New Student Introduction "Skool Partey"

At S.-B.A.C. SakonNakhon Business Administration College

Why was I invited to arrive at 9 a.m., when they knew that the main entourage would not make an entrance any earlier than 10:30. 

I entertained myself by briefly watching student rehearsals and makeup sessions.  I snuck out the front gate to have a smoke and kept myself well hydrated with a two cups of coconut juice from my refrigerator.  It's the coconut juice with preservative: Sangsom.

I was invited to return in the afternoon when a ladyboy contest would be featured.

But I was just not interested in making the trip twice in one day.

Thai Time = regular time plus one, or two or three, or...

You are invited to our graduation ceremonies. Please come at eight.
Knowing the inconsistencies with Thai time keeping I arrived half an hour late.

Still plenty of time to take pictures of arrivals and last minute preparations.
Ceremonies started promptly at 11:10, as verified by the time stamp on my photographs.

Lucky I kept some pain remedy in my motorcycle.

From the number of graduates I can only surmise that the school is doing quite well.

Handing out diplomas was the wife of the provincial governor.
It was the first time that we had been introduced and I was surprised by her knowledge of English.

I declined a luncheon invitation.

Thai Classical

Student performances at Saturday's S-BAC graduation Bash

Tonight at the Imperial

S-BAC Sakonnakhon Business Administration College Graduation Party.
You might say it's their version of the prom.

I was asked to make myself available at home for a visit by a teacher at 12 noon, Friday.
1 p.m. I decided it was time for a visit to the WELCOME Bar and a shopping trip.

The teacher visited me there around 1:30.  Thai punctuality.
"Do you want to come to the Party?  Table for eight 16,000 Baht (US $492)."
Ten minutes of declining the extremely expensive invitation under all circumstances,
a correction to the translation of the ticket price 1,600 Baht.  

As last year, they have invited Thai Movie stars to attend.
Last year it was some Thai Teen Idols who made all the girls swoon. A few boys too.

It's an alcohol free event, I'll keep my mix discrete.

S-BAC Sport day

I probably should have stayed home and nurse myself back to health.  I couldn't resist.

In town streets were controlled by traffic police, as an apparent children jogging marathon took place.

Outside of town, at the military reservation they also were celebrating children's day.
   Looked more like a fair ground.  A single jet circled the area twice.

Quite unusual to see a jet in this area.  While waiting for the parade to start, a bicycle racing team passed.

I don't know where people get the idea my name is money.  Many kept calling me that.

Oh yes I did pass out 3,000 baht in 20 baht denomination before I left.

School Dayz

Adding to my online photo album is one of my primary focuses these days. It may be the only thing I leave for posterity.The latest addition is an event which took place last year in July at S.BAC.It was teachers day.In my school days we would have called this a school assembly. But then in my days you would also not have seen performances by ladyboys. My school days where on the other side of the planet, where I experienced bamboo stick welts on the palm of my hands and on my posterior with regular frequency.
Here such events begin with Buddhist rituals, followed with lots of pomp and circumstance to honor and show recognition and respect to the royal family.

Another day in Paradize

I had received an invitation to an event at a local school (S-BAC).
The best translation of the event I received was 'New Student Introduction Day.'
You might better understand it simply as Open House Day. A few dozen parents participated.
Buddhist religious ceremonies generally start the day of activities.

The opening ceremonies conclude with traditional thai dancing by students.

I am supposed to sit on the stage with the dignitaries and teachers. I can't sit still that long. I always politely decline, pointing at my camera. My excuse, I want to take pictures.

The guest speaker apparently had his audience's full attention. Students were laughing, answering questions, or even blurting out comments. It wasn't just a speech, rather almost a community discussion at times. Even though I have no idea what was said, the presentation was just superior.

Students present teachers and dignitaries with local flower arrangements.

Quite a few awards were handed out to students with perfect attendance records. I also departed with a number of gifts which I always cherish.

A perfect day concluded later in the evening watching a Bee Gees concert on local Sakon Nakhon TV (STV)

For a good laugh visit

S-BAC Graduation Ceremony

Joey graduates. (March 21)

Even though Joey had spent weekends in school for previous two years, he only had a high school equivalent certificate.
For the past few years he had attended school with me as teaching assistant.
Based on that experience, he earned a college degree.

See the complete album here -->> 090321 S-Bac Graduation

Lets get this college party started...

My invitation to a local party stated 18:00 (previous post). But then I am familiar with 'Thai Time.'  
We arrived early and had a drink in the hotel's restaurant.
When we made our entrance in the ballroom at 6:15, the room was almost empty.
I expected that. The Thai Lady Band was doing some final rehearsals and kept me pleasantly entertained.

By 7 p.m. people began to trickle in. It took another half hour before the room began to fill.
Meanwhile I continued to enjoy the performances by the "Thai Lady Band." They are simply superb.

090318
Uploaded by luanghans

Then all of a sudden every person with a camera cell phone sprang into action.
Right about then I lost control of my camera. The party had turned into a paparazzi frenzy.
Where have I seen these guys before? Ah.. well... of course... television. 

Everyone wanted to pose with the "stars."

I do enjoy graduation parties, but they also sadden me a bit. It's somewhat of a going away party for students who I have known and befriended.

As can be expected, as the school sponsored party ended, everyone regrouped at the local disco.

See this album here 090318 S-BAC Graduation Party

Graduation Ceremonies and Party Season

Received a first invitation to a graduation party this season. The party is this evening.

Quite an innovation:  V.I.P invitations 1,800 baht.

Might sound a bit pricey, but that revenue pays for first rate entertainment, Previously mentioned

Parade here.. parade there..

They're having parades, competitions and shows at both ends of town.
Heard the marching drums before I left the house.

By the time we reached the other end of town, traffic was at a standstill to let the parade pass by.

From 090206 S.BAC Sport Day 06/02/09

School sport day, I'd change the name to "make your dreams come alive."

Costumes, make-up and hours of practice and everyone changes identity.
Some are dressed as members of the royal court.
Others are cheerleaders, sports celebrities, still others outdo any Vegas Act.

And then of course there are those boys in drag.  The lady boys.
This is a moment when they can dress and act their feminine fantasy.

From 090206 S.BAC Sport Day 06/02/09

Visiting dignitaries are important to these events, adding purpose.
Just wish their speeches were shorter.  The kids are facing the sun and squinting.  
You can tell they'd rather go on with the show.
Football, cheerleading competitions, trophies to win...

From 090206 S.BAC Sport Day 06/02/09

S-BAC Teacher Converence

Make sure you wear a yellow shirt and preferably no blue jeans please.
Those were my instructions for mandatory attendance of teachers at school.
It's one of those visits by government officials to take a head count of the teachers.

So I arrived at 9 a.m. I stuck out like a sore thumb wearing yellow.
All teachers were wearing blue blazers except 'you know who.'

Students were lined up the full length of the school road.
It felt more like a pass in revue at a military parade.





My classroom (the only air conditioned room at the school) was transformed into a meeting room.
All teachers were packed into the room and the speeches began.



I attended for twenty minutes.
Not understanding a word they said, with the exception of mentioning my name,
I excused myself and stepped outside and mingled with the students



Well it wasn't really mingling.
I walked a mob of students followed, waiting for the inevitable...
Throwing of money. (20 baht bills totaling 2,000)
Please come back tomorrow.

Hard Choices: simultaneous events

Counted three school Parades / Christmas celebrations by the time I arrived at the S-BAC: celebration (#4).


Tinglish (Thai-English)

These are school sponsored family and community events.
An opportunity to dress up and become someone else.

Another day of great fun.

Sport Day

They call it "like Sport day.' To me it's more like a school open house.