| Thoughts on the Bangkok Process |
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Hollywood representations of Burma paint the country as an exotic, cruel land that serves as a backdrop for daring occidental adventurers and patriots. |
Burma’s film industry has lagged behind that of its neighbors as a result of outdated technology, government censorship, hackneyed screenwriting and mediocre acting. But a humble piece of plastic may soon change all that: the DVD. |
Burma’s Motion Picture & Video Censor Board recently issued an edict forbidding actresses from appearing on screen in Western-style trousers and skirts. |
Given that Burma’s movie industry is tightly directed by the government, suffers from a deficit of technical skills and technology—not to mention financing problems—it’s a small miracle anything gets produced at all. |
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It has long been suspected that North Korea supplies Burma with weapons. But recent unconfirmed reports that the two secretive states are negotiating a nuclear deal are unsettling. |
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In the absence of war, ancient Thai-Burmese conflicts are relived and revived through statue-building. |
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Mike Tucker went on a short patrol with Karen insurgents, and got lost. |
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Sparrows who emulate peacocks are likely to break a thigh. (A Burmese proverb) |
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