Thailand joins Mekong Friendship Youth Ship Project

Yunnan, China, Dec. 22 (TNA) - Thailand sent a group of youths and officials to join in a friendship youth ship project of countries along the Mekong Rim, according to a radio news report.

The Mekong Rim Friendship Youth Ship Project was inaugurated this morning at Chiang Rung Town in Sib Song Panna of China’s southern province of Yunnan, said the news report of Radio MCOT FM100.5 MHz.

Six countries sent their youth representatives to join in the project, aimed at forging closer ties and cooperation, as well as exchange cultures and ways of life among the participating countries, which include Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

After the inauguration ceremony, the six youth groups visited cultural villages in Sib Song Panna.

Representatives of the six participating governments officially signed an agreement on cooperation in the project.

The six-nation youth ship made its first move to Sob Lei Town in Myanmar. The youths used hours on board to exchange ideas and opinions in various issues, and organized an exhibition on environment protection.

Cultural shows were also exchanged during the cruise, the radio news report said. (TNA)

TAO chairman class 2 graduates 105

Chakrapong Akkaranant

Chonburi governor Chadet Insawang presents diplomas to 105 graduates from the sub-district (tambon) administration organization chairman course (class 2).

Chonburi governor Chadet Insawang presided over a ceremony presenting diplomas to 105 graduates from the sub-district (tambon) administration organization chairman course (class 2) on the morning of December 21 at the Banglamung Ministry of Interior College.

Following the presentation the governor made an inspiring speech to the graduates describing their future positions at the sub-district level of government as the “grass roots” where government comes in personal contact with the public.

The TAO chairman is the highest administrative authority at the sub-district level and sets policies that govern all communities within the sub-district’s jurisdiction. The sub-district level of government, referred to as TAO, has the main purpose of developing the sub-district economically, socially and culturally.

Duties of the TAO have compounded over the years and TAO officials must keep up with the pace in rapidly changing societies with the goal of eliminating poverty and improving the quality of life for everyone in the community in accordance with government policy, Chadet said. Proposing new development projects must truly be for the benefit of the community, and the governor emphasized the necessity to avoid any conflict of interest when individuals become the main recipients of community projects.

105 officials selected from 48 provinces attended the TAO chairman course (class 2) with subjects focusing emphasis on current restructuring policies aimed at delegating more authority to lower levels of government. Other subject areas included legal parameters involved in local government, community investment policies, and the “one tambon - one product scheme”.

Santa and 3 wise men visit the Pattaya Orphanage

(above) Father Ray Brennan, who to some has nearly reached sainthood, walks among his orphans on Christmas Day.

(right) Father Ray hands out presents to his charges ...

The children at the Pattaya Orphanage, refreshed after the previous night’s heavy Christmas caroling, awoke on Christmas morning bright and early with another round of singing. This time, it was at home, where they treated the staff to a round of Merry Christmas and Jingle Bells for Father Ray Brennan, Father Michael Picharn and Father Christmas.

The children presented gifts to all three ‘fathers’ before receiving their presents, some of which were just a little too big for them to carry as they struggled excitedly to open their presents and bring an end to a hard year of learning and growing.