One of the best academic discussions I've ever had

On Wednesday, all the delagates and then some, gathered in the Board Room of SSRU.  The Board Room was not unlike something you'd see in a scence from the UN.  Each of us had microphones, a computer screen, etc.

The aim was to discuss the project we had visited the previous day, the Ampawa Chaipaahna Nu-rak, this was an area to the south or the ways of river country or river folk.  One of the princesses had created a foundation to fund the effort.  In short, they ahve created what we would think of as something like a scale model of a village with the variety of crops, etc that these people grew.  Tney also improved the floating market there and it runs on Friday and SAturday afternoon and evenings.  The idea was to increase tourism there to help the people.

Our discussion set about on our impressions of this project from our various perspectives and whehter this contributed to environmentally and culturally sustainable local economic development.

None of the groups are likely to actcually do research there, but this was just a way for us to break the ice.

It worked and worked better than I think any of us could have imagined.  Many Asian cultures are very guarded about what are very typical academic conversations. 

This discussion, with academics from three different nations, in multiple disciplines was amazing.  I was just thrilled.  This is the way academia is supposed to be!

After this we proceeded to begin dsicussing the various projects.  They all sound interesting.  The Thai delegations are interested in trying to measure happiness, which is a very improtant idea in Thai culture (as it is emerging in many European countries).  But happiness, as I am begining to understand it in Thailand, is not the best translation, nor is well being, as is commonly meausred, but rather I think "contentment." 

I would be thrilled to work with any of the projects, but I hope that I can work with one or more of the Thai projects.  I really like the Thai delegates, feel very comfortable with them. The Thai people seem so open, they like to have fun, they seem very relaxed....of course I think we all are a little relaxed in our own homes!