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Sweden’s Queen Silvia visits the Kredtrakarn Centre
story and photos by Peter Cummins, UNICEF
A Queen she certainly is - graceful, elegant and
beautiful - Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, who was recently in Thailand
with King Carl XVI Gustaf. The Royal Swedish couple were on a state visit as
guests of their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. It was actually
the King’s second visit to Thailand in two months, having come to Sattahip
as President of the World Scouts Federation, to the 20th World Scout
Jamboree in February.
An
animated moment between the two Royal families.
Among her many visits, Queen Silvia, accompanied by HRH
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, went to the Kredtrakarn Protection and
Occupational Centre, better known simply as the Kredtrakarn Home, in
Nonthaburi Province. Influenced by her determination to promote better
living conditions for children the world over, the Queen established the
World Childhood Foundation in 1999. Her dedication to helping children with
disabilities, promoting campaigns for fighting commercial sexual
exploitation of women and children and advocating child rights, is
legendary.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) office in
Thailand, dedicated to similar ideals, followed closely the Queen’s wish,
knowing that she was anxious to visit Kredtrakarn - a ‘safe house’, also
supported by UNICEF.
The
Queen and the Princess talk to one of the girls.
UNICEF
staff (far left) pose with the Centre’s management personnel.
The Queen, the Princess and their entourage arrived at
the pier on the Chao Phraya River, to be greeted by H.E. Anurak Juremas, and
Khun Panit Nitithanprapas, the minister and permanent secretary,
respectively, of Social Development and Human Security, H.E. Chanchai
Sonthornmat, governor of Nonthaburi Province, Khun Wanlop Phloytabtim,
director-general of the Department of Social Welfare, ministry officials,
management and staff of the Home and, of course, UNICEF representatives.
The Queen and Princess Maha Chakri were entirely
engrossed in the activities of the Centre, particularly in the vocational
training aimed at rehabilitating the girls and women. As they strolled,
quite casually, around the different areas of the Centre, they conversed
animatedly, stopped to view the work, talk to the girls and, of course, to
sample the products from the cooking school.
Nothing escaped Her Majesty’s attention, as she
minutely examined the artefacts being made, observed the hairdressing
classes, the batik painting, weaving and the wickerwork. The Queen herself
was the epitome of elegance, wearing - most appropriately for the occasion -
a beautiful Mudmee blouse of a sandy brown and a long dress of silver-grey.
Of course, Her Majesty stopped a long time at the dressmaking school.
The girls were mesmerized by the Queen and were equally
delighted to see their own Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn close-up and be
able to talk to them. It was a most heart-warming sight to see the happiness
radiating from all parts of the Centre.
The Queen, for her part, was also visibly moved by the
sea of smiling, innocent faces which greeted her and the Princess all
throughout the visit, reflecting her aims for the World Childhood
Foundation.
The Kredtrakarn Home was established in 1960 and is now
under the supervision of the Royal Thai Government Department of Social
Development and Welfare, in the Ministry of Social Development and Human
Security. The main objective of the Home is to provide recovery and
re-integration services for and the protection of women facing social
problems, as well as rendering assistance to women and children, both Thai
and foreign, who are victims of sexual abuse and trafficking in whatever
forms they take.
The Home provides accommodation, medical care,
psychosocial recovery programmes, counselling, English language training and
non-formal education. It also presents nine vocational training courses, to
enable the girls to develop skills and attain knowledge which will help them
after they leave the Centre.
At the time of the Queen’s visit, there was a total of
237 residents at the Home, comprising 139 Thais and 98 foreigners,
principally Burmese, Chinese and Laotian girls and women.
HM Queen Silvia, understandably, within the context of her concerns for
the welfare of children around the world, made a visit to the Kredtrakarn
Centre a highlight of her time in Thailand.
Thai-German Institute enhances OHSE
story and photos
by Sue K.
“Better safe than sorry” - we hear and repeat this
phrase over and over again, but how much do we do to prevent domestic and
workplace accidents? Slippery floors and damaged staircases have claimed
injuries and casualties time and again. Not to mention chronic backache from
years of incorrect sitting and working positions that has sent numerous
patients to chiropractors. Respiratory infection and allergy from toxic
fumes and particle dust are also common causes of sickness and work absence.
(From
left) Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mathias Bauer, the rector and consultant for the CBM
and DSK in Germany on OHSE, Johann Jager, CBM legal consultant, Walter
Kretschmar, the German director of TGI, and Narong Rattana, Thai director of
TGI.
Nowadays occupational injuries and illnesses are no
longer just personal or labor law matters but also expenses that come
straight out of company profits and ultimately are legal aspects that the
company cannot avoid.
Injuries and illnesses increase workers’ compensation
and retraining costs, absenteeism, and production faults. They also decrease
productivity and morale.
On the other hand, workplaces with active safety measures
have fewer injuries; they enjoy an image of better places to work, and have
more satisfied, more productive employees who are less likely to change
jobs. Employees of such caring companies also return to work more quickly
after an injury or illness and produce higher-quality services.
Realizing the importance of Occupational Health Safety
and Environmental (OHSE) awareness, the Thai-German Institute (TGI) recently
invited Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mathias Bauer, the rector and consultant for the CBM
and DSK in Germany on OHSE, and Johann Jager, the legal consultant of CBM to
conduct a seminar workshop at TGI.
The four-day workshop was organized with an aim to
refresh awareness of OHSE, as well as to develop a comprehensive safety and
health management for the institute.
The study covered areas from the need for adequate
illumination from the lights the employees work under (500-1000 Lux for
offices recommended), the correct position and height to place your computer
screen, and even the adequate screen refresh rate (min 75 hertz).
(From
left) Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mathias Bauer, the rector and consultant for the CBM
and DSK in Germany on OHSE, Walter Kretschmar, the German director of TGI,
Narong Rattana, Thai director of TGI, and Johann Jager, the legal consultant
of CBM.
Suitable office chairs, sitting postures, chemical and
gas containers as well as fire precautions were among the many health and
safety issues addressed.
“Ethically and legally, everybody is responsible for
his or her health and safety as well as people around them and the
environment in which we live,” said Walter Kretschmar, the German director
of TGI who himself was a safety engineer for many years at Siemens.
“Safety must be and will be the core part of all our activities here at
TGI, especially during training. We see safety not as a cost factor, but
rather as a productivity factor which is also true for any advanced
company,” concluded Walter.
Governor Sawarng Srisarkun - a caring administrator who likes to tackle problems himself
An interview with the governor of Chonburi
Veerachai Somchart
Sawarng Srisarkun was appointed Chonburi governor on
October 1st, 2002. He was also formerly the governor of Samut Prakarn. He
said the proudest moment during his government service career was when he
was the district chief of Khorwang District, Yasothorn Province in
northeastern Thailand and was honored as the outstanding district chief in
1999.
Chonburi
Governor Sawarng Srisarkun (right) receives a copy of the Pattaya Mail from
MD Pratheep “Peter” Malhotra.
Governor Sawarng explained that at the time, Khorwang
District had neither electricity nor a well-paved road. His people had to
use oil lamps at night. It took him one year to influence the government to
provide his people with the basic facilities of roads and electricity.
“To build cooperation and unity among administration
officers inside and between other departments is one of the most challenging
duties as an administrator. One problem I am very concerned with is the poor
qualifications of the governmental workforce in many departments,” the
governor said.
Governor Sawarng believes government should value better
educated and well-qualified people rather than to hire employees without
morality and dedication. Government offices must be as efficient and well
equipped as private business companies to be able to serve people well. He
said, “As governor I must show my subordinates that I care and that I am
willing to help them. More importantly, I should be able to bring out
everyone’s best and encourage them to perform their duties with sincere
dedication in order to effectively develop the country.”
As an administrator, the governor likes to tackle
problems himself. To sit in the office and receive reports from his
subordinates is not the way he works. He wants to be aware of what is going
on in his province and be on top of situations.
Responding to the hot issue of the Ministry of
Interior’s social order campaign, Governor Sawarng said the policy is now
stricter than before and the outcome is being monitored by the Deputy
Minister of Interior, Preecha Maleenond.
In the governor’s view, the 30-day closure policy of
entertainment complexes that break the law should be adjusted. During some
police raids only 2 people testing positive for illegal drugs were found on
the premises but the order had to be carried out, which Sawarng said was
unsuitable. He thinks there should be 3-day, 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day
penalties available which would address the actual severity of offences. If
these complexes repeatedly break the law, tougher punishment could be meted
out.
Governor Sawarng agrees that the current law must be
enforced on entertainment complexes but he also thinks it should be
re-evaluated for Pattaya City. During long holidays such as the Songkran
water festival, Loy Krathong, Christmas, and New Year, many entertainment
businesses pleaded to stay open longer but were turned down. He conceded,
however, that since former Interior Minister Purachai Piumsomboon instituted
the new social order campaign, parents were satisfied with the closing time
and age restriction.
Regarding the proposal of allocating one zone in the city
to be allowed to stay open 24 hours a day, Sawarng said the idea was not
bad, but partygoers should be only foreigners and Thai service girls.
Foreign tourists should be required to carry their passports in this zone.
Service girls must be registered for their safety and that of tourists. Any
entertainment business operating within the 24-hour zone that serves Thai
tourists should face a 30-day closure. He admitted that the idea is still
embryonic and needs more support from the government.
Regarding the drug problem, Governor Sawarng said
statistics show that over 70,000 drug users and dealers have been recorded
in Chonburi. Over 9,000 people involved in drugs were arrested in 2001 and
400,000 amphetamine pills had been confiscated. In 2002, the number
increased to 11,000 arrests and 700,000 pills. Most of the pills were
brought to the area from other regions.
The governor insisted that to tackle this problem,
everyone must get involved - the public, government officials, community
leaders and the clergy. The many anti-drug projects now in place, such as
the ‘White Schools’, ‘Anti-Drugs Zone Villages’, the ‘White
factories without drugs’ and all the others should be actively supported.
Governor Sawarng then turned to the issue of the environment. He
emphasized that natural resources must be effectively preserved. He pointed
out that Pattaya now has a nice clean beach and people should help to keep
it that way and not pollute the sea. He stressed that Pattaya City’s image
is mostly based on the condition of the sea, so we are all responsible for
taking good care of it.
Ad Book
2003 is now
available
The 2003 edition of The Advertising Book, Thailand
Advertising, Marketing, Media Guide since 1984, containing an updated
information on around 4,000 companies and over 10,000 professionals involved
in advertising, creative, marketing, promotion, media, and new media
industries, is now available.
While most company listings come with contact address,
telephone/fax numbers, e-mail and URL addresses, and the name of directors,
ad agencies section also provides information on agency billings and
clients. Major advertisers section contains information on product
categories, brands, ad agencies and media spending by companies.
Besides listings, the directory showcases creative work
by most leading ad agencies, photographers, TVC production houses,
multimedia presentation organizers, market research and media companies.
The Advertising Book is now available at most leading bookstores at 500
baht per copy or can be ordered directly from the publishers by calling 02
580 6665, 02 580 7770.
Bangkok Pattaya Hospital opens first heart center on the Eastern Seaboard
Suchada Tupchai
The Bangkok Pattaya Hospital opened the Eastern
Seaboard’s first complete heart center recently. Hospital director, Dr.
Phichit Kangwolkij declared the new center open for patients and those
interested in taking care of their health.
During the morning’s activities, guests were given free
blood tests to check the cholesterol and sugar levels as well as a talk on
how to take care of your heart.
The new center will provide education and treatment on
heart disease without patients having to travel to Bangkok for tests or
treatment.
The Heart Club provides members with discounts on
services and will distribute educational material. The facility is equipped
with the latest technology in diagnosis and treatment for heart disease.
The new center is located on the third floor of Building
B of the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For those concerned about their heart, contact the heart center for more
information at telephone number 038-259 952.
Chonburi youth and family court opens new vocational training facility
Suchada Tupchai
Patinya Sutsuwan, head judge of the youth and family
court in Chonburi officially opened the new vocational facility at the end
of March and presented graduation certificates for those completing their
studies in motorcycle mechanics and those training as hairdressers.
Pattaya
Mail MD Peter Malhotra received a special plaque of thanks for supporting
Chonburi’s youth and family court’s new vocational facility. Also
receiving plaques of thanks were the Pattaya Sports Club, Chonburi
Vocational College and the external education center of Banglamung.
Patinya
Sutsuwan, head judge of the Chonburi youth and family court presents a
certificate of graduation to one of the students who had just completed the
course.
During the ceremonies, special plaques of appreciation
were presented to the Pattaya Sports Club, Pattaya Mail Publishing Company
Ltd., Chonburi Vocational College and the external education center of
Banglamung, which each received a special plaque of thanks for their support
of the newly completed project that helps integrate young offenders back
into society after serving their time at the youth detention center.
Special courses in beauty and hairdressing, mechanics and
external high school education were implemented last year. The vocational
courses entail 60 hours of practical education and theory to ensure that
these youths have skills with which to support themselves once they re-enter
society. Thirty-five people in the first and second classes each received
their graduation certificates during the morning’s opening ceremony.
Following the completion of the formalities everyone was
taken on a tour of the institution’s gardens and the various departments.
Vocational training is seen as important path to rehabilitation. Training
in hairdressing for men was implemented in November 2000. The new facility
aims at furthering the education of these wayward youngsters by giving them
necessary skills to become better members of society in the future.
Thai food is a big
lure for tourists
Anchalee Kaewmanee
Thailand is lined from border to border with restaurants.
Old traditions and fine hospitality are deeply rooted in Thai culture and
much of the Thai way of life is centered on food. However, Thai food has
traveled to the far corners of the earth and has gained a world-class
reputation. So do tourists just come to Thailand to shop, view the culture
and sunbathe on its fabulous beaches? Not quite. There’s no doubt about
it. Tourists come to Thailand to eat.
Thai food is internationally famous. Whether chili-hot or
comparatively bland, harmony is the guiding principle behind each dish. Thai
cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western
influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai.
The characteristics of Thai food depend on who cooks it,
for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where in which region it is
cooked. Thai food has something for everyone to suit all palates.
Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of
a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plants and herbs were major
ingredients. Large chunks of meat were eschewed. Subsequent influences
introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking. With their Buddhist
background, Thais shunned the use of large animals in big chunks. Big cuts
of meat were shredded and laced with herbs and spices.
Traditional Thai cooking methods were stewing and baking,
or grilling. Chinese influences saw the introduction of frying, stir frying
and deep-frying. Culinary influences from the 17th century onwards included
Portuguese, Dutch, French and Japanese. Chilies were introduced to Thai
cooking during the late 1600s by Portuguese missionaries who had acquired a
taste for them while serving in South America.
Thais were very adept at ‘Siamese-ising’ foreign
cooking methods, and substituting ingredients. The ‘ghee’ (ultra-refined
butter) used in Indian cooking was replaced by coconut oil, and coconut milk
substituted for other daily products.
Overpowering pure spices were toned down and enhanced by
fresh herbs such as lemon grass and galanga. Eventually, fewer spices were
used in Thai curries, while the use of fresh herbs increased. It is
generally acknowledged that Thai curries burn the palate intensely, but
briefly, whereas other curries, with strong spices, burn for longer periods.
Instead of serving dishes in courses, a Thai meal is
served all at once, permitting dinners to enjoy complementary combinations
of different tastes.
A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish
with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. A spiced salad
may replace the curry dish. The soup can also be spicy, but the curry should
be replaced by non spiced items. There must be a harmony of tastes and
textures within individual dishes and the entire meal.
Of course as visitors will find their own favorites and
are quite welcome to eschew the more fiery dishes. Many tourists are so
enamored of Thai food they want to take back recipes so they can cook it in
their kitchens at home. Fortunately there are lots of fine Thai cookbooks
available in bookshops in most cities. Many of the best ones are printed in
English and even Chinese. Eat! Enjoy!
Beautiful ‘Nong Bird’ wins Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2003
Suchada Tupchai,
Photos by Jan Aamlid
Parnthawan Jaruwattanakul, aka ‘Nong Bird’, a 21 year
old Kasetsart University student captured judges’ hearts to win this
year’s Miss Tiffany’s Universe beauty pageant, taking home the diamond
tiara, a Toyota Soluna, 100,000 baht in cash and return tickets to the
United States to compete in this year’s Miss Queen of the Universe 2003.
Parnthawan
Jaruwattanakul, aka ‘Nong Bird’, a 21 year old Kasetsart University
student won this year’s Miss Tiffany’s Universe beauty pageant.
(L to
R) The winning queens: first runner-up Taksaorn Sukcharoen, winner
Parnthawan Jaruwattanakul and second runner-up Lassa Panyasiri.
First
runner-up Taksaorn Sukcharoen looks pretty excited about finishing second,
and has a death grip on the trophy!
The Tiffany’s auditorium was packed to capacity to
witness what has now become an internationally renowned event.
After a week of activities and visits to local tourist
attractions and minor pageants around Pattaya, 70 ‘women of the second
category’ paraded on the stage of the auditorium for the first round,
which narrowed down the field to 30 finalists.
Judges asked contestants questions in order to gauge
their vision of the future and intellect. With 10 contestants making it to
the final round, selecting the three finalists was difficult since they had
all made such a fine showing.
The lucky winner was Parnthawan Jaruwattanakul, number
37, who was also winner of the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not ‘Most
Beautiful Wo-man’. Taksaorn Sukcharoen was selected first runner-up and
Lassa Panyasiri was chosen as second runner-up.
Other prizes awarded to contestants were the for Best
Costume, also won by Parnthawan Jaruwattanakul, the Miss Congeniality
category went to number 29 Nantacha Samrong and the Miss Photogenic prize
was given to number 38, Lassa Panyasiri.
This year, an extra special prize was presented to
foreign contestants with Misake Yasuda winning the Miss Congeniality award
for foreign entrants.
However, it was Parnthawan Jaruwattanakul who stole the
hearts of the judges as she was presented with the diamond tiara by last
year Miss Tiffany’s Universe, Thanyaporn Annyasiri on stage in front the
large crowd.
The beauty pageant, in which all contestants are women of
the second category, is in its 5th year and has received worldwide
recognition for its high standards, having three contestants going on to win
the Miss Queen of the Universe in the United States.
The pageant not only promotes Thailand’s Tourism and
Pattaya’s major tourists attractions, it promotes a positive and tolerant
image of transvestites internationally. The pageant also donates funds to
HIV infected children, promotes awareness of the disease and is a driving
force in human rights awareness.
Tiffany’s Show is known as the first transvestite cabaret show in South
East Asia and for 27 years has been providing the region with world-class
stage productions and fine entertainment.
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