In which DCist explores the city’s diplomatic portal to the world, highlighting the best events on the global calendar.

December 2: It’s National Higher Education Day in Myanmar! In recent times few have had any reason to celebrate National Higher Education Day in Myanmar — or so the Western media will tell you, that is! The Chronicle of Higher Education’s news blog noted some time back that the junta claims to have built 156 colleges and universities in 1988. One of those newly opened institutions isn’t the nation’s flagship University of Yangon, which has stayed closed to undergraduates after a student uprising that same year, 1988. Some say that the purpose of building higher-institution centers in Myanmar is to disperse the student body, who are not allowed to speak, write, or publish freely.

But that is not any talk for National Higher Education Day! After all, the Ministry of Education initiated a 30-year education program in 2002 to prepare its citizenry for the Knowledge Age. As the junta knows, the best knowledge is that that comes directly from the junta. And only from the junta. Penalty for accessing other sources of knowledge during the Knowledge Age will be severe.

How students celebrate National Higher Education Day in Myanmar is something of a mystery, since details about their daily lives (just like their research and publications) have been suppressed. That shouldn’t stop you, though! Perhaps a visit to the Embassy of China to say thanks to the Myanmar junta’s greatest support is in order.

December 5: The birthday of Thailand’s beloved king King Bhumibol Adulyadej comes as the country’s political system is mired in strife. Protesters have seized the country’s airports: Bangkok’s international airport as well as another smaller airport, which served as the government’s temporary headquarters after protesters surrounded official government offices.

The protesters wear yellow to signal their allegiance to the king and their opposition to the prime minister (a funny tack for a group that calls themselves the People’s Alliance for Democracy). But will the king welcome airports closed in his name and international scrutiny on his birthday? He has thus far been silent on the issue.

In the past Thailand has staged massive parades and parties to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday. Fitting this year’s more subdued mood, a nice dinner in might be the best option to celebrate locally. You know about Thai X-ing, right? This place had ethnic food critic (and George Mason economist) Tyler Cowen doubting the place of the firm in American society in light of his dinner at the one-man, no-staff, few-tables kitchen. Readers, it is that good. Place your take-out order in the morning, if not the day before, as it will be hopping — and very much worth your while.