit priests, and some astrologists
and fortunetellers.
Monks who do not return to lay life typically specialize in either
scholarship or meditation. Those who specialize in scholarship typically
travel to regional education centres to begin further instruction in the
Pali language and the scriptures, and may then continue on to the major
monastic universities located in Bangkok. The route of scholarship is
also taken by monks who desire to rise in the ecclesiastic hierarchy, as promotions within the government-run system is contingent on passing examinations in Pali and Buddhist philosophy.
Monks who specialize in meditation typically seek out a known master in the
meditation tradition, under whom they will study for a period of years. ‘Meditation
monks’ are particularly revered in Thai society as possessing great virtue and as
potential sources of supernatural powers. Ironically, monks of the Thai Forest
Tradition often find themselves struggling to find time and privacy to meditate in
the face of enthusiastic supporters seeking their blessings and attention.
POSITION OF WOMEN
Unlike Burma and Sri Lanka, the female Theravada bhikkhuni lineage was never
established in Thailand. As a result, there is a widespread perception among Thais that women are not meant to play an active role in monastic life; instead, they are expected to live as lay followers, making merit in the hopes of being born in a different role in their next life. As a result, laywomen primarily participate in religious life either as lay participants in collective merit-making rituals, or by doing domestic work around temples. A small number of women choose to become Mae Ji, non-ordained religious specialists who permanently observe either the eight or ten precepts. Mae Ji do not generally receive the level of support given to ordained monks, and their position in Thai society is the subject of some discussion.
Recently, there have been efforts to attempt to introduce a bhikkhuni lineage
in Thailand as a step towards improving the position of women in Thai
Buddhism. Unlike similar efforts in Sri Lanka, these efforts have been extremely
controversial; women attempting to ordain have been accused of attempting to
impersonate monks (a civil offence in Thailand), and their actions have been
denounced by many members of the ecclesiastic hierarchy. Most objections to the
reintroduction of a female monastic role hinge on the fact that the monastic rules
require that both five ordained monks and five ordained bhikkhunis be present
for any new bhikkhuni ordination. Without such a quorum, critics say that it is
not possible to ordain any new Theravada bhikkhuni. The Thai hierarchy refuses
to recognize ordinations in the Taiwanese tradition (the only currently existing
bhikkhuni ordination lineage) as valid Theravada ordinations, citing differences
in philosophical teachings, and (more critically) monastic discipline.
BUDDHA STATUES IN THAILAND
Buddha images are generally found in four positions or stances: a seated position, a standing position, a walking position and a reclining position. In each position there are variations of gesture or attitude. Each attitude is related to a period in the life of the Lord Buddha. The most common attitude of a seated Buddha image is the attitude of subduing Mara. In this attitude the Buddha is seated with the legs crossed, the right hand is on the right knee with the four fingers pointing to the ground, while the left hand rests in the lap. This is also known as the attitude of calling the Goddess of the Earth to witness. This is related to the legend about
Buddha being attacked by Mara (a personification of evil) and his army, and then
summoning the Goddess of the Earth to witness the attack and to save him. Thus this attitude is known as subduing Mara.
Another common attitude is that of meditation showing the Lord Buddha in
meditation when he attains enlightenment. This attitude shows the Lord Buddha
seated with his legs crossed. The two hands are folded in the lap with the palm of
the right hand facing upward.
Sometimes we see a Buddha image in the attitude of meditation under the
protection of a nine-headed or seven-headed naga. This attitude is related to the
time when a naga named Mujarin spread its hood to protect the Lord Buddha
from a rainstorm while he was meditating under the Mujarin tree. A Buddha image made in this way is usually called a seated Buddha image under the cover of a multi-headed naga.
Standing Buddha images are also found in various attitudes. For example, a
standing Buddha image with the right hand lifted to chest level and the left hand
resting at the side is called the attitude of persuading his relatives not to quarrel
or the attitude of pacifying his relatives. The story goes like this. While the Lord
Buddha was staying at a place by the Rohinee River, the relatives of his father were quarrelling with those of his mother about the water to irrigate their rice-fields. The Lord Buddha pointed out to them that men were more valuable than water. Therefore it is not worth killing men just for water. Realizing this the relatives stopped quarrelling.
A standing Buddha image with the left hand raised and the right hand resting at
the side is known as the attitude of restraining the Phra Kaen Chan from rising
from it’s seat or the attitude of urging the sandal wood image not to rise from
its seat. This is how the story goes. When the Lord Buddha paid a visit to his
mother for three months on Tavatimsa, the second level of heaven, a king named
Pasentikosol, who was missing the Lord Buddha, had a Buddha image carved from sandalwood and had it placed in the residence where the Lord Buddha used to stay. When the Lord Buddha returned from Tavatimsa. The king requested the
Lord Buddha to have a look at the sandalwood image, which rose from its seat to
pay homage to the Lord Buddha. He urged the image not to rise from its seat by
lifting his left hand in the gesture of restraining.
A standing Buddha image with both hands raised to chest level is known as the
attitude of calming the ocean. The Lord Buddha performed a miracle by stopping
a rainstorm and flooding in the presence of the three arrogant hermits. Having
seen the miracle, they submitted to the Lord Buddha and listened to his sermon.
The three hermits and their 1,000 followers were so impressed with the preaching that they were willingly ordained as monks.
The walking Buddha refers to walking meditation - regarded as very difficult by
most monks. Standing with both hands raised, palms outwards, is a sign of power and refers to a legend in which Buddha stopped the sea from engulfing a village by adopting this pose.
The reclining posture may represent the Buddha resting or sleeping, but more
usually represents the Mahaparinirvana (enlightenment or achieving Nirvana):
the Buddha’s final state of enlightenment before his death
The Buddha is nearly always depicted wearing a monastic robe, of the type worn
by Buddhist monks today. The robe may be shown as worn in the “covering mode” (draped over both shoulders) or in the “open mode” (leaving the right shoulder and breast uncovered). The robe is a representation of the Buddha’s humility.
THE EMERALD BUDDHA
Thailand’s most famous and precious Buddha, the Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta
Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn Kaeo Morakot) The Thai call it Phra Kaeo
Morakot. Made out of green jade width a width of 48.3 cm (at lap) and a height of 66 cm (pedestal to halo), present location; Ubosoth, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, it was discovered in Chiang Rai 1434 A.D., The Emerald Buddha is the palladium of the nation.
Retrieved from Laos in 1778, the image was enshrined in the ubosoth (the hall
of a Buddhist monastery, identified by eight sacred surrounding boundary stones,
in which ordinations and other major Buddhist ceremonies are performed) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on 22 March 1784. (An alternative date of 5 March 1785 is accepted by some art historians). The image is seated in the
folded-leg position, with the hands in the lap in the attitude of meditation. Sheltered beneath a 5-tiered parasol, it is enshrined in a busabok. (An open pillared construction of wood with a multi-tiered roof, the use of which is reserved exclusively for Kings or objects of veneration. The Emerald Buddha has three seasonal costumes: a diamond-studded tunic for the hot season, a long cloak of solid gold for the cool season, and a gilt robe flecked with blue for the rainy season. The ceremony of the changing of the costumes, performed by the King or an appointed representative, officially marks the beginning of each
season.
Prior to the Fourth Reign the statue was taken out on the occasion of every major ceremony to serve as the presiding image. King Rama IV however considered the image too precious to be moved, so from then on it stayed permanently
in the ubosoth. It was nonetheless temporarily removed to Phan Thinang Amarin Winitchai in the Fifth Reign for safe keeping when a fire broke out at Prasat Phra Thep Bidhon and threatened to spread to the ubosoth.
Many thanks to Mark from Buddha & Buddha Shop at Takiab Rd. Hua Hin for
suppling the Emerald Buddah text and allowing us to take so many shots of
Buddah images in his shop.
Buddha & Buddha
123/33 Soi Moo Baan Nong Kae, Khao Takiab, Hua Hin, Prachuabkhirikhan,
77110. Tel 05-7045831 Fax 032-522361
Buddha and Buddha is a Buddha art gallery that is located right between the Chiva Som and the Hyatt Regency, at Takiab Road in Hua Hin.
At the gallery you will find a width variety of Buddha images and art in many
styles, made high quality from a variety of decorative materials including stone,
bronze, terracotta, wood and other materials, each piece has is own beauty. From antique Burmese to modern Thai Buddha sculptures.
The gallery is open every day from 9am untill 7pm. For more information call
05-2950010 or 05-2933867. This is a shop you don’t want to miss when you are
in Hua Hin
CASTAWAY
Little time had elapsed since our first castaway had been repatriated when another was on his way to dolphin island. Our latest castaway was ‘press ganged’ into isolation forcing him to consider how he could possibly survive without the usual home comforts in hua hin. ok! grab yer sporrans - here are his answers.....
1. Once a year you are allowed one visitor, for one day only. In the 3 years you can choose one family member (or close friend), 1 living famous person, and one historical figure (alive for their visit!).
A) FAMILY/FRIEND: My girlfriend Oh for obvious reasons, I am the happiest I have been for many years, also she is now reading and writing English very well, and if she does not get a mention I may have to retreat to a genuine island.
B) FAMOUS LIVING: George Bush, simple because while he is spending time with me on the island perhaps the world can patch up all the damage he has done.
C) HISTORICAL FIGURE: Robert Burns. The world rejoices in all his marvellous poems and songs. I would like to ask him what lines he used to win the hearts of so many young ladies.
2. You can take five music CDs with you, but no box sets, compilations or greatest hits. Double/triple albums count as one choice.
(A) Jimmy Shand in concert. This has to be my first choice, there may be
predators on the island or sharks lurking of shore, this will definitely drive them
away. I only hope there is no RSPCA on the island.
(B) Andrea Bocelli. I love his music, his beautiful voice would ease the pain of
loneliness. Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.
(C) Some Elvis, I grew up listening to him and still love his music. His songs
would bring back a lot of memories.
(D) John Lennon’s Imagine. Imagine is the best song ever written, if only people
in higher places would listen the world would be a better place.
(E) Any McCalmans CD. In the 60’s folk music played a big part in my life, the
Macs were a top group and my best mates, I toured Europe with them in the late
60’s pretending to be their manager, great fun. To listen to them would bring back
memories of a very happy period of my life.
3. You can take five books as well as one religious book (i.e. Bible). A choice can be a ‘Complete Works of...’..
(A) Yates Garden Guide. This is the second best seller in Australia next to the
bible. I worked for Yates seeds as a sales rep for many years, when I was asked
questions about gardening that I could not answer (and there were many, believe
me) I would refer to my Yates Garden Guide and provide the correct answer. It
may also help me cultivate the island with beautiful flowers and the occasional
veggie (no onions)
(B) A Thai language book (for beginners).I have tried so many times to learn but
cannot seem to master it, but after 3 years of constant studying, I could return
to Hua Hin and find out what Thai people really think of me (maybe not such a
good idea).
(C) The complete works of Burns. I still believe he was one of the greatest
Scotsman of all time, I would enjoy reading his works and poetry at night just as
the sun was going down.
(D) Book on first aid, in case of emergencies i.e. cut fingers, blisters from kicking
my football, and falling coconut wounds.
(E) The History of the Heart of Midlothian Football club,
because I like a good laugh.
4. You can also take five movies on DVD (one box set
allowed).
(A) Somebody Up There Likes Me. My favourite movie, starring Paul Newman, great stuff. Somebody Up There Likes Me was awarded a 1956 Oscar in the category of Best Cinematography (Black and White). The film was also notable for being one of Paul Newman’s first starring roles and for being the first film
Steve McQueen appeared in. It also marked the film debuts of Frank Campanella, Robert Loggia and George C. Scott. All four actors only had bit parts. James Dean was first cast for the role of Rocky, before his death in 1955 in an automobile accident My favourite quote from the film is “When I was a kid I stole everything that began with the letter A. A car, a jacket, a....”
(B) The Life of Brian. Despite watching it many times I am sure it would still make me laugh.
(C) South Pacific. I love the old musicals. This is one of my favourites, despite being involved in the folk world for many years, I was never a singer, I could sing along and not disturb any one on my own island.
(D) Saturday Night Sunday Morning. Brilliant film starring Albert Finney. At this
time of my life I could relate to the main character Arthur Seaton.
The life and loves of a brawling, boisterous factory worker stuck in a dreary
industrial city in the English midlands... Saturday night you have your fling at
life...and Sunday morning you face up to it!
(E) Dr Zhivago. Powerful movie and like all young men at that time I was madly
in love with Julie Christie.
5. You can take five items that will make your stay more enjoyable.
Communication devices are not available or practical. Please note boats and ships can not disembark from the island.
(A): A rope for general purposes and also to tie George Bush to a tree or bush,
to give the world more time to recover from his mistakes.
(B): Bottle of vodka. As I am on the island for 3 x years I would have to discipline
myself to one drink every Saturday night probably after the Hibs win. I receive
the result by carrier pigeon.
(C): A football. Definitely a football. I could never play as a boy, but on my
own island I would be a super star dribbling round coconut trees and shooting
in to the foliage. I can hardly wait.
(D): A magnifying glass in case it gets cold or I catch fish, I can start a fire and
cook. This comes from my boy scout days, what a memory.
(E): A razor, you never know you may get an unsuspecting visitor and I would
want to look my best.
6. You are allowed to take one pet with you.
A talking parrot. He would be a good companion, I could tell him my parrot
jokes and he could tell me his Jock jokes, and as he would have to be a green
parrot we could sing every time the mighty Hibees win.
7. Please tell us the three things or people that you think you would miss the
least during your stay.
(A): Motor bikes driving on the wrong side of the road. I spend a lot of time
driving in Hua Hin, they drive me mad, and if you nearly hit them they look at
you as if it’s your fault.
(B): Email forum writers. People who spend their time lurking behind a computer
writing in to forums mainly by email, they criticise people who at least try to do
or achieve some thing. And they usually talk about things they know nothing
about. Get off your bums and try to get a life.
(C): Monday mornings.....even in beautiful Hua Hin I still
find Monday mornings hard to cope with.
8. Finally, you must set yourself an objective to be achieved within your three-year stay, something that you have always wanted to do (within the constraints of being on the island of course!).
Learn to speak and write Thai. Over the years I have made
many attempts to learn Thai even going to night school in
Perth. Surely after 3 years I should be able to hold a decent
conversation.
EPILOGUE
Well what have we learnt about Ian? A sensitive soul who had an adolescent crush on Julie Christie (didn’t we all?) and yearns to ponder life while delving into
Robbie Burns poetry?
On the disturbing side, he has a fetish for Scottish grass and wants to spend time
telling jokes to a parrot, but heck, everyone has their little quirks.
We can all remember the first time we saw a motorbike hurtling at us in the
opposite direction and the blank indignant stare when you show annoyance or
surprise. But he must remember anonimity makes all forum writers brave and wise beyond their capabilities.
‘Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life’ from one of his movie choices must be
his theme tune being a Hibs supporter, and he must be hoping that they actually
win something in his three years away.
For those of you who know Ian, or even if you don’t, we are sure you would like
to meet him to discuss the pros and cons of his choices (particularly the Hearts
fans!). But be warned, don’t be too hard on him because we might be asking you
to spend three years on Dolphin Island.
For those wishing to spend three years on Dolphin Island please contact the
Observer offices in person, or via email to design@observergroup.net.
James Ian lawrie is a scot of undetermined age who is an estate agent and general ‘man about town’. he has lived in hua hin for the last eight years. for those wishing to sing along to bali hai with him or discuss the exquisite details of scottish football, poetry or the possibility of a new home in hua hin you can contact him at:
IAN@PREMIERPROPERTYCENTER.COM
OUR BEST WISHES TO HIS MAJESTY KING BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ OF THAILAND
ON THE OCCASION OF HIS BIRTHDAY AND OUR CONGRATULATIONS ON SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY AND PEOPLE
In this momentous year for His Majesty we are taking the opportunity to list some of the most significant world events that have occurred during the last sixty years, which helps everyone understand the magnitude of His Majesty’s achievement. His Majesty has overseen the country during periods of enormous change, both within Thailand and throughout the world. We have also included a brief outline of the foundations which are under the patronage of the Royal family. Finally we give you an explanation of the Royal Crest - the four distinct parts of the crest have very particular meaning, and encapsulate why the King is so special to us all.
THE ROYAL CREST
1. His Majesty the King’s initials (the Thai letters “Phor
Por Ror”) placed at the centre of the crest, under the Royal
Crown and above the Royal Throne of the Eight Compass
Points, signify that His Majesty is the focus of the entire
nation, binding the people’s hearts and loyalty. The yellow
colour of the letters is the colour of His Majesty’s day of
birth, and the blue colour of the background that of the
monarchy.
The surrounding discus (Chakra) with the Thai numeral 9
means that King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ninth monarch
of the Chakri Dynasty. The crest is flanked by two seventiered
umbrellas and topped by a nine-tiered umbrella, both
types symbols of kingship.
2. The four point border represents the four regions of the
country, in which the people live in peace and tranquility
under the King’s supreme protection, as expressed by the
green colour, which is a symbol of peace and abundance.
Each of the four points of the border has a lotus, an offering
to His Majesty on the occasion of his Sixth-Cycle Birthday
Anniversary.
3. The golden rays around the crest signify His Majesty’s
grace and benevolence, which pervade the Kingdom and
beyond and bring pride and joy to the people in the entire
land.
4. Beneath the crest a blue silk banner bears the inscription
of the Royal Occasion of His Majesty’s Sixth-Cycle Birthday
on 5 December 1999.
ROYAL PROJECTS
ROYAL CHITRALADA PROJECTS
Royal Chitralada Projects - Agriculture projects demonstrated
in Chitralada Palace, Bangkok.
CHAIPATTANA FOUNDATION
Chaipattana Acrator, Kaem Ling (Monkey Cheeks) Water
Detention Project to Solve Flood Problems in BKK and its
Environs.
THE ROYAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS BOARD
Information source on the works of the Royal Development
Projects and guidelines for the implementation of His
Majesty’s Royal Initiatives.
SAI JAI THAI FOUNDATION
The promotion of the quality of life of disabled veterans.
ROYAL IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT
Reservour, Irrigation, Dam and Water Resources.
THAI JUNIOR ENCYCLOPAEDIA PROJECT
Collection of knowledge by Thai experts presented in the
form of text, sound, photos, video, and a monthly-quiz
competition.
THE RED CROSS SOCIETY
The Thai Red Cross Society, a 104 years old non-profit
organization with 8,000 staffs.
OFFICE OF NATIONAL CULTURAL COMMISSION
A government organisation which is responsible for
preserving, developing and revitalising the Thai culture.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS (under the
initiative of H.R.H.Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn)
Source of information about the use of Information
Technology for the improvement of quality of life.
ROYAL PROJECT
Project in northern Thailand for natural resources
conservation and highland agricultural development.
PRINCE MAHIDOL AWARD FOUNDATION
Annual “Prince Mahidol Award” for individuals or institutions
which have contributed great benefit to mankind in the field
of medicine and public health.
ANANDAMAHIDOL FOUNDATION
Foundation to encourage and support Thai students for
higher education in the various branches of study at
university.
One can only truly consider the length of His Majestys reign when it is put into a global context of what has happened in the world in those sixty plus years. We have ‘cherry picked’ some of those events for each year of His Majesty’s reign to give an idea both of the time span, and also how other world leaders have fared over that period – needless to say The King of Thailand has outlasted them all.
1946
First meeting of UN
general assembly
Juan Perón becomes
president of argentina.
1947
India & Pakistan gain
independence from UK
Chuck Yeager breaks
the sound barrier
1948
Gandhi assassinated by
Hindu fanatic
Burma & Ceylon
granted independence
by UK
Nation of Israel proclaimed
1949
Start of North Atlantic
treaty organization
Communist people’s
republic of china
formally proclaimed by
Chairman Mao Zedong
South Africa institutionalizes
apartheid.
1950
Korean war begins
1951
Libya gains independence
1952
George VI dies, his
daughter becomes
Elizabeth II
1953
Stalin dies
Edmund Hillary & Tenzing
Norgay reach top of
Mt. Everest
1954
Dr. Jonas Salk starts
inoculating children
against polio.
1955
Warsaw pact, defense
agreement, signed
Argentina ousts Perón
1956
Egypt takes control of
Suez Canal - British
and French invade Port
Said on the Suez Canal
Morocco gains independence
1957
Russians launch
Sputnik 1 the space
age begins
1958
EEC becomes effective
Khrushchev becomes
premier of Soviet Union
Gen. Charles de Gaulle
is new French Premier
1959
Cuban president Batista
resigns-Castro takes
over.
Tibet’s Dalai Lama
escapes to India
1960
Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria,
Madagascar, and
Zaire gain independence.
1961
John F. Kennedy becomes
US President
Moscow announces
first man in space, Maj.
Yuri A. Gagarin
Cuba invaded at Bay
of Pigs
U thant (Burma) becomes
UN Sec. General
1962
Cuban missile crisis
Burundi, Jamaica, W.
Samoa, Uganda, and
Trinidad and Tobago become
independent.
1963
Civil rights rally Martin
Luther King delivers “I
have a dream” speech
President Kennedy
killed by sniper
Kenya achieves independence.
1964
Nelson Mandela
sentenced to life
imprisonment
1965
Winston Churchill dies
Malcolm X killed
1966
England wins World Cup
1967
Dr. Christiaan Barnard
and team perform
world’s first human
heart transplant
1968
Martin Luther King slain
in Memphis
Sen. Robert F. Kennedy
critically wounded
1969
Apollo 11- man’s first
walk on moon
Internet goes online.
1970
Rhodesia severs last tie
with British
1971
UN seats communist
China and expels
Nationalist China
1972
Britain takes over direct
rule of N. Ireland
Start of the Watergate
scandal
11 Israeli athletes killed
at Olympic Games by
Arab terrorist group
1973
Great Britain, Ireland,
and Denmark enter EEC
Vietnam war ends
1974
President Nixon
impeached
Pol Pot/Khmer Rouge
take over Cambodia
1976
Jimmy Carter elected
U.S. President
1977
Deng Xiaoping, restored
to power
South African activist
Stephen Biko dies in
police custody
1978
Rhodesia agrees on
transfer to black
majority rule
1979
Shah leaves Iran,
Ayatollah Khomeini
takes over
Nuclear power plant
accident at Three Mile
Island
Soviet invasion of
Afghanistan
1980
Iraq troops hold 90
square miles of Iran
after invasion
John Lennon shot dead
Smallpox eradicated.
1981
Aids is first identified.
1982
Permanent artificial
heart implanted in
human
1983
U.S. and Caribbean allies
invade Grenada
1984
Indian Prime Minister
Indira Gandhi
Assassinated
1985
Italian government toppled
by political crisis
1986
Spain and Portugal
join EEC
Halley’s comet return
visit
Desmond Tutu elected
archbishop in S. Africa
Chernobyl nuclear
power station disaster
1987
Klaus Barbie, 73,
Gestapo chief sentenced
to life
1988
Benazir Bhutto, first
Islamic woman Prime
Minister, chosen to lead
Pakistan
Pan-Am 747 crashes in
Lockerbie, Scotland
1989
Emperor Hirohito of
Japan dead at 87
Ruptured tanker Exxon
Valdez disaster
Tiananmen Square rally
for democracy
Mikhail Gorbachev
named Soviet President
After 28 years, Berlin
wall is open to West
Dalai Lama wins Nobel
Peace prize.
1990
World Wide Web debut,
popularizes internet.
South Africa frees
Nelson Mandela
Iraqi troops invade
Kuwait
East and West Germany
Reunited
1991
Soviet Union breaks
up after President Gorbachev’s
resignation
1992
Bill Clinton elected
President
Czechoslovak parliament
approves separation
into two nations
1993
South Africa adopts
majority rule
1994
Rwandan genocide of
tutsis by Hutus begins
Russians attack Republic
of Chechnya
1995
Israeli PM Yitzhak Rabin
slain
Combatants sign Bosnia
peace treaty
1996
Jazz great Ella Fitzgerald
dies
Boris Yeltsin is reelected
1997
Kofi Annan (Ghana)
becomes UN Sec.
General
Hong kong returns to
Chinese rule
1998
The Good Friday Accord,
reached in N. Ireland
Europeans agree on
single currency, (euro)
1999
People of E. Timor vote
for independence
Israeli PM Ehud Barak
and Yasir Arafat agree
peace accord
World population
reaches six billion
2000
Olympic games open in
Australia
Mad cow disease
alarms Europe
2001
Terrorists attack Twin
Towers
Taliban regime in
Afghanistan collapses
2002
The Euro currency debuts
in 12 EU countries
Queen Elizabeth II
marks 50 years as
monarch
2003
The US and Britain
launch attack on Iraq
European Union expands
by ten nations
2004
Yasir Arafat dies in Paris
Enormous tsunami
devastates Asia
2005
Earthquake in Kashmir
kills over 80,000
2006
Michelle Bachelet the
first female president
of Chile.
Han Myung-Sook,
S.Korea’s 1st female PM
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