The Rotary Peace Centre at Chulalongkorn University is run by a small, superhero team who, whatever the need, is there for us peace fellows at any hour of the day. The team includes:
Emeritus Professor Surichai Wun’gaeo, Director;
Dr. Vitoon Viriyasakultorn, Deputy Director;
Chutikarn (Cartoon) Sukmongkolchai, Program Officer;
Preedaporn (Oy) Tangsawapark, Administrative Assistant;
Krittika (Krit) Roongsataporn, Accounting Specialist; and
Duangporn Marksiri, Administrative Assistant.
You can find out more about the program here: http://www.rotarychula.org/
Stories
Many stories of home, children, parents, communities, wishes, wisdom and laughter have permeated the last few weeks. They are an important way that we have been creating connection between us and those we have been meeting in the community. Some have been filled with joy and hope, while others with sadness. All, however, have provided wise lessons that fill the heart and the soul, connecting us as human beings.
Stories shape the way we see the world and help us understand our place and who we are. A story conveys and reflects layers of meaning and connections that are at a very individual, yet very interconnected level as we happen upon the beauty of shared experiences and meanings. Much like trencadis or pique assiette, the bits and pieces of broken tile mosaics create patterns in which we can all find pieces of ourselves.
Learnings
The Diagnosis and Analysis of Conflict
As we dove deep into the diagnosis and analysis of conflict with Martine Miller, we examined and tried out various models, frameworks and tools. Weaved into these teachings, was the important of stories. What submerged is the critical need to examine what types of stories influence us. There is power in stories, especially in understanding multiple stories. It is wise to be careful of singular stories as it can flatten a nation, a person, or an experience to a stereotype. Stories can collide, creating friction and conflict but through actively seeking multiple stories, understanding can be created, empowering deep, humanizing connections between people. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s powerful discussion on this can be found here: https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story/transcript?language=en
Conflict Resolution Skills, Approaches and Strategies
Things got pretty heated this week as we put to work conflict resolution skills, approaches and strategies in 3rd party intervention scenarios. We had the chance to actually negotiate, mediate and facilitate with skilled mediators Joel Schaffer and Jan Sunoo.
Based on the very real situation of deprivation in humanitarian aid to ethnic civilians displaced by war in the Kachin State, Myanmar, we were submersed for two full days in the negotiation, mediations and facilitation process. Each of us took on varying roles that included the Mynamar government, the Kachin Independence Organization, the Kachin Independence Army, the Kachin Women’s Association, the Chinese government, the DurablePeace Programme and the United Nations.
It was thrilling, frustrating, exciting and intense all at the same time as we explored potential areas of common interests and deals were made and then reversed. We did come to a temporary ceasefire agreement for the delivery of humanitarian aid while balancing the geopolitical influence of world powers like China. What made it even more exciting is that two of the peace fellows in our class are currently working on related issues in Myanmar and an actual ceasefire was called during our mock scenario. Read more about it: https://www.mmtimes.com/national-news/1258-govt-knu-sign-ceasefire.html
Explorations
One of the markets that is unique to Thailand is the Maeklong Railway Market. Why? Because it has a train running through the middle of it several times a day! The train runs right down the middle of the market and is close enough to touch any produce, people or animals in its path. It is so exciting to first ride the train through the market and wave out the window to the onlookers. It is then just as thrilling to be on the other side, shopping in the market and joining the flurry of people and goods scrambling to get out of the train’s path. I am sure this particular market has had its share of incidences but I personally felt safe as the vendors gently smiled and nudged me back that extra centimeter to make sure my toes were away from the train’s path. Watch the train drive through the market in the video below.
I had the opportunity to go to my very first floating market! At the Damneon Saduak Floating Market, we floated at an easy pace, perusing beautiful Thailand-made goods with an expert guide. With the slightest indication of interest, we were whisked over to view the offerings and if needed, we could step off the boat into the shop to have a closer look. We also got to see how life is sustained along the river as many locals still live along its banks and right on the river. The river network continues to mark an important aspect of Thailand’s current reality and history, serving as a vein of economic trade and community connectivity.
One of my favourite parts was the chaos of the food section of the market as we made our way through hundreds of boats loaded with the most delicious of Thai food fare. In a frenzy of satay chicken, grilled prawns, fresh mango and sticky rice and creamy coconut ice cream, I felt delirious as the sheer joy of river food overtook me. As we floated out of the market, I was nearly comatose, feeling utterly satiated but entirely unsure if mere hours had passed or if it had been days since we entered this magical world.
Have you ever watched salt being made? This was a little side stop that provided fascinating insight and some tasty samples!
Gratitude
February 5th was my birthday and what a birthday celebration it has been!
The time difference between Thailand and home have made my special day last and last. The many messages from friends and family around the world have filled me with so much love. Celebrations here included a surprise day trip to the beach for a fresh seafood dinner, indulging in stunning views of Bangkok from a rooftop patio, sunset watching, swanky cocktails at the infamous Mandarin Oriental, a special birthday breakfast, a trip to the spa for total relaxation and my classmates and the program team surprising me with a classroom celebration, complete with decorations, cake and a ukulele birthday song.
Your Thoughts
What stories fill your heart? How have you connected with others through story? I am enjoying all of your messages so much. Keep them coming!
All my relations,
~lorelei