New Mandala

When I am asked I sometimes make the idle observation that many of the Burmese I know are, in general terms, very bookish, curious, intellectual types.  Burma, to take the generalisation further, is a society where knowledge is valued, and the average citizen demonstrates a passion for learning.  Of course, any stereotype of this sort [...]

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Over at Political Prisoners in Thailand there is a forensic analysis of Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol’s academic career.  The analysis was motivated by the recent award of the Windaus Medal to the princess.  New Mandala readers with interests in academic politics or royal careers will probably find the treatment instructive.

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“Ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra will award 6,000 scholarships in Thailand to celebrate his 60th birthday in what is seen as a direct challenge to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s popularity…”
- Extracted from “Thaksin marks birthday with scholarships”, The Nation, 22 July 2009.
“His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is granting 152 scholarships to secondary students from needy [...]

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In recent months there has been much news about a spate of brutal attacks on Indian overseas students in Australia. These have especially occurred in Melbourne, although there have been cases in other cities. Many of the attacks have been vicious. One student lost an eye, another was stabbed with a screwdriver. Location of attacks [...]

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