Thank you all for your participation.

1/26/07

Your website is interesting and helpful as well especially for the children who has a problem with their identities. Mixed-race children have a lot to be proud of and they are likely to be more globally-oriented because of the two cultures they can learn from their parents and share it to other people. It's good that you introduced your culture to Milan at an early age so that she can embrace and understands it and not be uncomfortable when someone asks her who she is. My girls' classmates couldn't guess what other race they have. Luckily, Mike and I were raised in a similar tradition, values and religion background so being mixed-race doesn't bother them, instead they feel unique about being their own selves.

Congratulations and Good Luck on your project! 

~ Lyn, North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

1/29/07

This is a very nice website. Maybe you can add web site designer to your repertoire. I will send the consent form when I get a chance. I would just prefer that their names are not listed under their pictures. Let me know if you want any other pictures.

Good luck with the project. It seems to be off to a good start!
~ Tracy, Warwick, Rhode Island.

2/10/07 

Well done on your web site, especially the translations of National anthem from Thai to English.

~ Lex, Bangkok, Thailand.

2/19/07

For feedback on your project, I admire that you have very good intention and good thought to promote the children especially for your daughter. While the Ramsey case was hot, we always talked about Nong Mook and wondering how her parent could help protect her from the danger to her beauty. You are with her all the time is the safe side for her. Nong Mook sawasdee picture is so beautiful.

I had done similar work while managing ATPAC that promotes Thai children in the past with highly success, but working with the grownup children, ABT (American born Thai). These kids are in Ivy League. They are very intelligence and wonderful to work with. We encouraged them to establish an association for their group ATPACY. They contributed the ideas, knowledge and skills for Thailand workplace. We initiated the internship for them in Thailand. They held the meeting groups among them and produced very good documentations, articles and newsletter. My last contribution to the group was to organize the career fairs for this special group in Las Vegas in the conjunction to TPAA-Thai Physicians Associations in America annual conference. Those kids now are in high rank position in their career.

I can sincerely share with you about my though on what you are doing. Have you had the answers for these questions?

- The name, I always hear about Thai American, Asian American, Japanese American. Why is American-Thai? You must have a reason.

Answer:

A "Thai American" is an American citizen of Thai descent (Thai ethnic background). Conversely, "American-Thai" is utilized here for those individuals living and combining both American & Thai culture.

- Is there any reason to present yourself as “Dr. Joy”? It may not be friendly in Thai community which I have heard from Thai people from the temples and around, not to mention names. If this work is performed in Thailand, yes it is a must to use Dr. Joy. I have quite experiences working with Thailand on the title. I always told them that I do not want to be called Dr. Cholthanee, but Thai agencies have good reason to use that prefix for Thai culture to gain better reputation of their project and encourage the audiences to gain more respect. In American society, the people sometime feel intimidated. There are many Thai people out there living with their problems that they want to hide. Although in American system, we learn that user friendly environment helps us to get a job done easier. While I was working, often time I was called or introduced as Ass. Vice President both in writing and verbally. I always reminded them that I did not want to be any ass. We used for necessary and legal event.

Answer:

I use "Dr. Joy" because I have a Ph.D. In addition, this is the way that most Thais and some Americans refer to me whether they are in Thailand or in the U.S. It has become my other "cool" nickname, don't you think? I will also use it here on this special website because AmericanThai.net will contain titles, names, and nuances that are acceptable in both cultures.

I wish you the best luck.
~ Cholthanee, Burlington, Massachusetts.

2/21/07

Very nice! I also like the section on the history of Thailand. Very clear and concise.

One suggestion: On the Thai section, the transliteration is probably according to the official Thai language police. But it's often impossible for foreigners to understand. For example, the letter shown as "tho tha-han" is pronounced "taw ta-haahn". Leaving all those "h"s in just confuses and discourages foreigners trying to pronounce Thai words for the first time.

Actually, the table is inconsistent, too. The number nine is correctly shown as "gao", but the letter "gaw gai" is shown incorrectly as "ko kai". Very confusing!

It would also be good to explain Thai syllable tones.

Feel free to use the new, improved "Lukens System" of transliteration!

~ Dr. Lukens, Bangkok, Thailand.

2/21/07

I'm glad that your website is AmericanThai.net and not AmericanThaiChildren.net. It appears that your site is focusing on children with 1 Thai parent(s) and I feel that it should encompass all people - children -young and old and adults of all ages with Thai heritage. My 3 children, now 41, almost 38 and 35 would not really belong in your website..and my grandchildren would not belong there either..by your definition.

~ Dr. Pratarnporn, Providence, Rhode Island.

2/22/07

I looked up my Thai System, and realized that the Thai language (or my explanation of it) is too complicated for your web site. Just so you can see, I've attached five .pdf files that show how I organized the rules and explanations for pronouncing tones and consonants. Whew! Difficult!

People who read your web site need something simpler, such as explaining that in Thai transliterations almost every time they see an "H" after a consonant except "C", the "H" is silent (as the "H" in the word "Thai").

And every time they see an "L" at the end of a syllable, the "L" is pronounced "N" (as the "L" in the
name for the city of "cholburi").

And whenever they see an "O" in a word it can have several different pronunciations, including "oh"! But it's usually "aw" (as in "saw"). That's the point when they discover they must begin reading the words in Thai.

I will look through what I've written in the years we've been here to see what I can contribute.
Unfortunately, most of it will be about the Bangkok Hash House Harriers!

~ Dr. Lukens, Bangkok, Thailand.

3/26/07

First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Ravivong and my nickname is Winnie. I met Pee Lec over 2 weeks ago at the meeting at Bangna Villa and we became a very good friend. I am Pee Lec's neighbor and been living here for over 10 years but met Pee Lec for the first time at the meeting. Pee Lec told me about you and your website so I check it out and find it very interesting. I might have some story to contribute to you, I am married to a wonderful husband and he is American. His name is Michael and at the moment he is working here in Thailand. I have to tell you that you have such a beautiful daughter. How old is she now? How is life over there? We were in NY last December to visit friends and then we spent Christmas in Mobile with Michael's family. We had such a great time. Well, I guess that's it for now.

~ Winnie, Bangkok, Thailand.

4/4/07

I am glad to see you doing the AmericanThai.net website. I really like your website. Do you do all the graphic? I have been doing my website since 2003. I love cooking and I am trying to do the website about Thai cooking. Anyway I would like to send chaweinta's artwork to your website.

She has been drawing since she was 4 years and she's still doing that. Chaweinta is 10 years old. I wish I live next to you guy so I can participate in any event. If you have anything I can help, please let me know.

~ Lumpoo, Alaska.

4/4/07

Your website is lovely! I've looked through it but couldn't find the place where I can submit my words, and maybe some lovely stories about my American-Thai niece. Will it be great to have a forum such as a webboard or else? Best wishes for a great success of this lovely website. Love from Nong Mook's "Pa Na"

~ Jintana, Prachuap Khirikhan, Thailand.

4/21/07

My name is Panisara (Nat). I met you at Tentple....oops! I mean Temple last week. I was there with my husband Kevin and my new born baby boy Michael Matus. It was a pleasure to meet you there. Thank you for introducing me to your family, you have a very beautiful daughter. I see you work very hard on your websites, they are very full of helpful information to me. Thank you so much for introducing yourself to me and I hope to see you some time soon at Tentple..Oops! Thanks so much.

~ Panisara (Nat), Massachusetts.

8/1/07

Subject: My child in Thailand

I recently ran into an old military buddy here in the U.S. and he told me the girl I knew in Thailand was with a child after I left and came back to the USA. I was in the U.S. Marines and stationed at the Nam Phong Airbase we built in Thailand in 1972-1973. I can't remember the village name or her name sorry -- but if you stand facing the air strip the village she was from would be to the right about 4 miles down a trail back then. I espically remember the villagers protesting because the airbase we built was forcing them to walk a lot of extra miles to get to the market and main highway. My old friend told me she was working at that market by the bus stop, when he last saw her and she was with a child. I also remember the Buddist Temple in that village and playing soccer with the young boys there. I think I saw her before I left for the States but things were moving so fast that day and it has been a long time. If I have a child there I would like to have him here or help him in anyway I can. Can your organization help me? What other information can I provide? I have no picture left of my time in the service with me in them. If I have a child there I really need to find them in the next few years. I have heart problems and may not be here long.

~ James Wilson.

8/8/07

I have received your note with your concern about your biological son in Thailand. I am more than happy to assist you. Here is the link to the website which I have found useful to you: http://amer-thai2001.tripod.com/gspresearch/index.html
Wish you the best of luck and health.

                           Best wishes, Joy

8/14/07

Hi, Thanks for the email but I sent a message to the link you sent me but no answer for nearly a week. I will try again soon.

Thanks, ~ James Wilson

8/31/07

Subject: "James Wilson" Looking for His Child in Thailand

สวัสดีค่ะ
คุณ James Wilson ได้ติดต่อมายัง http://AmericanThai.net เพื่อค้นหาลูกชายที่เกิดกับภรรยาไทยในอดีต เมื่อครั้งสงครามเวียดนาม (http://americanthai.net/guest.aspx 8/1/07) ซึ่งทาง AmericanThai.net ได้แนะนำให้คุณ James ติดต่อมายัง website ของท่าน (GSP American-Thai Research) แต่คุณ James บอกว่ายังไม่เคยได้รับการตอบรับจากทางท่านเลยค่ะ กรุณาติดต่อคุณ James Wilson ด้วยนะคะ และหากมีสิ่งใดที่ AmericanThai.net จะช่วย GSP American-Thai Research ได้บ้าง กรุณาติดต่อกลับไปนะคะ ขอบคุณค่ะ

3/12/08

Many thanks for your comments. Are you still in touch with those half-Thai/half-American children (which of course now adults)? I have tried to contact the website:

http://amer-thai2001.tripod.com/gspresearch/index.html but never really got any response from anyone. Glad that this site does still exist and has been recently updated. A friend I know is somewhat active with this group of former GI's children.  He followed his deceased GI father many years ago, and finally moved to reside in MA after his grandmother passed away. There was an old man writing to me to look for his biological son but has no information whatsoever regarding the woman's name and the town she was from.  Please see http://americanthai.net/guest.aspx for your reference.

Please let me know if I can be of any further help in case you have come across anyone who is looking for his/her father. Life is always interesting, don't you think?

Khob Khun Ka,
~ Joy

3/13/08

The GSPresearch website was our website. My ex-husband and I used to be very active about the searching. Unfortunately, things happened in life that we have to go our own ways. He will be leaving for the USA very soon. However, let me have some information about the person that your friend is looking for. I might be of some assistance.

~ Supawan, Bangkok, Thailand.

3/13/08

It's surprising to know that the website that Mr. Wilson and I have tried to contact not too long ago (last August) is your website. Also, I am sorry to hear about your past marriage.

"James Wilson" was in the U.S. Marines and stationed at the Nam Phong Airbase during 1972-1973. However, he does not remember both the village and the Thai woman's names. What other information does he have to provide? Please see the reference/information from http://americanthai.net/guest.aspx (dated 8/1-9/15). You may choose to directly contact him with his e-mail: dadw5boys@yahoo.com.

It will be a miracle if he can find his biological son (if he had one!). I do believe in a miracle though. See how you and I have finally come across. What a coincidence! Let's make a wish for someone's happiness.

Cheers,

Joy

4/20/08

Dear Dr. Joy,

I am interested in taking a course in beginner Thai in the on-line or distance learning format that will provide a certificate upon successful completion. The course does not need to be free. I am just looking for a reputable learning establishment that provides a completion certificate. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you, Rick Rogerson

Dear Rick,

For the time being, please consider taking a look at this special E-Learning Courseware that can be found on the Thai Language page of this AmericanThai.net website.

I might be offering a special LIVE on-line course "Thai Language by Dr. Joy" through Skype.  It can be a 'one-on-one' or 'group' lesson, depending on number of students, adults or children.  Please stay tune and come back to visit AmericanThai.net. 

Cheers,

Joy

5/23/08

Sawadee ka, Pee Joy How are you doing? I've just done with my class today (it is two weeks class in the summer) I am enjoy watching Nong Mook sing the traditional Thai song. Where did she learned it? That is amazing she can sing Thai song. I am so proud of her. Can Nong Mook write or read in Thai? I found that your website is very useful for me and I bet for others too. Chaweinta can speaks Thai but not very fluent. Right now, I am trying to teach her to write and read from the Thai link that you post on
your web. Thank you to do this, I am very appreciated it what you are doing.

I have been in USA for almost 12 years. My English is okey and I bet you are very good speaking English (you got your Ph.D.). When you first came to USA did you speak very good English? Where do you learn it? My problem is I do not have any American friend. Only my husband who I speak
English to. I speak Thai to Chaweinta. I watch too much Thai TV and read Thai news online. Three years ago, I read a lot of English newspaper. Do you have any suggestion for me to improve my English.

~ Lumpoo, Alaska.

AmericanThai.net would like to introduce the free on-line English teaching and learning resources for anyone -- yourself or your children,

of all nations to practice the English language skills.

See more details HERE....