Book Event: Discussion with author Bernice Koehler Johnson (The Shan: Refugees without a Camp) in Chiangmai, Thailand (30 January 2011)
by Naw Liang (London, UK)

Mai soong kha and a belated Happy New Year to everyone!

Once again, another year has come and gone. I hope that everyone's year-end and year-opening celebrations - whether you go by the Shan calendar, the Western construct or both - were exactly what you were hoping for be it excitement, relaxation, time with friends and family or a combination of these and more. 2011 has already shown that it will be another wondrous 12 months, and I am eager to see what else is in store. Most of all, I thank you each and everyone of you for visiting, re-visiting and, most of all, encouraging me to keep this important blog going. The output on All about Shan studies may have more valleys than peaks, but I can assure you that I, with your help, always have more ideas in the works, so you can expect more to come. That is a promise. Now, on to my latest offering.

Chatting with author Bernice Koehler Johnson (The Shan: Refugees without a Camp (2009)
As presented in a previous post (see here), 'The Shan: Refugees without a Camp', a thoroughly enlightening and first-hand account of the plight of Shan refugees along the Burma-Thai border, by veteran English teacher Johnson was presented and reviewed. The book, which discussed Johnson's annual trips to the border to teach Shan refugees, is a must read for anyone interested in the Shan as well as those eager to get some well-written accounts of border life. I highly recommend it.

Now, in a follow-up event, a number of Shan support groups and other organisations in Chiangmai, Thailand have arranged a discussion event wtih Johnson to learn more about her experiences, her decision to write the book and her life since it was published in July 2009. Schedule to be held at the Sangdee Gallery and Café in central Chiangmai (see link here) - a hub of Shan activity in Northern Thailand - and the event will include a short reading followed by a discussion between the author and special guests Khuensai Jaiyen (Editor of S.H.A.N.) and Charm Tong (member of the Shan Women's Action Network, a Nobel Prize nominee). The atmosphere and discussion are certain to be electric, making this event a must see for those lucky enough to be in Chiangmai. I certainly wish I was.

I would appreciate any commentary from those who attend the event.
Mai soong kha in advance.

Jom lii kha,

Naw Liang