DOCSLIB.ORG

Sacred Power Transmission and the Network of Phu Thai Folk Healers

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Sacred Power Transmission and the Network of Phu Thai Folk Healers SACRED POWER ก, which must be performed TRANSMISSION AND THE annually for three consecutive years in order to obtain and sustain the sacred NETWORK OF PHU THAI healing power. A “Yao” healer FOLK HEALERS IN TAMBON completing these rituals is then regarded NONYANG, NONGSUNG as being spiritually empowered with a DISTRICT, MUKDAHAN “healing license.” After that, Yao 1 practitioners will be authorized to transfer PROVINCE their sacred power to heal patients. Those patients who fully recover can decide later Surachai Chinnabutr2 whether or not they would like to pursue the goal of becoming a Yao practitioner themselves, which is how the network is formed. This study illustrates the Abstract relationship between the ritual and folk healing methods of the Phu Thai ethnic The purpose of this paper is to study the group in northeastern Thailand. ways the sacred power of “Moh Yao,” Phu Thai folk healers, are transmitted and Introduction to study the network formation between the Yao healers and their followers through ritual in Tambon Nonyang, The aim of this paper is to study the Yao Nongsung District, Mukdahan Province, healing ritual/ of the Phu Thai in Thailand. Tambon Nonyang, Amphoe (District) Nonsung, Mukdahan province. The paper The research results reveal two methods of will focus on the transmission of the how the “Yao” healers inherit their sacred power of the Mor Yao/, folk sacred power: first, through the maternal healers or ritual practitioners, and the descent line, and second, through a formation of networks among Yao healers, certain ritual called “Yao Khum Phi Ok”/ their disciples and their followers. The research methodology consists of data collection from existing research on the Phu Thai people and the Yao healing ritual 1 This paper is a part of the author’s Ph.D and also from field research conducted in dissertation entitled, “Sacred Power Transmission 2008–2009, which consisted of participant of the Yao Ritual Practitioner and Phu Thai observation of the Yao ritual and in-depth Identity in Yao Liang Phi Ritual : A Case Study interviews with Yao ritual practitioners. of Tambon Nonyang, Amphoe Nong Sung, Changwat Mukdahan”, Department of Thai, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University. The The paper argues that the status of Phu field research is partially funded by Faculty of Thai Yao healers is acquired through the Arts, The Graduate School of Chulalongkorn maternal descent line and also through University and The Empowering Network for participating in and a certain ritual International Thai Studies (ENITS), Institute of successfully completing as a rite of Thai Studies, Chulalongkorn University. passage. In addition, the paper also 2 Ph. D Candidate, Department of Thai, attempts to illustrate the Phu Thai system Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University. of forming networks among Phu Thai Downloaded from Brill.com10/01/2021 10:53:48AM via free access Sacred Power Transmission and the Network of Phu Thai Folk Healers ritual practitioners. This kind of network Dongwai village, which later became reflects a very interdependent relationship Renunakorn, Nakhon Phanom province. among Yao practitioners, which in turn The third group settled in Kud Sim City, enhances and sustains the transmission of which later became Kuchidnarai, Kalasin Phu Thai traditional healing rites. province. The fourth group settled in Phu Lan Chang town, which today is a sub- Background of the Phu Thai people district of Khao Wong district, Kalasin province. The fifth group settled in The Phu Thai, or Black Tai, originally Nongsung district, Mukdahan province resided in Mueang Thaeng or Dien Bien (Suwit Theerasasawat 1995: 19–22). Phu, in the Sib Song Ju Thai region of northern Vietnam. This region is adjacent The Phu Thai who settled in Nongsung to the southern China and the northern were the first group of Phu Thai that Laos. The Black Tai resided in the areas moved from Wang and Kham or in Laos. along the Black River. Their dress has This group crossed the Mekong River and typically been black or indigo-blue wrap- entered Thailand through Mukdahan around skirts with dark shirts which have province. There, the people met the ruler collars that cover their necks (Siraporn Na of Mukdahan province to ask for Thalang 2002: 37). After Mueang Thaeng, permission to settle. This was granted and they moved to Laos in the reign of King the group went to the west side of Anurutraja (1803–1828) of Vientiane city. Mukdahan city. They found an abundant The Black Tai were allowed to settle in the and fertile land that they named “Ban town of Wang, which had been the land of Nongsung,” which was later changed to the Kha (a Mon-Khmer indigenous ethnic Nongsung district, Mukdahan province group in central Laos). Later, the Black (Pullsawasdi Artwichai 1994: 38–39). Tai had conflicts and had war with the Kha. After the war, the Black Tai migrated Currently, the Phu Thai in Nongsung to Thailand through the northeastern part district, especially those in Tambon of the country during the reign of King Nonyang, still adhere to their culture and Rama III. traditions, such as the Bun Phrawet/ , the chanting of the Vessantara In Thailand, the Black Tai people are Jataka ceremony, and the Yao healing rite. called the Phu Thai. Three main groups of Phu Thai people hold the Yao rites more Phu Thai migrated from Laos and settled often than any other groups, with many in various provinces in northeastern ritual practitioner attendants at each rite. Thailand. The first group was from Wang This may be because the Phu Thai still town. The second group was from the strongly believe and have faith in Yao rites town of Sae Pon, and the last group was and Yao ritual practitioners, and they have from the town of Ga-pong. The Phu Thai continually tried to preserve their original from Wang came to Thailand across the Phu Thai traditions. The other reason is Mekong River through Mukdahan that Nonyang is located on a plain that is province and then separated into five encircled by hills, so it is a closed area groups. The first group settled in Pang which makes it more difficult for modern Prao village, which later became technology and innovations to penetrate. Pannanikom district, Sakon Nakhon province. The second group settled in 61 Downloaded from Brill.com10/01/2021 10:53:48AM via free access MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities, Special Issue No. 19, 2011 Nongsung district call their city spirits Phi Chao Pu Thala Background of the Phu Thai belief /. in spirits - Phi Pa Phi Na/––spirits The Phu Thai are a people whose villages residing in forests and rice have always been located in areas fields. These spirits make surrounded by forests and mountains, people sick when someone making their way of life close to nature. displeases them. Therefore, if This has led to a belief in supernatural a member of a family becomes beings since the Phu Thai believe that ill, the family will invite a supernatural powers help them live safely. ritual practitioner, mo song/ When there is an illness, the Phu Thai , to visit them and check believe that it is caused by spirits because which spirit has caused the they believe that there are spirits sickness. Then, the everywhere. Thus, healing can be done practitioner will hold a only by people who can contact the spirits. traditional healing rite for the The Phu Thai actively perform their patient. tradition of spirit worship. The important spirits that the Phu Thai worship are: - Phi Chuea/ or ancestral spirits––spirits of ancestors 3 - Phi Thaen/ ––the sky who have passed away. god. They have supernatural Ancestral spirits are powers and can do good or summoned to the altar which harm to people and crops. is installed in a special room called a hong hong/. The - Phi Ban Phi Mueang/ altar will be beautifully ––spirits protecting towns and decorated at a particular time cities. They also bless towns of the year. The Phu Thai and cities with fertility. In worship their ancestral spirits each city, there should be a because they believe that city pillar to show the ancestral spirits can cause boundary of the city spirits. In illness if they do not correctly some cities, people build worship them. (Sumitr shrines in which these spirits Pitiphat 1992: 28–30) reside. The Phu Thai in With respect to the Phu Thai in Nonyang, 3 The word Phi/ means spirit. The word most elderly people prefer the traditional Thaen/ means sky. Phi Thaen refers to a healing rites to modern medical treatment sky spirit or sky god and also the highest god. since the Phu Thai believe that illnesses In Laotian belief, it may be called Phi Fah/; are caused by spirits. When the Fah also means sky. In Phu Thai belief, it is practitioner knows the cause of the illness, usually referred to with compound words: Phi e.g., the wrongdoing of the patient against Thai Phi Thaen/, meaning the Great which spirits, the practitioner will contact Sky God. 62 Downloaded from Brill.com10/01/2021 10:53:48AM via free access Sacred Power Transmission and the Network of Phu Thai Folk Healers the spirits that can cure the illness with a - Inheritance of sacred power proper rite. through the Yao Khum Phi Ok/ ก rite. The Phu Thai who live in the northeastern part of Thailand and in the Sawannakhet Inheritance of sacred power through region of Laos; the Lao Song in the family line Petchaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakorn Pathom, Suphanburi, and the central part of Laos; and the Black Tai in the northern part of Yao healers of the Phu Thai in Nonyang Vietnam share the same belief in Phi tend to be women who have inherited their Thaen, or Thaen for short.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Infected Areas As on 26 January 1989 — Zones Infectées an 26 Janvier 1989 for Criteria Used in Compiling This List, See No
    Wkty Epidem Rec No 4 - 27 January 1989 - 26 - Relevé éptdém hebd . N°4 - 27 janvier 1989 (Continued from page 23) (Suite de la page 23) YELLOW FEVER FIÈVRE JAUNE T r in id a d a n d T o b a g o (18 janvier 1989). — Further to the T r i n i t é - e t -T o b a g o (18 janvier 1989). — A la suite du rapport report of yellow fever virus isolation from mosquitos,* 1 the Min­ concernant l’isolement du virus de la fièvre jaune sur des moustiques,1 le istry of Health advises that there are no human cases and that the Ministère de la Santé fait connaître qu’il n’y a pas de cas humains et que risk to persons in urban areas is epidemiologically minimal at this le risque couru par des personnes habitant en zone urbaine est actuel­ time. lement minime. Vaccination Vaccination A valid certificate of yellow fever vaccination is N O T required Il n’est PAS exigé de certificat de vaccination anuamarile pour l’en­ for entry into Trinidad and Tobago except for persons arriving trée à la Trinité-et-Tobago, sauf lorsque le voyageur vient d’une zone from infected areas. (This is a standing position which has infectée. (C’est là une politique permanente qui n ’a pas varié depuis remained unchanged over the last S years.) Sans.) On the other hand, vaccination against yellow fever is recom­ D’autre part, la vaccination antiamarile est recommandée aux per­ mended for those persons coming to Trinidad and Tobago who sonnes qui, arrivant à la Trinité-et-Tobago, risquent de se rendre dans may enter forested areas during their stay ; who may be required des zones de
    [Show full text]
  • 2.3 Laos Road Assessment
    2.3 Laos Road Assessment Roads overview Summary of Roles and Services Road Construction / Maintenance Road Classification Distance matrix Road security and accidents Weighbridges Axle Load Limits Bridges Transport Corridors International corridors leading to the Country Main corridors within the Country (leading to main towns / hubs) Page 1 Page 2 Of the defined total road system of some 30,000 plus kilometers, only some 15% are paved. This may be given the low traffic volumes and predominance of two and three-wheeled vehicles. The usage of provincial and district road network is restricted during the rainy season. Less that 60% of district centers have year-round access. Roads overview Laos is a land locked country, and therefore relies on its neighbours, Vietnam and Thailand, for sea port services. Most of WFP’s commodities are imported through Bangkok, Thailand. Transport infrastructure in the Lao PDR is at an early stage of development as demonstrated by the Lao PDR’s road density of 6.1 km per 1,000 people as well as by the road quality.. In addition, the general demands on the transport infrastructure are low, since traffic levels on the national network (except near Vientiane and Savannakhet) are below 1,000 average annual daily traffic and below 500 average annual daily traffic on most other networks. However, demand has been increasing over the years at an annual rate of 5%–8% for goods and 8%–10% for passengers, indicating a rise in line with economic growth. A majority of the roads are impassable during the rainy season. (Source: Statistical Year Book Lao PDR 2014, MPI) The Lao road network is estimated at about 46,000 Km, with only 28% paved.
    [Show full text]
  • NHBSS 042 1F Srikosamatara
    Commentary NAT. NAT. HIST. BUL L. SIAM Soc. 42 ・3-21 ， 1994 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ALONG THE THAI-LAO BORDER Sompoad Srikosamatara* and Varavudh Suteethorn** ABSTRACT During During April 1993 ， a brief survey was made to examine 1) wildlife conservation n巴訂 Pha Pha Taem National Park ，Ubon Ratchathani Pr ovince ， 2) along the Th aトLao border of northem northem Th ailand especially ne 紅 Nam Poui Nature Reserve in Lao PDR and cross-coun 位y wildlife 回 de between 3) Th ailand and northem Lao PDR and 4) Th ailand and southem Lao PD R. Very little wildlife is left at Pha Taem National Park and 白e main objective of 血E park park is for tourism. Widespread slash-and-bum farming by highlanders and a good road b凶lt along 出eτbai-Lao border on 出e Th ai side were seen near Nam Poui. It is possible 白紙 a trans-boundary trans-boundary park between Pha Taem 加 d Phou Xiang 百 ong can be established ， while a park park between Nam Poui and other protected 釘 'eas in Th ailand is hard to visualize. Wildlife trade trade along the Th ai-Lao border of northem Th ailand was less than between Thailand and southem southem Lao PDR as previously reported by SRIKOSAMATARA et a l. (1992). Law enforce- ment ment to prevent wildlife trade on the Lao side at B 叩 Mai opposite to Kh ong Chiam ，Ubon Ratchatani Ratchatani Province ，will help a great deal to conserve wildlife in Lao PD R. It is suggested 白紙 banteng should be listed under CITES App 巴ndix 1 as the vo1ume of the trade between Th ailand and Lao PDR is very high ， and their homs resemble those of kouprey which is classified classified as an endangered species.
    [Show full text]
  • Qualitative Research) (Quantitative Research
    วารสารดานการบริหารรัฐกิจและการเมือง ปที่ 8 ฉบับที่ 1 (มกราคม-เมษายน 2562) ระบบโลจิสติกส เพื่อการทองเที่ยวเชื่อมโยงตามลําน้ําโขงไทย-ลาว กรณีศึกษา พื้นที่เขตเศรษฐกิจพิเศษมุกดาหาร-สะหวัน-เซโน และนครพนม-ทาแขก 1 ประจวบ จันทร*หมื่น 2 ได.รับบทความ: 14 มกราคม 2562 แก.ไขบทความแล.วเสร็จ: 18 กุมภาพันธ* 2562 ตอบรับตีพิมพ : 22 กุมภาพันธ* 2562 เผยแพร: 30 เมษายน 2562 บทคัดยอ การวิจัยครั้งนี้ มุ2งศึกษาระบบโลจิสติกส*การท2องเที่ยวเชื่อมโยงไทย-ลาว ในพื้นที่ เขตเศรษฐกิจพิเศษมุกดาหาร-สะหวัน-เซโนและนครพนม-ท2าแขก โดยใชแนวคิดระบบ โลจิสติกส*การท2องเที่ยวที่มองว2าโลจิสติกส*การท2องเที่ยว คือ กระบวนการสําคัญที่จะเชื่อม ประสานกิจกรรมต2าง ๆ ในเสนทางท2องเที่ยว ทําใหการเดินทางท2องเที่ยวของนักท2องเที่ยว ลื่นไหลจากจุดเริ่มตนไปจนถึงสิ้นสุดการเดินทาง จนไดรับความพึงพอใจสูงสุดจาก นักท2องเที่ยว การวิจัยครั้งนี้ใชวิธีวิทยาทั้งเชิงคุณภาพ (Qualitative Research) และ เชิงปริมาณ (Quantitative Research) วิธีวิจัยเชิงคุณภาพ ดําเนินการโดยใชกระบวนการ สํารวจและสัมภาษณ*ผูมีส2วนเกี่ยวของที่เปQนบุคคลสําคัญ ส2วนวิธีวิทยาเชิงปริมาณ 1 บทความนี้เปQนส2วนหนึ่งของโครงการวิจัยเรื่อง ระบบโลจิสติกส*เพื่อการท2องเที่ยวเชื่อมโยงตามลําน้ําโขง ไทย-ลาว กรณีศึกษา พื้นที่เขตเศรษฐกิจพิเศษมุกดาหาร-สะหวัน-เซโนและนครพนม-ท2าแขก ทุนสนับสนุนจากฝSายอุตสาหกรรมท2องเที่ยวและบริการ สํานักงานกองทุนสนับสนุนการวิจัย (สกว.) ทุนวิจัยมุ2งเปUา ปงบประมาณ 2561 2 ดร., อาจารย*ประจําสาขารัฐประศาสนศาสตร* วิทยาลัยกฎหมายและการปกครอง มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏ ศรีสะเกษ จังหวัดศรีสะเกษ อีเมล*: [email protected] 45 วารสารดานการบริหารรัฐกิจและการเมือง ปที่ 8 ฉบับที่ 1 (มกราคม-เมษายน 2562) ใชแบบสอบถามเพื่อเก็บขอมูลเชิงสถิติ จากนั้นวิเคราะห*ขอมูลเชิงพรรณนาอีกครั้ง
    [Show full text]
  • The Project Feasibility Study of Solid Waste Management in Kalasin Local Governance Organization to Produce Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)
    International Journal of Agricultural Technology 2017 Vol. 13(7.2): 1791-1803 Available online http://www.ijat-aatsea.com ISSN 1686-9141 The Project Feasibility study of Solid waste Management in Kalasin Local Governance Organization to Produce Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Prayoon Wongchantra1* , Kuantean Wongchantra2, Kannika Sookngam1, Likhit Junkaew1, Suparat Ongon1, Surasak Kaeongam1, Chonlatit Phansiri1 and Akkharadech Oncharoen1 1Center of Environmental Education Research and Training, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand 44150 ; 2 Srimahasarakham Nursing College, Mahasarakham, Thailand 44000. Wongchantra, P., Wongchantra, K., Sookngam, k., Junkaew, L., Ongon, S., Kaeongam, S., Phansiri, C. and Oncharoen, A. (2017). The Project Feasibility study of Solid waste Management in Kalasin Local Governance Organization to Produce Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). International Journal of Agricultural Technology 13(7.2): 1791-1803. The purposes of this research were to study the situation and waste management of the Kalasin local governance organizations and to project feasibility study of the construction waste management in order to produce a fuel. The sample is used Kalasin province local governmence district of 150 purposively selected. Tool in research was an interview of solid waste management in local governmence organization of Kalasin province. The data were analyzed by statistics ; percentage and mean. The results showed that the Kalasin province was divided into two municipalities, the rule of 79 and break a rule of area of tambon administrative organization of 71 of total 150. They had garbage collection of 99 and no garbage collection of 51. The floor was made of Kalasin waste quantities 402.97 tons / day, there were 47 waste disposal pond.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 12 ROAD TRANSPORT in THAILAND
    Chapter 12 ROAD TRANSPORT IN THAILAND Narong Pomlaktong, Rattana Jongwilaiwan, Prakai Theerawattanakul and Rapee Pholpanich 1 Regulatory constraints on regular bus prices encouraged the entry of new competitors in a less regulated part of the market, offering more choice to consumers. Relaxation of quotas as well as infrastructure improvements led to lower prices and higher volumes of cross border road freight. Road transport reform raises significant issues of coordination across agencies. 12.1 INTRODUCTION There are many challenges in road transport policy development in Thailand. Many of the important issues are related to the population in Bangkok. Its size has made it difficult to create a well-designed urban public transportation system that meets the needs of the entire population. Other current domestic road transport issues include too great a focus on mega- projects in urban areas and their associated infrastructure without considering the development of secondary roads, regulation in the market for passenger vans and price distortions such as lack of congestion and pollution charges. Thailand is also working with other economies in the South East Asian region to liberalise cross-border transport and to improve the transportation corridors which link their markets. Transport policy in Thailand has developed in concert with urban development planning. The first four development plans by the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB plans) from 1963 to 1981 aimed at accelerating economic growth by emphasising utility infrastructure development, including electricity, water, transport, educational institutions and public health. Besides this, the plans focused on export-led and import- substitution industrialisation. The government, therefore, allocated a large amount of its budget to transport, energy and irrigation.
    [Show full text]
  • Sam Phan Bok
    Amphoe Wan Yai N 2287 212 2292 Lao PDR. Mukdahan 212 M ek Mystical Mix of Culture and on Amphoe Don Tan g Natural Phenomenon R In the northeastern part of Thaiand, the Mekong 2277 iv e River runs through hundreds of kilometres of lush Amphoe Chanuman r plains and stretches of mountainous terrain, acting 2169 as the lifeblood of many small settlements of cultural 202 diversity, and revealing thousands of rock formations crafted by years of erosion. Visitors can find ethnic 212 Amphoe Khemarat groups with their own unique ways of life and many natural attractions, including spectacular stone Amnat Charoen sculptures looming over pockets of emerald green 202 Amphoe Pho Sai water, stunning views from the tops of cliffs, majestic 2050 waterfalls, and magnificent displays of wildflowers. 2112 212 2135 2210 Amphoe Khong Chiam Ubon Ratchathani 2134 Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan Amphoe Sirindhorn 226 Lao PDR. 136 137 The Mekong: Journeys along the River of Life The Mekong: Journeys along the River of Life The legend of the Mekong River at the easternmost part “ Mukdahan was founded around the same The province of Mukdahan welcomes the Mekong River at the beautiful rapids at The Mekong River time as the establishment of the Southern Lao Kaeng Kabao. From then the Mekong River journeys through the mystic history of the journeys through the Kingdom of ‘Champasak’. After the death of land under the water hidden behind the natural phenomenon of rock sculptures mystic history of the King Sourigna Vongsa, the once flourishing to Ubon Ratchathani, the place where the Mekong River will depart Thailand.
    [Show full text]
  • MALADIES SOUMISES AU RÈGLEMENT Notifications Received Bom 9 to 14 May 1980 — Notifications Reçues Du 9 Au 14 Mai 1980 C Cases — Cas
    Wkty Epldem. Bec.: No. 20 -16 May 1980 — 150 — Relevé éptdém. hebd : N° 20 - 16 mal 1980 Kano State D elete — Supprimer: Bimi-Kudi : General Hospital Lagos State D elete — Supprimer: Marina: Port Health Office Niger State D elete — Supprimer: Mima: Health Office Bauchi State Insert — Insérer: Tafawa Belewa: Comprehensive Rural Health Centre Insert — Insérer: Borno State (title — titre) Gongola State Insert — Insérer: Garkida: General Hospital Kano State In se rt— Insérer: Bimi-Kudu: General Hospital Lagos State Insert — Insérer: Ikeja: Port Health Office Lagos: Port Health Office Niger State Insert — Insérer: Minna: Health Office Oyo State Insert — Insérer: Ibadan: Jericho Nursing Home Military Hospital Onireke Health Office The Polytechnic Health Centre State Health Office Epidemiological Unit University of Ibadan Health Services Ile-Ife: State Hospital University of Ife Health Centre Ilesha: Health Office Ogbomosho: Baptist Medical Centre Oshogbo : Health Office Oyo: Health Office DISEASES SUBJECT TO THE REGULATIONS — MALADIES SOUMISES AU RÈGLEMENT Notifications Received bom 9 to 14 May 1980 — Notifications reçues du 9 au 14 mai 1980 C Cases — Cas ... Figures not yet received — Chiffres non encore disponibles D Deaths — Décès / Imported cases — Cas importés P t o n r Revised figures — Chifircs révisés A Airport — Aéroport s Suspect cases — Cas suspects CHOLERA — CHOLÉRA C D YELLOW FEVER — FIÈVRE JAUNE ZAMBIA — ZAMBIE 1-8.V Africa — Afrique Africa — Afrique / 4 0 C 0 C D \ 3r 0 CAMEROON. UNITED REP. OF 7-13JV MOZAMBIQUE 20-26J.V CAMEROUN, RÉP.-UNIE DU 5 2 2 Asia — Asie Cameroun Oriental 13-19.IV C D Diamaré Département N agaba....................... î 1 55 1 BURMA — BIRMANIE 27.1V-3.V Petté ...........................
    [Show full text]
  • Situation Analysis of Mukdahan Special Economic Zone
    i Situation analysis of Mukdahan Special Economic Zone Submitted to Thailand Environmental Institute Supported by Urban Climate Resilience in Southeast Asia Prepared by Assistant Prof. Dr. Arika Bridhikitti Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahasarakham University, Thailand July 15, 2016 ii Table of Contents Chapter 1 Understanding urban system of the Mukdahan Special Economic Zone .................................................................... 1 1.1. Introduction to Mukdahan Special Economic Zone .................................................................................. 1 1.2. Geography and land covers ...................................................................................................................... 2 1.3. Demography and administration .............................................................................................................. 5 1.4. Economics ............................................................................................................................................... 6 1.5. Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................................... 7 1.6. Natural Resources .................................................................................................................................... 9 1.7. Environmental situation ......................................................................................................................... 12 1.8. Security issues
    [Show full text]
  • Barriers to Border Trade Along the Southern Economic Corridor: a Case of Thai-Cambodia Trade on the Border of Srakaew Province
    S. Ratanasithi and P. Jaroenwanit / GMSARN International Journal 6 (2012) 121 - 134 Barriers to Border Trade along the Southern Economic Corridor: A Case of Thai-Cambodia Trade on the Border of Sraka ew Province Saran Ratanasithi and Pensri Jaroenwanit Abstract — This research aims to study barriers hindering trade on the Southern Economic Corridor, specifically border trading activities between Thailand and Cambodia occurring on the border of Srakaew Province. This area was chosen since it has been widely accepted as a major threshold to Cambodia. Appling both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to collect and analyze its data, this research started with compiling qualitative data from various relevant sources prior to operationalizing them via questionnaire survey to clarify and strengthen the former findings. Results show that barriers affecting trade between Thai and Cambodia can be classified into three major groups based on sources of them, i.e. barriers induced by factors internal to Cambodia and related to overseas economic conditions, those influenced by factors internal to the border traders themselves, and barriers caused by factors internal to Thailand. This research concludes that root cause of border trading barriers is failure of both Thai and Cambodia public authorities to facilitate trade flows between the two countries. This situation is unfortunately aggravated by the delicate national relationship together with border traders’ preoccupation with factors related to short term financial performance and ignorance of factors related to their long term sustained competitiveness. Keywords — Barriers, Border Trade, Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), ASEAN, Southern Economic Corridor (SEC), Srakaew Province. corridor route which provides both an intra- an inter- 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Disaster Management Partners in Thailand
    Cover image: “Thailand-3570B - Money flows like water..” by Dennis Jarvis is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 https://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/3696750357/in/set-72157620096094807 2 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Table of Contents Welcome - Note from the Director 8 About the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance 9 Disaster Management Reference Handbook Series Overview 10 Executive Summary 11 Country Overview 14 Culture 14 Demographics 15 Ethnic Makeup 15 Key Population Centers 17 Vulnerable Groups 18 Economics 20 Environment 21 Borders 21 Geography 21 Climate 23 Disaster Overview 28 Hazards 28 Natural 29 Infectious Disease 33 Endemic Conditions 33 Thailand Disaster Management Reference Handbook | 2015 3 Government Structure for Disaster Management 36 National 36 Laws, Policies, and Plans on Disaster Management 43 Government Capacity and Capability 51 Education Programs 52 Disaster Management Communications 54 Early Warning System 55 Military Role in Disaster Relief 57 Foreign Military Assistance 60 Foreign Assistance and International Partners 60 Foreign Assistance Logistics 61 Infrastructure 68 Airports 68 Seaports 71 Land Routes 72 Roads 72 Bridges 74 Railways 75 Schools 77 Communications 77 Utilities 77 Power 77 Water and Sanitation 80 4 Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Health 84 Overview 84 Structure 85 Legal 86 Health system 86 Public Healthcare 87 Private Healthcare 87 Disaster Preparedness and Response 87 Hospitals 88 Challenges
    [Show full text]
  • Amnat Charoen
    Amnat Charoen Wat Phra Lao Thep Nimit 08.00-20.00 hrs. Everyday Tourist information by fax available 24 hrs. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tourismthailand.org Information by: TAT Ubon Ratchathani Tourist Information Division (Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext. 2141-5) Designed & Printed by: Promotional Material Production Division, Marketing Services Department. The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice. 2014 Copyright. No commercial reprinting of this material allowed. July 2014 95233 Cover-Amnat Charoen Pc4.indd 1 29/4/2558 18:27:43 Wat Tham Saeng Phet TAT TOURIST INFORMATION CENTERS TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND HEAD OFFICE 1600 Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Tel: 0 2250 5500 Fax: 0 2250 5511 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tourismthailand.org Ministry of Tourism and Sports 4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10100 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. everyday TAT NORTHEASTERN OFFICE: REGION 2 264/1 Khuean Thani Road, Amphoe Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani 34000 Tel. 0 4524 3770, 0 4525 0714 Fax. 0 4524 3771 Website: www.tatubon.org E-mail: [email protected] Areas of Responsibility: Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen and Yasothon 95233 Cover-Amnat Charoen Pc4.indd 2 29/4/2558 18:27:52 CONTENTS HOW TO GET THERE 5 ATTRACTIONS 5 Amphoe Mueang Amnat Charoen 5 Amphoe Lue Amnat 9 Amphoe Hua Taphan 10 Amphoe Phana 12 Amphoe Senangkhanikhom 12 Amphoe Chanuman 14 Amphoe Pathum Ratchawongsa 14 LOCAL PRODUCTS AND SOUVENIRS 15 EVENTS & FESTIVALS 15 INTERESTING ACTIVITIES 16 Golf Course 16 Homestay 16 EXAMPLES OF TOUR PROGRAMMES 16 FACILITIES IN AMNAT CHAROEN 17 Accommodations 17 Restaurants 17 USEFUL CALLS 20 Wat Phra Lao Thep Nimit Amnat Charoen Amnat Charoen is part of lower Northeast take highway 226, Nakhon Ratchasima-Surin, region.
    [Show full text]