Welcome morning off to rest, regroup and sleep in!

Depart for U.S. embassy

On route to embassy, remarks & insights by Gerry (Gerry W Fry) our co-host & travel companion. Gerry serves as Professor of International/ Intercultural Education at The University of Minnesota.

• Called Krung Thep in Thai, Bangkok is the capital of Thailand & the nation's commercial, political, social and cultural canter. Means "City of Angles" - Thai - long name.
• In 1932 Siam became a constitutional monarchy. Under Prime Minister Phibun Songkram, the 1930's saw rising nationalism: the country was renamed Prathet Thai (Thailand) and sided with Japan against the Allies in WWII. Prathet Thai (Thailand) means "land of the Thai people".
• Some don't like the name "Thailand" used because it makes one think of a colony, i.e. Swaziland, etc.
• Thailand celebrated its 300th birthday in 1998.
• Bangkok celebrated its 200th birthday in 1992.
• Bangkok means "village of wild plums."
• 1963 representative from Lynchburg, Virginia came to help the Thais with future city planning. They filled canals with cement.
• Recommendation to go to Jim Thompson's Silk house - as it is one of the best-preserved traditional Thai houses in Bangkok & the finest museum in the country. Jim Thompson was an American entrepreneur & he revived the art of Thai silk weaving following its demise during WWII. Jim Thompson came to Bangkok in 1945 as the head of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a forerunner of the CIA. In 1967 while walking in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia he disappeared. Speculations are; he fell from the path, had a heart attack, was eaten by a tiger or sinister suggestions of CIA involvement.
• Thai's suffered least among its neighbors during WWII.
• Thai farmers own their own land.
• Thailand is trying to carve out niche in - gems, & gem cutting, automobile industry, tourism, transportation, convention & conferences. OPOP (one province, one product).
• 3 themes: Nation, Religion, King.
• The Devil's Discus book about King Ramayana 8th who died mysteriously - it is banned in.
• King is 7 years old - born in Cambridge Massachusetts

Arrive at US Embassy, discussion with Mr. Clifford Heinzu, Second Secretary, Political Section.

• Thailand has been an ally to the US for 50 years.
• Major non-NATO ally & supported us in war with Afghanistan.
• 2nd largest mission of US behind Cairo & Iraq.
• 3 missions - Public Health, International Crime & Corruption, Burmese Refugees.
• Thailand doesn't receive much US aid. It is wealthy enough on its own (They want to do it themselves).
• Because of issues related to Burma, complexities with US - Thai relationship.
• The prime Minister is popular in the country & is an emerging leader in Asia.
• People's Constitution adapted in 1997 - very democratic document.
• At present, Thais are gearing up for election.
• His Platform - War on poverty, War against narcotics, War against crime.
• Socialized medicine popular.
• Offers line of credit to villagers.
• 1300 unsolved homicides (twice more than US).
• Country corruption campaign.
• Health care - multiple tiers, public health paid in tax revenue.
• Underground activity - not paying taxes.
• 2000-3000 annual pay for farmers.
• Few opportunities for work for US people due to wage differences.
• Prime minister has US degree - He worries that Thais aren't proficient in English & need to be.
• Poor teacher training standards.
• Ethnic - 12% Chinese Thai (Hmong), Malay, Hill tribe - many small groups.
• Don't hold local and national elections at the same time.
• Voting turnout higher in Thailand than in the US.
• Don't criticize Royal Family, considered a felony.
• King has limited authority, much public support, good reputation.
• King can intervene in extreme cases.
• King & I movie is banned in Thailand (believe Anna is liar!).
• Mr. Heinzu believes the Prince will succeed the king

Depart embassy at 4:30 pm
Debriefing in Namji's room
Gery shared six examples of "Thinking:"

• Compare/Contrast
• Critical Thinking
• Creative
• Clear
• Culturally Sensitive
• Credible

Gery will supply bibliography of books & movies discussed

Part of group was led to "Asia Books" by Gery

Majority of group enjoyed a fun evening & delicious meal at the popular restaurant, Cabbages and Condoms.