New Mandala was launched on 16 June 2006. So much has changed since then.
If you are intrigued by New Mandala‘s evolution then the posts marking our first, second, third, fourth and fifth birthdays cover a fair amount of the important ground. You may also be interested to read the comments of the Australian National University’s Vice Chancellor on the occasion of our fifth birthday. His judgement was that:
New Mandala provides a valuable service to readers throughout the world with an interest in issues in the region. Additionally, it provides academic and insider news and views about and for some parts of the world where freedom of speech is restricted…
We continue to build and change. The immediate outlook for the site will see some very significant transformations — the biggest in our six-year history. Some of those are long overdue and will see us heading in even more exciting directions. Thanks to all of our commentators, informants and readers for all of your support over the past year.
There is, as ever, more to come…
Happy Birthday!
Who has a New Mandala tattoo? When will the Vice Chancellor start insisting that there be a subscription fee for using New Mandala? Will there be a discount for our poorer neighbours, or will it be more expensive? Will the National Tertiary Education Union get involved? Social and political change at New Mandala. Thai officials will exclaim, while creepily rubbing their hands together, “Oh, how the tables have turned!” and, then cackle as lightening strikes. Very exciting.
As always,
Sabai sabai
Quality comment or not?
0 
0
Sukkha..and Happy Birthday to New Mandala.
Quality comment or not?
0 
0
I wish you many more. You might be interested in this, if NM was a person (http://www.netplaces.com/birthday-personology/june/june-16.htm), especially as astrology is so very important for many:
June 16 by Marian Singer (edited for length)
You mix principles with logic, a craving for prosperity with a charitable spirit, and a love for fashion with a gypsy’s eye! Needless to say, this can confuse acquaintances, and even you sometimes get lost in the fast-changing tide. This is particularly dominant in your younger years; later in life you begin to get control of your variable nature….
You have an open mind but a guarded heart. Intellectually it’s easy to reach you, but appealing to your emotions is risky at best, a turn-off at worst. People should present concepts and proposals to you in a forthright, well-reasoned manner if they want to be taken seriously….
Gift idea: a briefcase.
Quality comment or not?
0 
0