As you may know, Thailand was known as the kingdom of Siam until the late 1940s when it became Thailand and now has an elected government. Their is still the king and queen of Thailand who are greatly revered, however, there is a separate elected government that governs the country. Today there are over 65,000,000 people living in Thailand. The largest groups of people are known as "ethnic Thais". There are many separate tribes of people (often known as hill tribes). One tribal group you will recognize is the Hmong. The Hmong were groups of farmers found in Laos and also in Northeastern Thailand. Someone once told me there were over 50 different tribal groups in Thailand.
This evening we were invited to Mr. Tawin Hirunsri's home for dinner. Mr. Tawin was the former principal at Muangchaliang and is now the administrator of an even larger school in Sawankhalok known as Sawan Anan Wittaya. This grade 7-12 grade school has over 3,000 students and is the most highly regarded school in this area. Thailand has open enrollment meaning parents can choose which school they will send their children to. Some schools have better programs and are known for higher standards, and so parents often send their children many miles to attend a better quality school.
Mr. Tawin Hirunsri was my exchange partner in 2006-07. He came to Wisconsin and stayed in my home for almost two months. I also stayed in his home when I visited Thailand my second time for two months.
He invited a number of teachers to his home this evening for dinner and what a feast we had. Tawin and his wife Ong served us a dinner with over 10 different dishes!!!! Many spicy curry dishes, noodle dishes, meats, vegetables. It couldnt have beena finer meal.....which of course....was followed by karaoke!!!
more later.....
Fred
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