Dear Partners and Friends of SEA Junction,
Building upon the momentum of Pride Month, we further explore gender-related issues. This time, the focus expands beyond gender per se to examine the intersections of capitalism, enchantment, and queer rituals. We are thrilled to have the distinguished Peter A. Jackson join us for this discussion, which will be based on his two recent books.
We also maintain our attention on environmental concerns. Partnering with Bangkok Tribune News for the 4th year of our Dialogue Forum series (in Thai), we are hosting the first event on Thailand’s environmental policies in light of the anticipated formation of a new government. Furthermore, we will organize a film screening and discussion to shed light on the detrimental impact of Thai dam projects on the mainstream Mekong River. This special screening will feature an extended version of the original 2022 film produced by Tom Fawthrop.
Additionally, we remain committed to keeping Myanmar in the spotlight with our regular #WhatsHappeninginMyanmar Monthly Updates. Through this online event series, we strive to provide timely information and analysis about the ongoing situation in Myanmar. We also continue to share more stories through our Living the Coup: Collective Diary initiative, amplifying the voices of people living through the daily challenges in Myanmar after the coup.
For more detailed information about each event, please refer to the section below. You will also find an update on our Small Grants Program, where we are delighted to announce the first batch of grantees whose projects tackle the multidimensional challenges of complex crises in Southeast Asia.
We hope you will continue to find our program of interest. We count on your participation and help in sharing the information about our programs with your network. And, if you would like to support us, please click on the donation box below.
Best regards,
Lia Sciortino Sumaryono
Founder and Executive Director, SEA Junction
EVENT PROGRAM
32nd #WhatsHappeninginMyanmar Monthly Updates
12 July 2023, 5:30-7:30 pm at SEA Junction
This update series was started soon after the coup d’état in Myanmar with the aim to contribute to a greater understanding of the crisis situation there for informed action in support of the democratic movement in the country and beyond. In collaboration with Asia Justice and Rights, we are continuing the series with Debbie Stothard. The updates consisting of 20-minute analysis and 40-minute Q&A are held via Zoom and livestreamed on our Facebook Page. To join via Zoom, just click on this link.
See further: http://seajunction.org/event/32nd-whatshappeninginmyanmar-monthly-updates-by-debbie-stothard/
Enchanted Capitalism & Queer Rituals:
A Conversation with Peter A. Jackson
15 July 2023, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm at SEA Junction
The event will feature a discussion based on Peter A. Jackson’s two closely related books which offer two sides of the same phenomenon. While “Capitalism Magic Thailand” explores the transformation of spirit possession rituals into cults of wealth, “Deities and Divas” delves into the rise of queer spirit mediums within these very same cults. Together, these books provide a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness between capitalism, enchantment, religious practices, and queer identities.
See further: http://seajunction.org/event/enchanted-capitalism-and-queer-rituals-a-conversation-with-peter-a-jackson/
Dialogue Forum 1 Year 4:
Environmental Policies & Challenges in the New Politics (in Thai)
19 July 2023, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm at SEA Junction
In 2023, Thailand is going through another transition as Thai people voiced out at the May 14 election that they wanted change and they decided to vote unprecedentedly for a new party of the young generation to lead, Move Forward Party. As Thailand is going to enter a new chapter of politics, it’s interesting to see how environmental policies will be shaped to help support the development path as wished by the people.
Film Screening and Discussion “Are We Murdering the Mekong?”
25 July 2023, 6:00-7:30 pm at SEA Junction
The documentary film “Murdering the Mekong” shines a spotlight on the once-mighty Mekong River, which is plagued by a relentless series of dams and now pleads for mercy, and an opportunity to rebound from the devastating impacts of hydropower. This special screening will feature an extended version of the original 2022 production, including recently filmed footage that adds depth and completeness to the narrative. Following the screening, filmmaker Tom Fawthrop will lead a discussion alongside other speakers
See further: http://seajunction.org/event/film-screening-and-discussion-are-we-murdering-the-mekong/
Southeast Asia Mini Book and Craft Fair
29-30 July 2023, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm at SEA Junction
Once a month, SEA Junction holds a mini book and craft fair focusing on Southeast Asia. Special this month, we offer newly arrived crafts from Indonesia along with many books as usual, including new books in consignment from recognized publishers, second-hand books double to those in our library and development-related books from outside the region that have been donated to SEA Junction. All funds raised at the fair contribute to SEA Junction’s functioning and activities.
See further: http://seajunction.org/event/southeast-asia-mini-book-and-craft-fair-35
SPECIAL INITIATIVES
Small Grants Program
“Staying Resilient Amidst Multiple Crises in Southeast Asia”
The Small Grants Program, managed by SEA Junction with the support of CMB Foundation, received an overwhelming response which demonstrates the significant interest and need for support in fostering resilience amidst the complex crises in our region. Following a thorough review, we are pleased to announce that we have selected and awarded grants to the following organizations and activities. Please refer to the list at the link below.
Living the Coup: Collective Diary of Daily Life in Myanmar
How people in Myanmar are coping with the junta control and wide-spread conflict is the focus of this project in collaboration with Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR). “Living the Coup” aims to document the personal stories of people and mold them into a collective diary. The most recent story, which can be read at the link below, features a mother and her son who navigate the chaos and uncertainty as their lives are forever altered by arrests, protests and the fight for justice in their country.
See further: http://seajunction.org/living-the-coup-collective-diary-of-daily-life-in-myanmar
For information please email southeastasiajunction@
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