Kate's Updates. At Anytime. On Anything. From Any Continent.

30 November 2007

[Red Tape]

During November I became painfully familiar with the offices of the National Research Council, Provincial Town Halls, Consular Affairs, and Immigration. I spent a week traveling to four provinces where I plan to do interview surveys. I needed to show up in person and get signed letters of permission to begin work. Getting these signatures varied by office, from a wait time of four hours to 15 minutes.

Also, finally, after 5 different visits to three different offices, I obtained a research visa. This is essential for my long term work in the country.

As for research, I completed 100 interviews of villagers around Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary with help from the Sanctuary research staff. I learned to carry reading glasses with me to help facilitate the identification of wildlife photos by the older interviewees!

I will be back in Thailand (after a month’s break to the U.S.) to begin work in mid-January. I hope by that time the trapping permits for dholes will be secured…