Fine Arts Dept pushes for Chiang Mai city as UNESCO World Heritage Site

[webfact]

Fine Arts Dept pushes for Chiang Mai city as UNESCO World Heritage Site

BANGKOK, 8 September 2014 (NNT) - The Fine Arts Department will arrange a forum to brainstorm a bid to include the Chiang Mai city area on UNESCO’s World Heritage List on 13 September 2014 at the Wang Na Theatre in Bangkok.

Director-General of the Fine Arts Department Anek Sihamart said the proposal entitled “Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna” would be submitted to UNESCO after the department conducted a study on the province’s readiness and the locals’ participation.

The Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University, was the main organization arranging the seminar “Chiang Mai and Road to World’s Heritage” on 13 September to exchange opinions on the matter and develop plans for the city of Chiang Mai if it was on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, said the official.

The Chiang Mai city area meets UNESCO’s four selection criteria—town-planning, diversity, important interchange of human values and exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition. If it is approved by UNESCO, Chiang Mai will be the fourth UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site in Thailand.


-- NNT 2014-09-08

[daoyai]

The 4 criteria seem a bit abstract or ambiguous. We do have a large number of mcdonalds here, maybe that will count in our globalsation index?

[MESmith]

About 20 years too late

[Frank James]

The 4 criteria seem a bit abstract or ambiguous. We do have a large number of mcdonalds here, maybe that will count in our globalsation index?

We have a diverse collection of malls, including the ancient Kad Suan Kaew, where locals still worship today. This is such exciting news!

[CMHomeboy78]

About 20 years too late

Yes, if the old city had been protected 20 years ago it would have probably raised the the level of respect and awareness among many young Thais, even if it did nothing else.

It is the Chiang Mai people - the Kohn Muang themselves - that stand accused of allowing their city to be stripped of some of its most important historical artifacts.

Old photos taken around the turn of the 19th century by W.A.R.Wood and a few others show Chiang Mai's fortifications in a state of disrepair, and collapsing in some places, but largely intact. Our children's baby nurse who has stayed on as part of the family, remembers the Tha Phae Gate as a child in the early 1940s complete with its inner defensive courtyard.

The Sanam Luang and the residences of the Chiang Mai Chaos were demolished and the area redeveloped by the central government. At about the same time they suppressed the three Lanna T'ai scripts, and attempted to suppress the spoken - Kahm Muang - language.

The Kohn Muang didn't have the will to resist and consequently lost a large part of their cultural heritage.

That is something even UNESCO wouldn't be able to restore to them.

[thamesiris]

Watch out Chaingmai.

The best part of a historic and quirky market I visited for years was demolished - directly prior to it becoming a Unesco World Heritage Site - this was in Greenwich London, right before the Olympic games. They kept the cr*ppy tourist cash generating part. But the market loved and run by locals and those with taste was closed. It has now, oh irony or ironies, become the new site for a School of Architecture...what...?

Having visited Luang Prabang which was also designated - I wonder if this is the kiss of death for local places for local people (no joke intended).

Sure for conservation areas I agree - protect those little critters and their grass before we come and stamp on them.

[CMHomeboy78]

Watch out Chaingmai.

The best part of a historic and quirky market I visited for years was demolished - directly prior to it becoming a Unesco World Heritage Site - this was in Greenwich London, right before the Olympic games. They kept the cr*ppy tourist cash generating part. But the market loved and run by locals and those with taste was closed. It has now, oh irony or ironies, become the new site for a School of Architecture...what...?

Having visited Luang Prabang which was also designated - I wonder if this is the kiss of death for local places for local people (no joke intended).

Sure for conservation areas I agree - protect those little critters and their grass before we come and stamp on them.

Your contention that if Chiang Mai is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it may be the "kiss of death", is worth looking at.

The possibility that more harm than good could come to the city is very real if the work they propose isn't well planned and carried out.

The prominent architect Sumet Jumsai in his books and in his articles in the Journal of the Siam Society has documented the numerous projects of the Fine Arts Department that aimed at creating "historical parks" io attract tourists. These renovations in many cases drastically altered what they meant to preserve. The 1991-92 restoration of Chedi Luang is a case in point, with decorative elements added in Central Thai style; totally ignoring the many examples of Lanna T'ai art that still exist and could have been used as models.

I don't think UNESCO's future plans for the preservation of historical sites in Chiang Mai should be rejected automatically, but I do think that qualified and knowledgeable people in Chiang Mai should be involved in whatever is done.

[thamesiris]

Watch out Chaingmai.

The best part of a historic and quirky market I visited for years was demolished - directly prior to it becoming a Unesco World Heritage Site - this was in Greenwich London, right before the Olympic games. They kept the cr*ppy tourist cash generating part. But the market loved and run by locals and those with taste was closed. It has now, oh irony or ironies, become the new site for a School of Architecture...what...?

Having visited Luang Prabang which was also designated - I wonder if this is the kiss of death for local places for local people (no joke intended).

Sure for conservation areas I agree - protect those little critters and their grass before we come and stamp on them.

Your contention that if Chiang Mai is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it may be the "kiss of death", is worth looking at.

The possibility that more harm than good could come to the city is very real if the work they propose isn't well planned and carried out.

The prominent architect Sumet Jumsai in his books and in his articles in the Journal of the Siam Society has documented the numerous projects of the Fine Arts Department that aimed at creating "historical parks" io attract tourists. These renovations in many cases drastically altered what they meant to preserve. The 1991-92 restoration of Chedi Luang is a case in point, with decorative elements added in Central Thai style; totally ignoring the many examples of Lanna T'ai art that still exist and could have been used as models.

I don't think UNESCO's future plans for the preservation of historical sites in Chiang Mai should be rejected automatically, but I do think that qualified and knowledgeable people in Chiang Mai should be involved in whatever is done.

It's hard to say what if any effect UNESCO has - I do think it is a precursor to big development coming into town though. Thailand and CM have changed so much in the last 15 years - not all is good. I am all for human development, especially pulling the vulnerable out of poverty and enabling the fit to work...but it is so easy for a place to turn into a theme park. I'm talking of things like local cultural monuments being fenced off from locals, local restaurants being replaced by heavy weight chains, public land being redeveloped for private businesses. The locals lose connection to their land, and lose local economic dependance. In times of economic instability, local people will have little recourse but to fall back on the state, ask for handouts, or steal. I highly doubt that the majority of tourists are gaining anything when the 'real place' has been changed beyond recognition. Exit is through the gift shop.

[CMHomeboy78]

Your contention that if Chiang Mai is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it may be the "kiss of death", is worth looking at.

The possibility that more harm than good could come to the city is very real if the work they propose isn't well planned and carried out.

The prominent architect Sumet Jumsai in his books and in his articles in the Journal of the Siam Society has documented the numerous projects of the Fine Arts Department that aimed at creating "historical parks" io attract tourists. These renovations in many cases drastically altered what they meant to preserve. The 1991-92 restoration of Chedi Luang is a case in point, with decorative elements added in Central Thai style; totally ignoring the many examples of Lanna T'ai art that still exist and could have been used as models.

I don't think UNESCO's future plans for the preservation of historical sites in Chiang Mai should be rejected automatically, but I do think that qualified and knowledgeable people in Chiang Mai should be involved in whatever is done.

It's hard to say what if any effect UNESCO has - I do think it is a precursor to big development coming into town though. Thailand and CM have changed so much in the last 15 years - not all is good. I am all for human development, especially pulling the vulnerable out of poverty and enabling the fit to work...but it is so easy for a place to turn into a theme park. I'm talking of things like local cultural monuments being fenced off from locals, local restaurants being replaced by heavy weight chains, public land being redeveloped for private businesses. The locals lose connection to their land, and lose local economic dependance. In times of economic instability, local people will have little recourse but to fall back on the state, ask for handouts, or steal. I highly doubt that the majority of tourists are gaining anything when the 'real place' has been changed beyond recognition. Exit is through the gift shop.

You seem to take a lively interest in Chiang Mai and its history and traditions.

I share that interest as well, but I must admit an almost total ignorance of UNESCO and its possible agenda for Chiang Mai.

You mention Luang Prabang - a favorite place of mine, although I've only made three visits and none recently, it impressed me very much at the time. I saw a number of restoration projects being carried out, but I'm not sure to what extent, if any, UNESCO was involved. Their activities in Laos and elsewhere in the region might be an indication of what we can expect here.

The preservation of what is left of the old city of Chiang Mai is a concern to all of us, Thai and farang alike, who don't want to see this unique place turned into another concrete jungle.

It can only be hoped that becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site will slow down, if not stop the mindless commercial development that has destroyed so much already.

Chiang Mai can grow and prosper outside what is left of the walls and on the ring roads, but the old city should be protected the way so many cities in Europe, large and small, have been.

Whether or not UNESCO can further that objective remains to be seen.

[cmsally]

Well before the city even puts it name forward, it should be burying the electricity and telephone wires. An absolute mess. Huge big transformers hanging near the side of the pavement. If it thinks it can submit itself in that state its an absolute joke.

[thamesiris]

Your contention that if Chiang Mai is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it may be the "kiss of death", is worth looking at.

The possibility that more harm than good could come to the city is very real if the work they propose isn't well planned and carried out.

The prominent architect Sumet Jumsai in his books and in his articles in the Journal of the Siam Society has documented the numerous projects of the Fine Arts Department that aimed at creating "historical parks" io attract tourists. These renovations in many cases drastically altered what they meant to preserve. The 1991-92 restoration of Chedi Luang is a case in point, with decorative elements added in Central Thai style; totally ignoring the many examples of Lanna T'ai art that still exist and could have been used as models.

I don't think UNESCO's future plans for the preservation of historical sites in Chiang Mai should be rejected automatically, but I do think that qualified and knowledgeable people in Chiang Mai should be involved in whatever is done.

It's hard to say what if any effect UNESCO has - I do think it is a precursor to big development coming into town though. Thailand and CM have changed so much in the last 15 years - not all is good. I am all for human development, especially pulling the vulnerable out of poverty and enabling the fit to work...but it is so easy for a place to turn into a theme park. I'm talking of things like local cultural monuments being fenced off from locals, local restaurants being replaced by heavy weight chains, public land being redeveloped for private businesses. The locals lose connection to their land, and lose local economic dependance. In times of economic instability, local people will have little recourse but to fall back on the state, ask for handouts, or steal. I highly doubt that the majority of tourists are gaining anything when the 'real place' has been changed beyond recognition. Exit is through the gift shop.

You seem to take a lively interest in Chiang Mai and its history and traditions.

I share that interest as well, but I must admit an almost total ignorance of UNESCO and its possible agenda for Chiang Mai.

You mention Luang Prabang - a favorite place of mine, although I've only made three visits and none recently, it impressed me very much at the time. I saw a number of restoration projects being carried out, but I'm not sure to what extent, if any, UNESCO was involved. Their activities in Laos and elsewhere in the region might be an indication of what we can expect here.

The preservation of what is left of the old city of Chiang Mai is a concern to all of us, Thai and farang alike, who don't want to see this unique place turned into another concrete jungle.

It can only be hoped that becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site will slow down, if not stop the mindless commercial development that has destroyed so much already.

Chiang Mai can grow and prosper outside what is left of the walls and on the ring roads, but the old city should be protected the way so many cities in Europe, large and small, have been.

Whether or not UNESCO can further that objective remains to be seen.

I would balance that with it must be true to its locals - the locals have changed recently to combine wealthier incomers though I doubt that is new in the long history of this country as Lanna. I don't think it should serve transient tourist income which serves the economic aims of a local minority and may force CM to remain out of the times to preserce an older tradition which is no longer relevant. My impression of this town is one where you can feel free and friendly and enjoy the beautiful landscape, it has a beating heart.

[Mapguy]

The problem probably is becoming some sort of DIsneyland. That might be an improvement, actually, over the overdevelopment that has already occured.

The UNESCO label is in large part now an effete commercial badge for increasing tourism. UNESCO is notorious as a ticket to commercial exploitation. The world is moving entirely too fast for UNESCO. The original goals of this one UNESCO program were laudable. Not to be cynical, but UNESCO bureaucrats are (witness previous exposés) notorious for large and basiclly wasted UN salaries and benefits.

Just for starters, how would one classify Kad Suan Kaew?

Edited September 14, 2014 by Mapguy

[CMHomeboy78]

Well before the city even puts it name forward, it should be burying the electricity and telephone wires. An absolute mess. Huge big transformers hanging near the side of the pavement. If it thinks it can submit itself in that state its an absolute joke.

The problem of overhead wires - conspicuous and unsightly as they may be - is an issue that can be dealt with.

Other things, it seems to me, such as bulldozing large areas to make way for commercial development in the old city are a greater threat.

The role that UNESCO could play in conservation efforts and education is the question being asked now. It would be very helpful to have more information to base a judgement on. Getting that information is what is important. I was hoping that it would be forthcoming on this thread.

Don't allow yourself to be distracted by minor issues. Tangled and unruly wires can be compared [in human terms] to an otherwise attractive woman having a bad-hair-day. It can be remedied.

Your knowledgeable and often helpful posts about Chiang Mai history set you apart as one of the members whose interests go beyond pizza, burgers, and police checkpoints.

Choke dee.

Edited September 15, 2014 by CMHomeboy78

[CMHomeboy78]

You seem to take a lively interest in Chiang Mai and its history and traditions.

I share that interest as well, but I must admit an almost total ignorance of UNESCO and its possible agenda for Chiang Mai.

You mention Luang Prabang - a favorite place of mine, although I've only made three visits and none recently, it impressed me very much at the time. I saw a number of restoration projects being carried out, but I'm not sure to what extent, if any, UNESCO was involved. Their activities in Laos and elsewhere in the region might be an indication of what we can expect here.

The preservation of what is left of the old city of Chiang Mai is a concern to all of us, Thai and farang alike, who don't want to see this unique place turned into another concrete jungle.

It can only be hoped that becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site will slow down, if not stop the mindless commercial development that has destroyed so much already.

Chiang Mai can grow and prosper outside what is left of the walls and on the ring roads, but the old city should be protected the way so many cities in Europe, large and small, have been.

Whether or not UNESCO can further that objective remains to be seen.

I would balance that with it must be true to its locals - the locals have changed recently to combine wealthier incomers though I doubt that is new in the long history of this country as Lanna. I don't think it should serve transient tourist income which serves the economic aims of a local minority and may force CM to remain out of the times to preserce an older tradition which is no longer relevant. My impression of this town is one where you can feel free and friendly and enjoy the beautiful landscape, it has a beating heart.

What will Chiang Mai gain if it becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Have other cities benefited from it, or have there been problems? Those are the questions that should be asked.

Historically Chiang Mai has been two cities - within the walls, and without. Foreigners were settled outside the walls. Although there was free movement everywhere and never anything like ghettos here.

Lawas, Shan, Jeen Haw, and in the 19th century, Bangkok Chinese. American Protestant Missionaries, and British teak-wallahs had their communities on the east side of the Ping River.

After the arrival of the missionaries in 1867 they were soon followed by British employees of the teak companies. These two groups were the first resident farangs and they have left many first-person accounts that were subsequently used by a number of distinguished historians. Notably, W.A.R.Wood, Camille Notton, Hans Penth, David Wyatt, and more recently, Andrew Forbes.

The traditional division of the city could be applied to a comprehensive conservation plan where restoration efforts are focused on the old town within the moat - the walls have all but disappeared - and the outside areas allowed to develop freely with few restrictions on commercial activity as long as they don't cause harm.

The rebirth of Chiang Mai as a city that respects its past and encourages the highly refined folk arts of its people might be an example and have a civilizing effect on the crass commercialism seen everywhere now.

To address your concern: I don't think that a conservation plan "...may force CM to remain out of the times to preserve an older tradition which is no longer relevant."

As Faulkner said, "The past is never dead, It's not even past." Nothing confirms that more than the dynamic situation faced by Chiang Mai today.

Some very important decisions have to be made by the people who are in positions of responsibility. Let's hope they will act in everybody's interest - not just their own.

[thamesiris]

You seem to take a lively interest in Chiang Mai and its history and traditions.

I share that interest as well, but I must admit an almost total ignorance of UNESCO and its possible agenda for Chiang Mai.

You mention Luang Prabang - a favorite place of mine, although I've only made three visits and none recently, it impressed me very much at the time. I saw a number of restoration projects being carried out, but I'm not sure to what extent, if any, UNESCO was involved. Their activities in Laos and elsewhere in the region might be an indication of what we can expect here.

The preservation of what is left of the old city of Chiang Mai is a concern to all of us, Thai and farang alike, who don't want to see this unique place turned into another concrete jungle.

It can only be hoped that becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site will slow down, if not stop the mindless commercial development that has destroyed so much already.

Chiang Mai can grow and prosper outside what is left of the walls and on the ring roads, but the old city should be protected the way so many cities in Europe, large and small, have been.

Whether or not UNESCO can further that objective remains to be seen.

I would balance that with it must be true to its locals - the locals have changed recently to combine wealthier incomers though I doubt that is new in the long history of this country as Lanna. I don't think it should serve transient tourist income which serves the economic aims of a local minority and may force CM to remain out of the times to preserce an older tradition which is no longer relevant. My impression of this town is one where you can feel free and friendly and enjoy the beautiful landscape, it has a beating heart.

What will Chiang Mai gain if it becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Have other cities benefited from it, or have there been problems? Those are the questions that should be asked.

Historically Chiang Mai has been two cities - within the walls, and without. Foreigners were settled outside the walls. Although there was free movement everywhere and never anything like ghettos here.

Lawas, Shan, Jeen Haw, and in the 19th century, Bangkok Chinese. American Protestant Missionaries, and British teak-wallahs had their communities on the east side of the Ping River.

After the arrival of the missionaries in 1867 they were soon followed by British employees of the teak companies. These two groups were the first resident farangs and they have left many first-person accounts that were subsequently used by a number of distinguished historians. Notably, W.A.R.Wood, Camille Notton, Hans Penth, David Wyatt, and more recently, Andrew Forbes.

The traditional division of the city could be applied to a comprehensive conservation plan where restoration efforts are focused on the old town within the moat - the walls have all but disappeared - and the outside areas allowed to develop freely with few restrictions on commercial activity as long as they don't cause harm.

The rebirth of Chiang Mai as a city that respects its past and encourages the highly refined folk arts of its people might be an example and have a civilizing effect on the crass commercialism seen everywhere now.

To address your concern: I don't think that a conservation plan "...may force CM to remain out of the times to preserve an older tradition which is no longer relevant."

As Faulkner said, "The past is never dead, It's not even past." Nothing confirms that more than the dynamic situation faced by Chiang Mai today.

Some very important decisions have to be made by the people who are in positions of responsibility. Let's hope they will act in everybody's interest - not just their own.

Well, if they - the powers that be - consider your words wisely, I will take my hat off. I have neither confidence in local businessmen or do-good NGOs. Only the people who live and breath Chaingmai can come up with the best plans and strong but firm responses to the commercial interests disguised as jobs for locals, that will keep this city alive for another 1000 years. Folk arts...yes, that sounds like an excellent starting point for Chaingmai. I well remember the arts & crafts of 15 years ago which have stood the test of time.

[CMHomeboy78]

What will Chiang Mai gain if it becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Have other cities benefited from it, or have there been problems? Those are the questions that should be asked.

Historically Chiang Mai has been two cities - within the walls, and without. Foreigners were settled outside the walls. Although there was free movement everywhere and never anything like ghettos here.

Lawas, Shan, Jeen Haw, and in the 19th century, Bangkok Chinese. American Protestant Missionaries, and British teak-wallahs had their communities on the east side of the Ping River.

After the arrival of the missionaries in 1867 they were soon followed by British employees of the teak companies. These two groups were the first resident farangs and they have left many first-person accounts that were subsequently used by a number of distinguished historians. Notably, W.A.R.Wood, Camille Notton, Hans Penth, David Wyatt, and more recently, Andrew Forbes.

The traditional division of the city could be applied to a comprehensive conservation plan where restoration efforts are focused on the old town within the moat - the walls have all but disappeared - and the outside areas allowed to develop freely with few restrictions on commercial activity as long as they don't cause harm.

The rebirth of Chiang Mai as a city that respects its past and encourages the highly refined folk arts of its people might be an example and have a civilizing effect on the crass commercialism seen everywhere now.

To address your concern: I don't think that a conservation plan "...may force CM to remain out of the times to preserve an older tradition which is no longer relevant."

As Faulkner said, "The past is never dead, It's not even past." Nothing confirms that more than the dynamic situation faced by Chiang Mai today.

Some very important decisions have to be made by the people who are in positions of responsibility. Let's hope they will act in everybody's interest - not just their own.

Well, if they - the powers that be - consider your words wisely, I will take my hat off. I have neither confidence in local businessmen or do-good NGOs. Only the people who live and breath Chaingmai can come up with the best plans and strong but firm responses to the commercial interests disguised as jobs for locals, that will keep this city alive for another 1000 years. Folk arts...yes, that sounds like an excellent starting point for Chaingmai. I well remember the arts & crafts of 15 years ago which have stood the test of time.

Agreed.

I don't have much confidence in organizations either... governmental or non-governmental.

So much of their money seems to be consumed by administrative costs before they even begin their projects. In the worst cases of corruption and greed they are just pigs feeding at the trough. There are exceptions however, so let's hope that if Chiang Mai achieves World Heritage Site status, UNESCO will be one of them.

Let me clarify what I meant by "folk arts". What I had in mind was the cottage industry production of goods for general use, and not just for the tourist trade. Although the promotion of locally made products for sale to visitors would be a good idea. I'm no fan of Mr.T and his rapacious clan, but his creation of OTOP was laudable, and it should be encouraged to continue.

Gandhi's adoption of Khadi in it's larger sense was a basic element in his revolutionary theories. Similar ideas might work here, even though conditions are quite different now. Education is the key to making any kind of change in attitudes.

What is needed now is a re-evaluation of consumer culture and finding ways to coexist with it without being overcome by it.

Old Chiang Mai is worth saving... I'm sure you agree.

[thamesiris]

What will Chiang Mai gain if it becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Have other cities benefited from it, or have there been problems? Those are the questions that should be asked.

Historically Chiang Mai has been two cities - within the walls, and without. Foreigners were settled outside the walls. Although there was free movement everywhere and never anything like ghettos here.

Lawas, Shan, Jeen Haw, and in the 19th century, Bangkok Chinese. American Protestant Missionaries, and British teak-wallahs had their communities on the east side of the Ping River.

After the arrival of the missionaries in 1867 they were soon followed by British employees of the teak companies. These two groups were the first resident farangs and they have left many first-person accounts that were subsequently used by a number of distinguished historians. Notably, W.A.R.Wood, Camille Notton, Hans Penth, David Wyatt, and more recently, Andrew Forbes.

The traditional division of the city could be applied to a comprehensive conservation plan where restoration efforts are focused on the old town within the moat - the walls have all but disappeared - and the outside areas allowed to develop freely with few restrictions on commercial activity as long as they don't cause harm.

The rebirth of Chiang Mai as a city that respects its past and encourages the highly refined folk arts of its people might be an example and have a civilizing effect on the crass commercialism seen everywhere now.

To address your concern: I don't think that a conservation plan "...may force CM to remain out of the times to preserve an older tradition which is no longer relevant."

As Faulkner said, "The past is never dead, It's not even past." Nothing confirms that more than the dynamic situation faced by Chiang Mai today.

Some very important decisions have to be made by the people who are in positions of responsibility. Let's hope they will act in everybody's interest - not just their own.

Well, if they - the powers that be - consider your words wisely, I will take my hat off. I have neither confidence in local businessmen or do-good NGOs. Only the people who live and breath Chaingmai can come up with the best plans and strong but firm responses to the commercial interests disguised as jobs for locals, that will keep this city alive for another 1000 years. Folk arts...yes, that sounds like an excellent starting point for Chaingmai. I well remember the arts & crafts of 15 years ago which have stood the test of time.

Agreed.

I don't have much confidence in organizations either... governmental or non-governmental.

So much of their money seems to be consumed by administrative costs before they even begin their projects. In the worst cases of corruption and greed they are just pigs feeding at the trough. There are exceptions however, so let's hope that if Chiang Mai achieves World Heritage Site status, UNESCO will be one of them.

Let me clarify what I meant by "folk arts". What I had in mind was the cottage industry production of goods for general use, and not just for the tourist trade. Although the promotion of locally made products for sale to visitors would be a good idea. I'm no fan of Mr.T and his rapacious clan, but his creation of OTOP was laudable, and it should be encouraged to continue.

Gandhi's adoption of Khadi in it's larger sense was a basic element in his revolutionary theories. Similar ideas might work here, even though conditions are quite different now. Education is the key to making any kind of change in attitudes.

What is needed now is a re-evaluation of consumer culture and finding ways to coexist with it without being overcome by it.

Old Chiang Mai is worth saving... I'm sure you agree.

Certainly, I do

[Tokay]

Cool, more traffic and pollution. Can't wait.