Prasertsri, D. (2009) Disaster Diplomacy: A Case Study of the Tripartite Core Group's Post-Nargis Humanitarian Assistance in Myanmar

Title: Disaster Diplomacy: A Case Study of the Tripartite Core Group's Post-Nargis Humanitarian Assistance in Myanmar

Author: Dalina Prasertsri

Year: 2009

Keywords: NARGIS/SANCTIONS/CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT/ASEAN/BURMA/MYANMAR/TRIPARTITE CORE GROUP/TCG/UN/ HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION/DISASTER DIPLOMACY

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Abstract:

On 2 May 2008 the devastating Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar, causing over 140,000 deaths and affecting about 2.4 million people in the country. Despite the desperate situation, the Government of Myanmar refused the humanitarian assistance offered by international development organizations and Western governments. This act caused the international community to formulate unconventional ways in order to bring relief into Myanmar. They attempted to apply the Responsibility to Protect principle but failed, and later on used disaster diplomacy tactics by utilizing ASEAN as a mediating agent to build dialogue between Myanmar and the humanitarian community. This ASEAN-led mechanism was operated under the establishment of the coordinating body called the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) aiming to bring aid into Myanmar.

This thesis uses the disaster diplomacy framework to address the impact of Cyclone Nargis on the two-decades-long tension between the Government of Myanmar and the international community. The TCG, with the mediating support by the ASEAN, was seen by many observers as an opportunity to revitalize and improve this relationship. Apart from facilitating aid, the TCG was expected to help breaking down Myanmar's suspicion about the West's agenda and help the Government of Myanmar realize that the humanitarian community had no hidden political objective on its aid agenda. Beyond evaluating the work of the TCG in the above light, the thesis also aims to examine the achievements of the ASEAN and the UN as to whether they were able to efficiently meet the TCG's objectives regarding humanitarian aid and their ability to change the perception, behavior, approach and objectives of Myanmar. The study also identifies the gaps, challenges and the opportunities faced by the group to provide efficient and meaningful emergency response to Myanmar.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CIVIL SOCIETY COASTAL GOVERNANCE COMMUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DEVELOPMENT DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE GOVERNANCE FACTORS HIGHER EDUCATION HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ICM INDONESIA INSTITUTIONS INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE LIVELIHOOD MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SHADOW STATE POLITICS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL MOVEMENT SUSTAINABLE COASTAL DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAILAND THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Michot, T. (2009) Pro Poor Tourism in Kerala, South India: Policy Implementation and Impacts

Title: Pro Poor Tourism in Kerala, South India: Policy Implementation and Impacts

Author: Thibault Michot

Year: 2009

Keywords: PRO-POOR, TOURISM, RESPONSIBILITY, KERALA, POLICY, IMPLEMENTATION

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Abstract:

Nowadays the world is coming through a worldwide economic crisis. Meanwhile the tourism industry is still expected to keep booming at an impressive rate of almost 10%, and the figure of 1 billion international travelers will probably be hit in 2010. Therefore, this sector has consequent impacts on people's lives, especially in developing countries where tourism is seen as a great opportunity to generate income. However, because of the way the industry is ruled, tourism did not bring economic benefit that much to local communities. In many ways, tourism has been harmful not only to the environment, but also to social structures. It is clear that the authorities must redesign their tourism policies toward a more sustainable and responsible direction. The state of Kerala in India is aware of the issues generated by tourism and claims to be a pioneer in designing tourism policies that benefit the poor. Therefore, this study has the objectives to: (a) conduct an evaluation to see what is actually pro-poor in the policy recently implemented by the Kerala Department of Tourism; (b) assess what impacts these policies have on the peoples' lives; and (c) explore the possibility to replicate the model of Kerala to other destinations. The results showed that Kerala's new tourism policies are truly innovative. Under what is called "Responsible Tourism Initiative", there are definitely measures designed to achieve poverty alleviation through tourism activities. Kerala is paying attention to respect the Pro-Poor Tourism principles; and although it takes time to see the efficiency of policies on the field, the pilot project of Kumarakom already showed positive outcomes on economic and social empowerment of the local community. On the other hand, the possibility to replicate what is ongoing in Kerala seems more questionable regarding the state apparently benefited from a set of very favorable initial conditions that may not be possible to find anywhere else.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER COASTAL GOVERNANCE COMMUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE GOVERNANCE FACTORS HIGHER EDUCATION HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ICM INDONESIA INSTITUTIONS INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE LIVELIHOOD MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL MOVEMENT SUSTAINABLE COASTAL DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAILAND THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Wongwian, A. (2008) Stateless People's Needs and Problems in Obtaining Thai Nationality: A Case Study of Hill Tribe People in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Title: Stateless People's Needs and Problems in Obtaining Thai Nationality: A Case Study of Hill Tribe People in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Author: Aticha Wongwian

Year: 2008

Keywords:NATIONALITY/ CITIZENSHIP/ STATELESSNESS/ STATELESS PEOPLE/ NATIONALITY-LESS PEOPLE/ NEEDS/ PROBLEMS/ NATIONALITY OBTAINING/ PROCESS/ HILL TRIBES/ MINORITIES/ CHIANG RAI THAILAND

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Abstract:

The problem of statelessness in Thailand remains unsolved mainly because the country's policies on granting nationality do not cover all kinds of stateless people existing in Thailand. However, statelessness in people who actually have the right to Thai nationality according to Thai law is found to be a continuing problem because stateless people cannot cope with difficulties that occur during the process of Thai nationality obtaining. This research aims to study the needs and problems of stateless people in obtaining Thai nationality. The research relies upon a combination of documentary research and field research. The field research includes the researcher's observation and participation in assisting hill tribe people to obtain Thai nationality during an internship at the Mirror Foundation in January-February 2009 and in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with twelve selected cases of former stateless hill tribe people in Chiang Rai Province. The key informants were selected based upon their availability, through the networking of the Mirror Foundation as well as district offices, and through the snowball technique. The research found that the main problems of former stateless people in obtaining Thai nationality were access to information regarding Thai nationality obtaining and the problem corruption. The first problem was caused by three factors: the sources of information, the forms of the information and methods in passing on the information, and the stateless people themselves. The main sources of information such as village chiefs, NGOs and district officers were unknowledgeable. Moreover, personal bias or misled attitudes among village chiefs and the officials made it difficult for stateless people to acquire the information. At the same time, the research found that the information was passed to the people in verbal form and mainly through interpersonal communication, leading to misinterpretations and misunderstandings. Furthermore, the research found that interpersonal communication between district officials and stateless people was not possible since the people felt uncomfortable approaching officials. Moreover, illiterate stateless people were not capable of understanding written information. Because of the problem of access to information, the people were not able to cope with difficulties in nationality obtaining procedures and usually failed in obtaining Thai nationality. Moreover, this problem also affected stateless people's states of mind as well as leads to the problem of corruption. Stateless people who could not help themselves in obtaining Thai nationality tended to rely on assistance from outside, usually from village chiefs. As a result, stateless people became potential victims of corruption by village chiefs.

The basic need of stateless people in obtaining Thai nationality is obviously knowledge about the procedures and laws in obtaining Thai nationality. In this regard, written forms of information should be used more while still maintaining usage of verbal communication. Written forms of information and direct verbal communication between stateless people and state officials will reduce the gap in information and risk of misinterpretation and misunderstanding. Equipped with necessary information, stateless people may successfully process their request by themselves or with less assistance from others. This may also reduce the role of village chiefs and therefore reduce the chance of corruption. However, assistance on the practical level is still needed for stateless people who lack Thai literacy and in complicated procedures that required advance knowledge such as appealing.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER COASTAL GOVERNANCE COMMUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE GOVERNANCE FACTORS HIGHER EDUCATION HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ICM INDONESIA INSTITUTIONS INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE LIVELIHOOD MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL MOVEMENT SUSTAINABLE COASTAL DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAILAND THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Devi, B. (2008) Key Governance Factors of Integrated Coastal Management at the Local-Level, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Title: Key Governance Factors of Integrated Coastal Management at the Local-Level, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Author: Bernadetta Puspita Devi

Year: 2008

Keywords: COASTAL GOVERNANCE/GOVERNANCE FACTORS/INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT/ICM/SUSTAINABLE COASTAL DEVELOPMENT/INSTITUTIONS/INDONESIA/NORTH SULAWESI PROVINCE/ATEP OKI VILLAGE/BASAAN I VILLAGE

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Abstract:

This research examines key governance factors of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) at the local level, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Measures of governance factors are developed from two approaches to determine the key factors and the perception differences among major parties for ICM sustainability. The first approach is based on a qualitative methodology for two villages: Atep Oki village and Basaan I village. Key governance factors at these two villages were assessed through interaction of social and ecological systems. The second approach combined qualitative and quantitative methods to a group of experts (government officials, NGOs/development workers and scientists). The group of experts provided further explanation of the key governance factors of ICM at the local level and placed values on the degree of importance for each factor.

The research findings indicate there are nineteen key governance factors that are important for the sustainability of ICM. However, the status and urgency of the factors are different for each where they have been categorized as 'reach', `intermediary' and 'contradictory' agreements. Therefore, for the two villages, leadership clearly determines the success of ICM. The role of a key person is vital for transforming ICM from a critical failure to adaptive management.

The information obtained from the group of experts illustrated that the degree of importance for key governance factors is markedly different amongst government officials, NGO workers and scientists as well as villagers on the ground level. Differences in valuing key governance factors were influenced by parties' perceptions of their roles in ICM. This, in turn, affects the way each party views the outcomes of ICM and the outcomes that follow.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE LIVELIHOOD MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS SOCIAL MOVEMENT STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAILAND THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD BANK REFORMS WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Han, K. (2008) Community-Based Disaster Management in Myanmar: The Case of Cyclone Nargis Affected Communities in Bogale Township, Ayeyarwady Division

Title: Community-Based Disaster Management in Myanmar: The Case of Cyclone Nargis Affected Communities in Bogale Township, Ayeyarwady Division

Author: Kyaw Thu Mya Han

Year: 2008

Keywords: COMMUNITY-BASED DISASTER MANAGEMENT/LOCAL PEOPLE/CYCLONE NARGIS/AYEYARWADY DELTA

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Abstract:

This study aims to identify and assess existing efforts of the local people in managing natural disaster at the community level. It also explores the necessary conditions for the promotion of community-based disaster management focusing on three communities of Bogale Township, Ayeyarwady delta, including Ma Gu Ywar Ma, Pay Chain Lay and Thar Yar Gone villages. Exploratory and qualitative methods are used in the study. Analysis is based on empirical field observations guided by disaster management framework of the UN agencies, international non-governmental organizations and local non-governmental organizations concerned. The study evaluates the government policies and framework on disaster management, and the role of local communities in disaster relief activities. Local household members were interviewed.

The study finds the villagers were able to organize themselves at a minimum level, e.g., maintaining relief items in their communities' warehouses, and reconstructing the school. Aspects of community disaster management were not well established such as early warning system and evacuation protocols as well as the humanitarian relief operation. This reflects upon the government's initial arrangement for the community was not adequate. The ability to mobilize and utilize local resources and the capacity of local communities still requires continuous national and international assistance. Under the strictly control of the government's command over the relief operation, the community-based disaster management cannot be fully exercised. This is due to the fact that the community needs to access to the initial humanitarian re4ief to be able to play a greater role in reviving their livelihoods; and the two-way communication channels with other actors including the government agencies is not established.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE LIVELIHOOD MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS SOCIAL MOVEMENT STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAILAND THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD BANK REFORMS WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Sombolinggi, R. (2008) Palm Oil Plantations in Indonesia: Government Policy and Its Impact on Indigenous Peoples in West Kalimantan Province

Title: Palm Oil Plantations in Indonesia: Government Policy and Its Impact on Indigenous Peoples in West Kalimantan Province

Author: Rukka Sombolinggi

Year: 2008

Keywords: DEVELOPMENT/INDIGENOUS PEOPLES / GOVERNMENT POLICY/ LAND RIGHTS/FREE, PRIOR AND INFORMED CONSENT

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Abstract:

This study is about the challenges faced by indigenous peoples in globalization era where modernization and development are inevitable making indigenous peoples among the most vulnerable sections of society. Land, territory and resources that are considered sacred, part of their identity and cultural integrity are at stake. Therefore, they need protections to ensure continuity of their very existence.

This research focuses on land acquisition process for palm oil plantations and its impacts on the life of indigenous peoples in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The study tries to find out how the government policymaking process carried out in West Kalimantan's palm oil plantation and what are the impacts of government policy on palm oil plantations to the indigenous peoples in West Kalimantan?

It is found that the conditional recognition on the rights of indigenous peoples within the Indonesia's legal framework has caused problems around 1) land, culture and identity; 2) food security and livelihood; 3) water resources; 4) criminalization of indigenous leaders and costly justice; 5) the loss of sacred sites and; 6) indigenous women.

The study recommends a reform in the national laws and policy to be consistent with international standard to ensure the protection of indigenous peoples and further prevent them from social exclusion and discrimination.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE LIVELIHOOD MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS SOCIAL MOVEMENT STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAILAND THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD BANK REFORMS WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Thammavong, V. (2008) The Socio-Economic Impacts of Lao-Thai Informal Border Trade on People's Livelihood and Poverty Reduction

Title: The Socio-Economic Impacts of Lao-Thai Informal Border Trade on People's Livelihood and Poverty Reduction

Author: Viengxay Thammavong

Year: 2008

Keywords: INFORMAL BORDER TRADE/ NETWORK/ LIVELIHOOD/ POVERTY REDUCTION

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Abstract:This study focuses on studying the characteristics of informal border trade networks and its relation to formal channel, and the impacts of informal trade on people's livelihood involving in the informal trade.

The finding determined that almost of the informal border traders are women, aged between 25 to 45 years old, with low level of education. Most of the informal border trade was on a small scale and the products traded are mostly consumption and household goods. The research also indicated that the income earning from informal border trade of the traders is much higher than those from their previous jobs. Therefore, the informal border trade is a real source of income for people who involve in the business and it can be considered as their main job. As the result, their living condition has been improved better.

The finding of the research showed that the border traders are able to overcome the barriers in their business operations by calling on a number of social network and business skills. They work in a social community which included other border traders, porters and other parties. The combination of these social linkages gives border traders advantages in minimizing hassles, building trust and increasing the scope of their capabilities. At the same time, they use these social networks to guard against another party taking advantage of them.

The research also found that the businesses of these cross border traders are themselves combine a formal and informal characteristic. On the shop itself, a shop owner has to apply for a license from authority concerned and pay taxes to customs while goods suppliers in a shop buy from both formal and informal channel in order to reduce their capital and gain maximize profit. Therefore, formal and informal trades are overlapping in this border trade area.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COUNTRY OWNERSHIP COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY PAPERS REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAKSIN SHINAWATRA VIETNAM WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD BANK REFORMS WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Chotesungnoen, K. (2007) Politics and Bureaucracy Behind Thai Government's Issuance of Compulsory Licensing (CL)

Title: Politics and Bureaucracy Behind Thai Government's Issuance of Compulsory Licensing (CL)

Author: Kamolrat Chotesungnoen

Year: 2007

Keywords: THAI GOVERNMENT'S COMPULSORY LICENSING/ NATIONAL POLITICS/ MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH'S BUREAUCRACY

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Abstract:

This research seeks to elaborate and identify the determining factors that led to the Thai government's issuance of CL during the military-installed government of General Surayud Chulanont (October 2006 - January 2008). This research places an emphasis on two contexts: 1) national politics that provided political opportunities following the September 19, 2006 coup d'etat; and 2) the Thai Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)'s bureaucracy and its key features. Research findings revealed that national politics was a determining factor. The conceptual framework of "Political Opportunity Structure (POS)" was applied to analyze the changed dimensions of the Thai state that provided incentives for MoPH bureaucrats to undertake collective action and to eventually bring about CL. It found that previous Thai governments and concerned authorities, particularly during the period of 1998-2006, had been submissive and could not withstand international pressure and trade sanctions. Thus the issues of access to medicines was not taken as a priority, and was even swept aside when the country was under increasing domination of neoliberal globalization and international trade interests. Research findings showed that the September 19 coup opened up political opportunities for the Thai government's ability to issue CL. The political opportunities include the reconfiguration of national cleavage structure and institutional structure. Research findings showed that the MoPH's bureaucracy was another determining factor. This research applied the framework of "Politico-Administrative Structure (PAS)" to characterize the relationship and bargaining among bureaucrats (political and civilian) as well as between bureaucrats and non-state actors (civil society and drug, TNCs). It elaborated that cultural and structural/functional features of the MoPH's bureaucracy were accountable. Cultural elements were manifested in two aspects: 1) the MoPH's philosophy; and 2) institutional perceptions on the right to access to healthcare and medicines at both the national level and the level of the MoPH. Structural and functional dimensions also significantly contributed to the issuance of CL by transforming structural limitations into an active (functional) administrative policy. The success of CL issuance derived from four major implications: 1) decentralization and authority dispersion; 2) putting a panel under the direct supervision of the MoPH Minister; 3) not deferring the final decision to the cabinet; and 4) using the prevailing strategy of "highly coordinated" in dealing with health civil society. Lastly, this research built on preceding analysis and offered a reassessment of capacity, authority, and autonomy behind the Thai government's issuance of CL. Among these three fundamental aspects, research findings proved that autonomy was a determining factor.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY COUNTRY OWNERSHIP COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION FTA WATCH GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY PAPERS REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAKSIN SHINAWATRA VIETNAM WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD BANK REFORMS WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Vongsuksiri, R. (2007) Global Market Pressures and Corporate Social Responsibility: A Case Study of Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers in Thailand

Title: Global Market Pressures and Corporate Social Responsibility: A Case Study of Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers in Thailand

Author: Rojanayol Vongsuksiri

Year: 2007

Keywords: GLOBAL MARKET PRESSURES / CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY/ ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY

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Abstract:

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be seen as a critical element in supporting the sustainable development of Thailand, specifically within the scope of environmental protection and conservation. The objective of this thesis is to identify the driving force of CSR in Thailand through an analysis of the Electrical and Electronic (EE) sector, including the perspective and rationale of business owners in implementing CSR policies, and to determine what motivates their businesses in Thailand to practice CSR and the difficulties they encounter. Five large manufacturers with a minimum of seventy percent export of total production were selected for case studies. Three have prominent environmental management and CSR practices and two had ambiguous CSR practices.

The research found that each of the four key players. i.e. the Government, civil society, buyers and manufacturers influence CSR at different levels. At the international level, stringent government regulations mandate industries to operate with minimal impact on the environment. Social pressure from consumers demanding 'green' products oblige businesses to be socially and environmentally responsible. However, at regional and national levels there is relatively weak regulation enforcement by governments to put pressure on the private sector to implement CSR. Furthermore, Thai consumers appear to have little awareness of environmental problems and the role of purchasing power in creating social pressure for environmentally-friendly products. However, the existence of an economy that is export-driven means that many manufactures and businesses are inevitably subject to the rules and regulations of importing markets and international buyers. Amid increasing competition it is imperative to meet the requirements of customers and consumers. In sum, the research found that global market pressures from international markets are a main CSR driving force in Thailand. With the lack of domestic government support in certain cases, financial means to implement CSR policies and environmental management appears to be the main obstacle to their general adoption.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY COUNTRY OWNERSHIP COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION FTA WATCH GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY PAPERS REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAKSIN SHINAWATRA VIETNAM WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD BANK REFORMS WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Myint, T. (2007) Creating Democratic Space in Myanmar: The Role of Civil Society Organizations

Title: Creating Democratic Space in Myanmar: The Role of Civil Society Organizations

Author: Tay Zar Moe Myint

Year: 2007

Keywords: DEMOCRATIC SPACE/CIVIL SOCIETY

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Abstract:

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have been present and operating in Myanmar/Burma. The thesis argues that some CSOs in Burma are trying to reach out the poorest sectors of the country's populations, bringing to them development assistance for those who faced economic and social problems, and others are being seen as an agent for democratization process through its political engagement in public arena. The study then tries to find out how civil society organizations in Burma create democratic space under the authoritarian regime.

The study tries to understand present framework of the relationship between state and civil society organizations. The study chose the 88 Generation Students as a social movement organization which fights for democracy. It also chose Shalom Foundation as local NGO which focus on democratization. It also attempts to identify various approaches, strategies and ideologies of the organizations and examines strengths and weaknesses of them. It also analyzes the limitation of Burmese democracy and available space for CSOs in fostering democratization process in Burma.

The study concludes that there are limited political opportunities for CSOs in Burma to successfully bring about democracy at the national level, but there are certain political opportunities for NGOs, as part of civil society organizations working under humanitarian approach, to expand and politicize its existing public space and can be seen as a condition for fostering long-term democratization process inside the country.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY COUNTRY OWNERSHIP COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION FTA WATCH GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY PAPERS REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAKSIN SHINAWATRA VIETNAM WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD BANK REFORMS WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Suphaphong, T. (2007) The Making of Political Space in Public Policy on Bilateral Free Trade Agreements: The Case of FTA Watch

Title: The Making of Political Space in Public Policy on Bilateral Free Trade Agreements: The Case of FTA Watch

Author: Theerada Suphaphong

Year: 2007

Keywords: FTA WATCH / SOCIAL MOVEMENT / FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

Download PDF of Abstract: English Thai

Abstract:

The research question of this paper is: How is FTA WATCH able to make political space in gaining access to pressure and influence the policy process on bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)? Using qualitative methodology and interpretations through social movement theory, this paper uses the term "the making of political space" as a conceptual framework which refers to the process which FTA WATCH creates and expands their influence into the realm of policy governance. It looks at the ways in which FTA WATCH operates in order to gain access over resources, to making the movement visible in the society, and to seek authority to influence changes.

The research reveals that the emergence and the operation of FTA WATCH are embedded in the context of the proliferation of FTAs which develop countries use in engaging in political and economic relations with developing countries. The government of Thailand has been eager to enter FTA negotiations with major economic power since 2003 onwards. However, the FTA policy governance was carried on in intransparent and accelerated manner without thorough impact assessments and substantive public consultation. The immediate results of FTAs caused vulnerabilities in the farming sector.

The members of FTA WATCH who are academics, activists from non-governmental organizations and grassroots network have formed a coalition to monitor and make changes in the policy governance. They can make political space under oppressive circumstances through the use of their accumulated knowledge on the issues related to the modalities in FTAs to create the discourse which counter argue with the government's discourse. They use a combination of strategies and tactics through institutional and non-institutional channels to influence changes in FTA policy governance.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY COUNTRY OWNERSHIP COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY PAPERS REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAKSIN SHINAWATRA VIETNAM WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD BANK REFORMS WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Vladica, V. (2007) World Bank Reforms: New Strategy, Old Ideology

Title: World Bank Reforms: New Strategy, Old Ideology

Author: Viorica Vladica

Year: 2007

Keywords: WORLD BANK REFORMS/POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY PAPERS/VIETNAM/COUNTRY OWNERSHIP

Download PDF of Abstract: English Thai

Abstract:

Amid various efforts to reform its policies, the World Bank (WB) announced more than five years ago a new policy framework for developing countries known as Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP). Deriving from the Comprehensive Development Framework (CDF), publicized a year earlier, and in tune with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), launched by the UN system, the new approach placed the concept of poverty reduction at the core of development paradigm and embarked on the principle of participatory development planning. Although the intention was to attribute aid-recipient governments the lead role in defining policies funded by the WB, and expand the development and poverty understanding with views from the civil society and the poor, the initiative exhibited various weaknesses in implementation. This paper analyzes the weaknesses but also the progress in implementation of PRSP through the assessment of various development stakeholders' involvement in order to answer whether the PRSP approach represents a change in the practices and philosophy of the WB towards developing countries.

While many civil society groups maintain that regardless of its policy shifts, the WB is resistant to change its ideological pattern, the paper argues that the PRSP initiative is a sign that the Bank is changing. It insists that, with the adoption of PRSP, governments seized their legitimate authority to shape the development policy framework for their own country and determine conditions for policy support, while non-state development stakeholders acquired an outstanding opportunity to influence development outcomes. With Vietnam and its Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (CPRGS) as a case study, the paper identifies the necessary conditions and prerequisites for a successful PRSP implementation, and points out what it takes for a country to be in the driver's seat over the development course.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY COMMUNITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HOCHIMINH CITY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY POLICY IMPLEMENTATION REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SENSITIVE SERVICES SHADOW STATE POLITICS SMES SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL EVILS STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Le, X. (2007) A Case Study of 'Morally Sensitive' Enterprises of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City

Title: A Case Study of 'Morally Sensitive' Enterprises of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City

Author: Xuan Minh Le

Year: 2007

Keywords: SMES, SENSITIVE SERVICES, SOCIAL EVILS, ISSURANCE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATE TRANSLATION TO MARKET ECONOMY, POLICY IMPLEMENTATION, STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRAT, HOCHIMINH CITY

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Abstract:

Thanks to the transformation to market economy and international integration of Vietnam, the role of private sector takes a vital part in the economy, in which SMEs take over 95% of the total number. However, despite their significant contribution, SMEs working in "sensitive" services still have faced many obstacles when obtaining the business registration certificate in Ho Chi Minh City. The purpose of the research is to study the factors influence issuance of business registration certificate for "sensitive" SMEs in the context of Vietnam's transformation to market economy and WTO penetration. Findings from the study prove that issuance of business registration certificate for sensitive enterprise is complicated, non-transparent, and unreasonable. Especially, contrary to the hypothesis, the study finds various opposite viewpoints of officials due to their ideology.

Based on the findings, it can be concluded that this policy failed due to some reasons: (i) bias of conservative officials against "sensitive" businesses; (ii) inadequate interpretation of the policy by street-level bureaucrats; (iii) poor knowledge of the public about regulations on the business registration; (iv) traditional prejudice of the public perception as well as mass media towards private sector. Overall, in the context of economic transition and global integration, two conflict principles market economy versus social morality also contribute to the policy failure. Last but not least, in order to close this research, the author recommended prospective researches researchers pay much more attention to actions and the role of street-level bureaucrats when studying policy implementation in Vietnam.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER COMMUNITY COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP DEMOCRACY IN BURMA DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE HIGHER EDUCATION HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE KAREN REFUGEES KHMER ROUGE MIGRATION MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SHADOW STATE POLITICS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-BURMA BORDER THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAI FEMALE THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Kengkunchorn, A. (2006) An Assessment of the Needs for Higher Education of Karen Refugees Along the Thai-Myanmar Border: A Case Study of Nu Po Camp: Pornpimol Trichot

Title: An Assessment of the Needs for Higher Education of Karen Refugees Along the Thai-Myanmar Border: A Case Study of Nu Po Camp: Pornpimol Trichot

Author: Arayan Kengkunchorn

Year: 2006

Keywords: KAREN REFUGEES, THAI-BURMA BORDER, CURRENT EDUCATION IN THE CAMP, HIGHER EDUCATION, COUNTRY RECONSTRUCTURE, DEMOCRACY IN BURMA

Download PDF of Abstract: English Thai

Abstract:

Education for refugees is almost as important as meeting their physical needs for food, water, shelter and health. Refugee education is the process of providing knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary for survival, improving their quality of life, adapting to their changing world, and preparing for eventual return to their country. Ethnic conflict and human rights violations in Burma have created mass outflows of refugees, internally displaced people and migrants to neighboring countries. Thailand has received hundreds of thousands of Burmese refugees since the mid 1980s. Currently there are 9 Burmese refugee camps on the Thai-Burma border. This study looks at the scale of the problem, assessment for existing education and quality, and the range of higher education opportunities that are potentially available for refugees outside the camp. In addition, the paper investigates the systems and policies of NGOs, UNHCR and the Royal Thai Government with regard to the higher educational opportunities of Karen refugees. This study is derived from quantitative and qualitative research using a combination of documentary research and field collection. Within the documentary research theoretical data are collected through review of the existing literature, field data was collected through in-depth interviews, group discussions, questionnaires observations and as well as reviewing ex:stir:1 information published by NG0s. The key informants including in this study were Karen refugees in the camp, CBOs, NGOs, institutions, the Ministry of Interior (N101) and Ministry of Education (MOE). The study reveals that there is basic education, such as primary, secondary and post secondary levels_ available in the refugee camps. The Karen Education Department (KED) and NGOs are responsible for education management. This study shows that there is a need for higher education to be accessible to the refugees for their future development. The study shows that the current education system does not meet the needs of the Karen refugees and is not very helpful for when they go back to Burma. Higher education can be accessed only with the cooperation and assistance of NGOs, CBOs and RTG. There is a stated need for the international community, NGOs and the Royal Thai Government to increase awareness about higher education for refugees, as well as the extent the provision of current education quality to the refugees. This study also looks at the role of the international community in ensuring comprehensive provision of higher education for all refugees, and refugees' right to higher education and freedom to choose education throughout the Karen refugee camps.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER COMMUNITY DEMOCRATIZATION DISCOURSE EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNION GOOD GOVERNANCE HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE KHMER ROUGE MYANMAR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT NGO OTOP PARTICIPATORY MANGROVE FORESTRY REINTEGRATION RESISTANCE SHADOW STATE POLITICS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-KAREN PEOPLE THAKSIN SHINAWATRA WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Latt, P. (2006) The Politics of Humanitarian Aid: A Study of European Union's Humanitarian Assistance Policy and Strategy to Myanmar

Title: The Politics of Humanitarian Aid: A Study of European Union's Humanitarian Assistance Policy and Strategy to Myanmar

Author: Phyo Win Latt

Year: 2006

Keywords: : HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE / GOOD GOVERNANCE/ EUROPEAN UNION/ DEMOCRATIZATION

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Abstract:

The main objective of this thesis is to study the European Union's humanitarian aid policy and strategy, its positive and negative implications to Burma/Myanmar, and other issues concerning the topic. The European Union (EU) has been a major channel in providing humanitarian assistance to Burma/Myanmar. Although the EU is given the chance to deliver this initiative directly to the public, challenges and obstacles are perceived to fail its operations. In addition, this study aims to examine the EU's humanitarian assistance strategies and policies and the implications of its humanitarian assistance. The answers to the research questions are sought through primary and secondary sources of information obtained from surveys.

The studies finds out that EU does have strong economic interest in South East Asia Region and it is to be believed that by using aid as a carrot, EU can induce Burma/Myanmar to do political reform to meet the situation in which EU can accept it as democratic and good governance and do business with. And I conclude my study by pointing out the factors that shape the EU's humanitarian assistance policy and affirm that possible limitations and difficulties await and will make the donor's expectation not to meet fully.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER EDUCATION RESISTANCE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-KAREN PEOPLE WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Komonjaroon, P. (2005) Education and Work Opportunities: A Path to Social and Economic Development of Thai-Karen Communities in the Border Districts of Tak Province

Title: Education and Work Opportunities: A Path to Social and Economic Development of Thai-Karen Communities in the Border Districts of Tak Province

Author: Phalehcher Komonjaroon

Year: 2005

Keywords: SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT / EDUCATION / WORK OPPORTUNITIES / THAI-KAREN PEOPLE / TAK PROVINCE

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Abstract:

The objective of the research is that, firstly it is going to study the situation of the livelihoods of Thai-Karen communities living in the border districts of Tak province. Secondly it is going to examine their contemporary social and economic development. Thirdly and finally the research is going to explore the interrelationship between education, work opportunity and economic development of Thai-Karen communities in the area. The research hypotheses are that; (1) formal tertiary education of Karen students provides work opportunities in NGOs, and for the provision of tourism business and regional economic cooperation projects in the local districts; (2) their informal education, such as English language and local dialects proficiencies from apprenticeships and occupational trainings, enhances their work opportunities; and (3) social and economic development of Thai-Karen people can be appraised in terms of opportunities of Karen young adult students towards education and works. Qualitative research was employed as methodology of study. From July 2005 to January 2006 the anthropological field study, documentary research, focus group discussions with primary and secondary students, non-participatory observations in the Thai-Karen villagers, and in-depth interviews and formal and informal interviews with NGOs staffs, village administration staffs, foreign missionaries, farmers, Karen students and young adults were conducted as methods of information and data collection.

The research findings are as follows. Firstly, if taken as a whole the livelihoods of Thai-Karen communities in the border districts of Tak province rely on different kinds of agricultural farming, and their economic status is at subsistence level. Secondly there are disparities among different groups. The poorest are farmers who own or not own a piece of farmland for household consumption. A big number of young people have approached to cities and urban areas for low-paid jobs in factories and shops. Farmers with a bigger piece of farmland can earn extra crops and improve their earnings. Very few better-off Thai-Karen families own home-shops or family business based on farming. Thirdly farmland scarcity, a lack of skills, low education and a lack of supports for tertiary education pursuits of Thai-Karen students, remote and scattered communities, and a lack of adequate public services are the main burdens to their development. Lastly but not least the research has found that the attainment of Thai-Karen young adult students for formal tertiary education at government education institutions such as Rajabhat University, Vocational Training College or any other University in Thailand, together with informal education, informal in the sense that students learn it from outside school, such as English language skills and local dialects from apprenticeships and occupational trainings provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has enhanced their work opportunities in NGOs and for the provision of tourism business and regional economic cooperation projects in local area. These kinds of livelihoods have provided better earnings for Karen young adult students, which lead to social and economic development of their communities. Therefore it can be concluded that formal and informal education of Thai-Karen young adult students will be a tool for their work opportunities, and it will be a path to the social and economic development of their communities.

Contact MAIDS-Chula for more information and full thesis at maidschula@gmail.com

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BIOPOWER EDUCATION RESISTANCE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TAK PROVINCE THAI-KAREN PEOPLE WORK OPPORTUNITIES WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Jones, R. (2005) Transversal Resistance and Power: An Interpretation of the World Social Forum

Title: Transversal Resistance and Power: An Interpretation of the World Social Forum

Author: Rochelle Jones

Year: 2005

Keywords: RESISTANCE / BIOPOWER / WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

Download PDF of Abstract: English Thai

Abstract:

The global development agenda, encompassing neo-liberal policy convergence and global capitalism, has gained momentum since the end of the Cold War and has been perpetuated and upheld by the multilateral institutions of the World Bank, World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund. The global development agenda is not limited to these institutions, however, and is rather transversal and biopolitical, which is revealed through an analysis of how the global development agenda is regulated and maintained by historically constituted institutions, norms, categories and identities that are perpetuated by countries in the North, particularly the United States. In response to the global development agenda, new social movements are resisting the homogenizing thrust of global capitalism and neo-liberal policy, and developing and articulating new logics of meaning that are challenging the terms and categories of the global development agenda. This resistance is transversal, because it transgresses national boundaries and questions the very logic through which these boundaries frame international politics.

The research question of this paper is: How does transversal resistance challenge the global development agenda? Using qualitative methodology and post-structuralist interpretations of power and dissent, this paper explores the transformative capacity of transversal resistance in regards to dominant narratives. Using the World Social Forum (WSF) as a site of transversal resistance, the paper focuses on three sites of potential transformation: The realm of 'dailiness'; spaces; and identity. The research reveals that values and norms play an important role in perpetuating dominant power, and that the WSF is a unique form of politics that challenges the terms and categories of the global development agenda and demonstrates the capacity to destabilize these dominant terms and categories. It does this via the creation of new logics of meaning and practice, by providing a platform for new forms of communication and collaboration, and by contributing to a process of reconstituting and transforming identities.

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BIOPOWER RESISTANCE WORLD SOCIAL FORUM