Bangkok meeting discusses role for happiness in public policy

Officials and scholars met Wednesday in Bangkok to discuss whether economic achievements alone are a satisfactory indicator of citizens' well-being. The International Conference on Happiness and Public Policy discussed the concept of gross national happiness, or GNH, which contends that global development cannot focus solely on economic prosperity, growth and productivity. The four pillars of gross national happiness are cultural promotion, equitable economic development, good governance and environmental conservation. The more than 300 participants at the conference will compare countries' education levels, life expectancies and standards of living to determine development approaches to boost happiness.
AP

Local focus at no-frills Bangkok fest

The fifth annual Bangkok International Film Festival opens Thursday with 100 features and 30 shorts, but minus the frills now considered extravagant in Thailand after the September military coup. In contrast to last year's event, which saw Oliver Stone, Catherine Deneuve, Willem Dafoe and Terry Gilliam walk the red carpet, this year the festival, which runs from July 19 to 29, is working with a budget slashed roughly in half to 80 million baht. The fest will focus on more Asian films this year, but a plan to subtitle all films in Thai was scuttled because of budget constraints. The opening movie, Krisztina Goda's "Children of Glory," is about the bloody Hungary vs. Russia water polo match at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics that took place as the Hungarian Revolution against the Soviets unfolded, while the festival closes July 29 with the Thai kickboxing film "Muay Thai Chaiya."  Those attending the event will include Bollywood actress Hema Malini and Hollywood producer Andrew Vajna.
The Hollywood Reporter
Film Festival Website
Film Festival Schedule

Surveillance cameras to be installed in downtown Bangkok

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is installing closed circuit television cameras in the Ratchaprasong shopping area. Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin and Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association Chairman Chai Srivikorn signed an agreement for a system development project, claiming it was for the safety of Bangkok residents and tourists.  CCTV cameras will be installed in public areas including sidewalks and pedestrian bridges connecting buildings to skytrain stations.  The surveillance system will be linked to the Metropolitan Police Bureau, which will  monitor the area around the clock.
TNA

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