The Alliance Francaise Of Chiang Rai

[Limbo]

At the moment there are 4 offices of the Alliance Francaise in Thailand. The oldest is in Bangkok (founded about 75 years ago) and the others in Chiang Mai, Phuket and Chiang Rai.

One might call the AF a resource center concerning France and its culture (To a certain degree compairable with the British Council, the Italian Dante Alighieri Institute and the German Goethe Institute).

Especially in Latin American countries the offices of the Alliance Francaise function generally as Cultural Centers in the areas they are located.

This is in line with the concept of Mr. Guy Heidelberger, the inspiring and dynamic director of the office in Chiang Rai. He sees it as his task to stimulate the perception of culture in the broadest sense of the word. Not only by initiating activities in the cultural field, but also by supporting initiatives which originate from within the community of Chiang Rai in offering accommodation, expertise and active support.

In this way the Alliance Francaise became part of the local cultural infrastructure of Chiang Rai .

Among its activities are a filmclub, photoclub, masterclasses photography and violin, art-education, cabaret, concerts, library. etc. Soon a theater group will start.

Guy can count hereby on the co-operation of an active group of concerned citizens of Chiang Rai.

I am happy to inform that Guy liked our idea about the photo-exhibition and that he is willing to support the project. If you have time we will have the first meeting next week at his office.

Tuesday afternoon ?

Location: Thanon Rajyotha Soi 1. about fifty meter from the main road at the right.

From Pratu Chiang Mai to Den Ha, after hundred meters the Shell gasoline station and hundred meters further you see the sign at your left. Drop in for a cup of coffee!

Limbo

Edited June 28, 2006 by Limbo

[tayto]

Yes.They seem to be a nice bunch of people at the Alliance Francaise.

Parlez vous francais?

[little_muppet]

J'aime le francais ...!!!

[Joel Barlow]

Tuesday afternoon? We on Mexican time or what?

some of us have things to do other than pop another beer top

sorry

really though. Tuesday afternoon.

I do wish that I too, was a gentleman of leisure...

[Limbo]

Tuesday afternoon? We on Mexican time or what?

some of us have things to do other than pop another beer top

sorry

really though. Tuesday afternoon.

I do wish that I too, was a gentleman of leisure...

OK, Joel, we wait untill we have visited the museum of Chiang Saen, sent everybody the concept proposal first (with suggestions for a date) and then we meet for a discussion about it. Then we know better where we talk about.

Greetings,

Limbo

Of course we don't excude the Thai members of our Forum.

Dear unknown_user, do we have to say 'please'?

Edited July 1, 2006 by Limbo

[Limbo]

Aside from the Alliance Francaise a second French institute exists in Chiang Rai:

It is 'Le Centre France-Haut Mekong' at the Mae Fah Luang University, aiming at promoting co-operation between French universities and the MFL-University.

The co-operation between the MFL-University and the University of La Rochelle is one of the pillars of the institute. The activities concern scientific research, exchange of technology and support of the French language section of the MFL-University.

Four Thai professors of this university went to France for their doctorates at the universities of La Rochelle, Nantes, Paris Sud Orsay and at L'Inalco. The 'Centre' took care of the financial aspects.

The Alliance Francaise of Chiang Rai is partner in this project and organizes the cultural activities for the center:

During the last year the AF organized a computer course in graphic design, a photo exhibition, a violin concert, a French film festival and a singing course.

The next project (in October) is a course in macro photography.

The Director of the 'Centre' is Prof. Dr. Sunanta Fabre, fluent in French, English and Thai (of course). She is the author of (among others) 'Le Siam dans l'Opinion Francaise de 1815-1868'.

Limbo

Some pictures of Le Centre France-Haut Mekong at the Mae Fah Luang University:

[Limbo]

The workshop 'macro photography', organized by Guy, the director of the AF at Mae Fah Luang University was a great succes.

Remarcable pictures and films were shown and four corners with equipment were at the disposal of the participants. Nicolas Pascarel, a French professional photographer, was in charge of the workshop.

Not less then 90 students and teachers participated in the workshop (last year about 30).

Some other universities in Thailand and in neighbouring countries have shown interest in this workshop as well.

The Alliance Francaise does't limit itself to Chiang Rai. Also the tour of violinist VadimTjijik, with concerts in Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore was actually a 'local product' as well.

Limbo

1) Nugul ('Neung') Tinnakorn, working in the movie industry in Bangkok before and at present art teacher of the AF, Nicolas Pascarel, in Asia most known for his Cambodia photo's (among others in the collection of the Historical Museum in Hanoi, and Guy Heidelberger planning the workshop at Naga Hill guesthouse (I really can recommend a visit, beautiful spot and excellent food) of French documentary filmer Vincent.

2 and 3) The 'action' at MFL university

[Limbo]

In June or July 2007 Khun Pimpa, who studied at the renowned Esmode school in Paris and built up a brilliant career as a designer for some of the most famous French fashion houses, will present her work for the first time in her former home town.

The fashion show will probably be held in the Wiang Inn Hotel.

Welcome back to town, Khun Pimpa even if it was only for a short time (Khun Pimpa left this morning for Paris again).

The organization of the show is in the hands of Khun Guy, director of the Alliance Francaise of Chiang Rai. In this the Alliance will be supported by the Chiang Rai Chamber of Commerce.

On the picture:

Khun Pimpa and Khun Guy studying some of Pimpa's designs on the parking place of the Wiang Inn.

Limbo

[svenivan]

Welcome back to town, Khun Pimpa even if it was only for a short time (Khun Pimpa left this morning for Paris again).

And you tell us after she is gone? :D

You are not a very good friend!

[Limbo]

This Friday, Ladies and Gentlemen, November 2, the fashion show will take place at the Wiang Inn Hotel (it's right opposite the Funny House of Klaus and Kitty, 555).

For more information please see the posting of Khun Neung in the 'events in Chiang Rai' thread.

The evening starts with a performance of the Nokura cabaret, then we will be able to see Khun Pimpa's Paris work and after that we will enjoy the coctails in the without any doubt very stimulating presence of Chiang Rai's most beautiful mannequins.

Welcome!

Limbo

[neung1973]

we are ready for show on 2 november !!!

Thank you Mr.Limbo

[neung1973]

poster.

[Jahil]

Does anyone have an idea about the number of French speaking people living around Chiangrai?

[chang35baht]

Too many Jahil, far too many.

Edited September 25, 2009 by chang35baht

[Limbo]

The task of 'Francophonie Diffusion' in Paris is to promote among others the international broadcasting of Francophone music. The funny thing is that the radio station of one of our members here in Chiang Rai officially is allowed by this organisation to download and play all the latest French releases. It's our own good old ricefieldradio that will be playing approx 30% French based music from now on.

Maybe some of the French expats in Chiang Rai or elsewhere might be interested.

Chiang35Baht can always tune in to the hillbilly station of Maechan, weahradio and listen to the wall-to-wall acoustical wallpaper that they offer as a kind of neutral background for surfing the web. It neutralises indeed effectively the sound of barking dogs, traffic, children, pujajbans and similar inconvenient and undesirable sounds.

As for most of the Chiang Rai expats French and Thai are not really their first languages, the texts will not distract them from more important things.

They will be able to listen with half an ear and read at the same time. Or look at this kind of websites where nobody is looking at.

Good luck everybody and Lukamar in particular 555!

Limbo

[lannaman]

Does anyone have an idea about the number of French speaking people living around Chiangrai?

If you go to the Alliance Francais and ask for a good lady named Flavie, she should be able to answer you. It is on the soi leading to Ben GH. or check out with the Google Map.

[lukamar]

The task of 'Francophonie Diffusion' in Paris is to promote among others the international broadcasting of Francophone music. The funny thing is that the radio station of one of our members here in Chiang Rai officially is allowed by this organisation to download and play all the latest French releases. It's our own good old ricefieldradio that will be playing approx 30% French based music from now on.

Maybe some of the French expats in Chiang Rai or elsewhere might be interested.

Thanks for the plug Limbo.. Tonight we finished incorporating the French music into our programing. New releases come out every few weeks and we will add the songs we think our listeners will enjoy. Along with French Music we also play the best of Creative Commons from countries like the UK, Canada, USA, Spain Brazil, Germany and the Caribbean, all in their native languages.

Marty