Shan Herald Agency for News |
- Burma Army shows contempt of Buddhism during latest attacks in Shan State
- First International Seminar of Tai Yai Studies successfully held in Mae Hong Son
- How to find the truth among different historical versions? Research, says Shan scholar
| Burma Army shows contempt of Buddhism during latest attacks in Shan State Posted: 02 Jul 2013 02:18 AM PDT Media release from the Shan Human Rights Foundation During attacks last week violating the ceasefire with the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N), the Burma Army shelled a Buddhist temple in central Shan State, displacing dozens of monks, and turned the temple into a military base. On June 23, after sending in reconnaissance planes, over 100 troops of Light Infantry Battalions 525 and 569 launched an artillery attack on the village of Wan Warb, 30 kilometers north-west of the SSA-N headquarters at Wan Hai, in Ke See township. Mortar shells (60 mm and 79 mm) damaged the temple and seven houses, injuring four villagers. A 90-year-old woman died of shock when shells hit her house. The attack caused over 30 monks and novices and about 150 villagers to flee to surrounding areas. The troops looted the temple, as well as residents' houses, stealing food, money and valuables. Troops from two Burmese battalions are now based at the temple, using it as a military command post. On June 25, Burmese officers summoned village headmen from nearby villages to the temple and questioned them about Shan troop movements in the area. A man detained for two days was beaten. On the same day that government troops were shelling the Wan Warb Temple, President Thein Sein's Office issued a statement blaming TIME magazine for "damaging the image of Buddhism." "If President Thein Sein cares about protecting Buddhism, why is he letting his troops shell and desecrate Shan temples?" said Tzarm Noan, Shan Human Rights Foundation coordinator. "Thein Sein's claims to respect religion are as hollow as his claims to promote peace." The attacks are the latest in a series of operations in recent months by the Burma Army to encircle and cut off the Wan Hai headquarters of the SSA-N, in direct violation of their renewed ceasefire agreement in January 2012. A map and details of human rights violations committed by the Burma Army in Ke See township during June 23-30, 2013, can be viewed on www.shanhumanrights.org Contact persons: Sai Khur Hseng : +6681 672 2031 (Burmese, English, Shan & Thai) Ying Harn Fah: +6689 262 7848 (Burmese, English, Shan) Tzarm Noan: +6682 183 9617 (English, Shan & Thai) |
| First International Seminar of Tai Yai Studies successfully held in Mae Hong Son Posted: 02 Jul 2013 01:39 AM PDT Hosted by the Tai Yai Studies Center of Mae Hong Son Community College, the very first and two-day international seminar of Tai Yai Studies was successfully held in Mae Hong Son on June 29-30, 2013 in collaboration with the Center of Ethnic Studies and Development (CESD), Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University. Well attended by some hundred international Shan scholars and local Tai Yai village chiefs and villagers, the seminar tried to establish international collaboration, sharing research and cultural exchange among Tai Yai people and beyond. It is not easy to know, how many Tai people are scattered in other countries such as China, India, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam or even Thailand. In the past minority issues were very sensitive in all these countries. Only just recently minorities' issues are becoming recognized and the important diversity of ethnic groups being considered on the basis of equal rights. The planned and upcoming ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) will open a new area of co-operation among the nationalities of the 10 ASEAN countries, especially along the border areas. As Mae Hong Son with its dominant Tai Yai or Shan population is connected to Myanmar's Shan State, there will be ever-increasing exchange in trade, tourism and education possible. Under the sponsorship of Ms. Naruemol Palwat, Governess of Mae Hong Son, the following academics presented their papers on Tai Yai history and culture: Prof. Emeritus Srisak Vallibodhama from Bangkok, who gave a special lecture on Ethnic Identity, Nation State and Globalization, highlighting that culture is dynamic. Shan scholar Sai Aung Tun from Yangon in Myanmar, who reflected on Shan Historiography and the spreading of Tai people from south of the Yangzi in China to the countries of the northern mainland of Southeast Asia. Via the Chindwin River in Myanmar they even reached Assam in Northeast India 800 years ago. Western scholar Prof. Nicola Tannenbaum reflected on her studies in a village in Mae Hong Son Province some 30 years ago and mentioned that no culture and tradition is unchanging. Achan Khuensai Jaiyen from Chiang Mai talked about the special history of Mae Hong Son going back to Tai Yai people. His lecture can be found on his web-site: www.shanland.org Achan Sawaeng Malasam gave an overview of Tai Yai people in Lan Na Thai and projected a map sketch of Tai Yai temples in the city of Chiang Mai. Prof. Tadayoshi Murakami from Japan gave an interesting lecture on the Shan Manuscript Culture called "lik long", which is now revitalized by migrants. Indian scholar Ms. Sangeeta Gogoi highlighted the Tai Ahom Movement and Culture in the time of globalization and social change. Next to these lectures on the first day of the seminar, there were several roundtable discussions such as on Tai Communities and Cultural Tourism amongst others. A special focus was given by researchers on the Tai Ahom in India, Tai Dam in Viet Nam and Tai Lue in Xishuangbanna in China on the second day, as well as some special roundtable discussions such as on Tai Literatures. In concluding the outcome of the seminar, Prof. Chayan Vaddhanaphuti, Director of the Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD) from Chiang Mai University, said that he was happy because of the good balance between the presentations of the international scholars and networks of the Tai Yai people of the border region. An exhibition of arts and handicrafts, a short field trip in Mae Hong Son, plus musical performances and dances, such as Kinari and To, during lunches and a dinner complemented the successful seminar. The Second International Seminar on Tai Yai Studies will be probably held at Chiang Mai University in 2015. For tourists who want to visit Mae Hong Son with all its natural and cultural beauties, there is a highly recommended flight with Kan Air from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son three times a day for 1,490Baht one way. There are a myriad of guesthouses, hotels and resorts for all budgets to choose from. With the best location right in the middle of the provincial town is the new Panorama Hotel for 600-800Baht a room (see www.panhostel.com). In another development, there was the ambitious opening of the newly constructed "Genesis" Community Development Center in Pang Daeng, Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai Province on June 30, 2013. With a grant of 10,000Euro from the German Embassy in Bangkok, the two NGOs of Helfen-Germany with its CEO Mr. Michael Boeder and Nurture the Kids with its CEO Mr. Sombat Sakorn co-operated together to create a helpful community center for children in need. For further information, please contact GMS Media Travel Consultant Reinhard Hohler based in Chiang Mai by e-mail: sara@cmnet.co.th |
| How to find the truth among different historical versions? Research, says Shan scholar Posted: 02 Jul 2013 01:37 AM PDT "A research society should be formed and sufficient number of researchers created," he told students of Maehongson Community College attending the International (Shan) Studies Seminar held at the provincial seat. The present Thai constitution adopted in 2007 has guaranteed preservation and promotion of local culture, traditions and wisdom.  Shan scholar Sai Aung Tun at the Shan seminar, Maehongson
According to Sao Saimong Mangrai's research paper, "The Shan States and the British Annexation" (1965) published by Connell University, Maehongson chief was Taiktaga Sa (Mr Sa who donated a building for the monastery). "Traditionally, Shans always attach 'Khun' (Lord) as a prefix to whoever is promoted to a rank of nobility," said Khuensai. "So he could then be called Khun Sa." The name Khun Sa, although known by outsiders as belonging to the late Shan druglord, is a common name for many Shan rulers and their scions: Khun Sa of Lawkzawk, Khun Sa of Mong Nawng and Khun Sa of Takaw for examples. The two-day seminar, 29-30 June, which ended yesterday and was jointly organized by the Tai Yai (Shan) Studies Center of Maehongson Community College and Chiangmai University's Center for Ethnic Studies and Development (CESD). The participating academics included Prof Emeritus Srisak Vallibhadama, Prof Nicola Tannenbaum (Lehigh University), Prof Tadayoshi Murakami (Osaka University), Dr Amphorn Jirattikorn, Dr Aranya Siriphon and others. The participants numbered well over 200. The topics covered not only about Maehongson Shans but also Shans from Burma's Shan State, such as "Reflection on Shan Historiography" by Sai Aung Tun, and "Shan music and art of performance" by Somjit Suwannabus. |
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