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City awash with blue in honor of
HM the Queen’s birthday
Pattaya celebrates with Walking Street festival
Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn led city officials and the people in the candle
lighting ceremony and singing their blessings.
Thai dance thrills the
audience during the celebrations.
Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn pops the cork on a bottle of Champagne to set off the
10th anniversary of Walking Street.
Staff Reporters
A colorful parade in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday
and with the majority of the 5,000 participants wearing blue wended its
way along Beach Road on August 12.
Setting off from the Royal Garden Plaza, the parade passed along Walking
Street and ended at Bali Hai Pier, where candles were lit in honor of
Her Majesty, who turned 74 years old on that day.
At 19.00 hrs Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn conducted a ceremony at the
pier to bless Her Majesty, placing candles in front of her image.
Representatives of various official organizations stepped forward to pay
their respects and affirm their loyalty, and the evening sky then lit up
in a magnificent fireworks display.
All provinces throughout the Kingdom held their own ceremonies at the
same time, as they do each year on the occasion of Her Majesty’s
birthday.
The Walking Street Committee opened the new Walking Street archways to
celebrate the 10th anniversary of the pedestrianization of the
thoroughfare, and the closure of the street to traffic was officially
extended by one hour at the same time, vehicles being prohibited now
between the hours of 7 p.m. and 3 a.m.
More than 5,000 Pattaya
residents parade in hour of H. M. Queen Sirikit’s birthday.
Pattaya’s finest turned
out in force to honor HM the Queen.
Pattaya’s Indian community
was well represented in the parade in hour of H. M. Queen Sirikit’s
birthday.
Musicians from Pattaya
schools highlight the event.
What would a Walking
Street celebration be without dancing girls? Never fear, here they are.
The Redemptorist Center,
at the forefront in honoring HM the Queen.
The people light candles
and sing their blessings.
Nitaya Patimasongkroh
(center), chairperson of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya, leads the club on the
catwalk.
Celebrations included the
grand opening of the new archway near Bali Hai in celebration of the
10th anniversary of Walking Street.
Fifteen delegates from eleven countries participate in inaugural Rotary Peace and Conflict studies in Bangkok
Past Rotary International
President Bhichai Rattakul (seated center) with Rotary Peace and
Conflict studies participants.
Dr. Rajib Handique
It is heartening to note that in this knowledge driven age, Thailand
is fast becoming an important destination for international academia.
Recently, the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International established the
Rotary Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Chulalongkorn University
(CU) in Bangkok, as part of its ongoing effort to continue promoting
world understanding and peace. This Center is conducting an intensive
short-term certificate course on Peace and Conflict Studies. The first
batch consists of fifteen mid-to-upper level professionals from eleven
different countries who presently have been undertaking the course since
its inauguration on July 2, 2006.
This three months course is unique and the first conducted by Rotary
anywhere in the world. It is worth mentioning that Rotary has been
associated with the growth and development of Peace and Conflict Studies
and has already established as many as seven Rotary Centers of Peace and
Conflict Studies with partner universities, which include the University
of California Berkley (USA); Duke University and the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina (USA); University of Bradford,
West Workshire (England); International Christian University, Tokyo
(Japan); University of Queensland, Brisbane (Australia) and Universidad
del Salvador, Buenos Aires (Argentina).
Participants interact with
villagers at the Lam Takong Dam.
Recent escalation of violence in the conflict zones
of the world, such as the Middle East (a term used by the colonial
powers in the age of imperialism and is still being used), Sri Lanka,
Nepal, India, etc., constantly reminds us of the conflict-ridden world
that we are living in. There seems to be no respite as Lebanon is being
continuously bombarded and sectarian violence in Iraq touches epic
proportions. Peace demonstrations held all over the world have failed to
de-escalate the violence and ‘Peace’ seems nowhere in sight. This
scenario only makes one realize the relevance and importance of Peace
and Conflict Studies.
 Participants
during a field visit to Northeast Thailand.
The ascendancy of any branch of knowledge is often determined by the
existing societal milieu. It is in this context that we perceive the
growth in the importance of Peace and Conflict Studies as a distinct
branch of study. The founding premise of Peace and Conflict Studies is
that war and other forms of violence are not inevitable or ineradicable,
despite their omnipresence in human history. The Rotary Peace and
Conflict Studies Program at CU is a very well crafted course where
participants learn through critical theory and interdisciplinary method
the causes of conflict and conditions of peace at all levels viz. intra
and interpersonal, societal, international, and global.
As a participant James Hosannah from India puts it, “The knowledge and
skill delivered through this course can assist future generations to put
into practice just and sustainable principles locally and globally.”
Both Thevananth and Raveendra from Sri Lanka feel that the initial
modules of the course have helped them to analyze and understand the
dynamics of the Sri Lankan conflict better. Danilo Estranero from the
Philippines admits, “The course prepares students to understand the
dynamics of peace and conflict so that they become equipped to
contribute to the creation of more just and peaceable conditions in the
world.”
Another participant, Dohyun Kim from South Korea says, “The course has
increased my understanding of conflict, the history of peace efforts,
conflict resolution, and human rights…”
The course at CU aims to inculcate in the students the skills necessary
for mediation, negotiation, conflict analysis, and conflict tracking,
through exercises and field study. The participants have already
completed the first field study in the North-East of Thailand where they
visited the various dam sites and tried to understand the resource-based
conflicts.
Zelie Pollon from the USA and Richelieu Allison from Liberia admit the
efficacy of the field study, as do Col. Prakash Tewari and Matias Ninkov
from India and Argentina respectively. Omni Acharya from Nepal opines,
“We could familiarize ourselves with the various process-skills which
are used in conflict analysis.” Dr. Abhay Pathak from India is happy
that the field study also gave him a chance to see the countryside of
Thailand.
Petchara Pliensiri and Terdsak Putson from Thailand are optimistic about
the course and are eagerly waiting for the next field trips to
Kanchanaburi and Southern Thailand. In the words of Vilaysack, a
participant from Laos, “The course has so far increased our ability to
rethink and refashion existing models and practices of conflict
resolution.”
The establishment of the Rotary Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at
CU is a significant academic milestone for Asia in particular and the
world in general. The support provided by Rotary of Thailand to the
Center at CU, for conducting the short-term Peace and Conflict Studies
Program is significant and deserves full credit from the international
community.
In the ultimate analysis, it can be expected that the hope of Bhichai
Rattakul, member of the Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees, that the
Peace and Conflict Studies Program will be fully realized in proven
time. He said, “I hope that through this program, peace is not just a
piece of paper... but a practical tool to end possible conflicts.”
The writer is an Indian participant of the Three-Months Certificate
Course on Peace and Conflict Studies at Chulalongkorn University,
Bangkok.
Camillian Center opens Independent Living Center for youngsters living with HIV
Vimolrat Singnikorn
The Camillian Social Center in Rayong on August 7 opened its new
Independent Living Center building, designed for the support of young
people living with HIV.
Rayong Deputy Governor Suwaet Tantiwong presided over the official
opening ceremony, and Bishop Lorenzo Thienchai Samanchit, head priest of
Chantaburi led the blessings ceremony.
 Bishop
Lorenzo Thienchai Samanchit gives his blessings during the opening
ceremonies.
In his opening speech, Fr. Giovanni Contarin, director of the Camillian
Social Center Rayong said, “The Independent Living Center, which is
considered to be one of the first of its type in Asia, is for teenagers
who were born HIV positive and have overcome AIDS. These children are
successfully living with HIV and are considered capable of taking care
of themselves with adult supervision, as you would expect to find in a
normal family having teenage children. This in considered to be of
benefit in helping them adjust to the outside world after their younger
years of institutional life at the Rayong Social Center … also helping
Thai society in general promoting a positive attitude towards accepting
HIV positive people into normal Thai society.”
 The
Pattaya Orphanage Trust London has been a most valuable supporter of the
center.
He went on to say, “Fighting against HIV/AIDS and promoting HIV/AIDS
prevention are part of our strategies to help nurture our people,” and
that “over the years, we’ve put a lot of hard effort into dedicated help
and support of HIV/AIDS patients.”
The new center is located at 10/9 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 46 Mabtaput,
Rayong. A newly constructed building with an area of 1,200 sq m, it
stands on a plot of three rai (4,736 sq m). The building is divided into
bedrooms, a cafeteria, a storeroom, a bathroom, and classrooms with
facilities that include desks and computers. It was built with a budget
of 13,836,109 baht, thanks to tremendous help from the people and
organizations that donated to this cause.
 Father
Renato Attrezzi Director Camillian Hospital Bangkok is thanked for his
invaluable support.
The sponsors are: Pedrollo Group (VR-Italy), Pattaya Orphanage
Trust-London, Gruppo Amici Del Terzo Mondo (MI-Italy), St. Desiderio
Parish Correzzzana (MI-Italy), The Canadian Jackalope Open 2006, Charity
Club of Pattaya, Pattaya Sports Club, Comune Di Riese Pio X (TV-Italy),
Scarboro Mission - Canada, Sirinya Bishop and friends, and Gruppo
Missionario S.F. Saverio (Romano Di L.Dia-Bg).
Fr. Giovanni added, “(These) benefactors are ready to support (this
project) because they are convinced of our educational methods and they
care and believe in the future of these young people.”
The Independent Living Center is for children up to the age of 15 years
and is under the responsibility of the Camillian Social Center in
Rayong. Designed for young people living directly and indirectly with
HIV, the center helps them develop the abilities to live as other normal
children.
 Archbishop
Monsignor Salvatore Pennacchio (left), Apostolic Nuncio, presents a
photo of the Pope with his blessings to Fr. Giovanni Contarin, director
of the Camillian Social Center Rayong.
Currently the Camillian Social Center has 15 children and one caregiver,
who will now come under the responsibility of the Independent Living
Center. It is anticipated that another 30 children will move in over the
next two years.
All the children will be attending local schools and, later on, other
outside further educational facilities, universities and technical
collages.
Fr. Giovanni continued, “In the past, children born HIV positive were
orphaned or abandoned, but through this new Independent Living Center we
can build a ‘bridge of hope’, linking them with their future life in
outside society … They will be activists against the spread of HIV
within Thai Society, which will have come from their experiences and the
environment in which they have spent their time at the Independent
Living Center.”
 Wayne
Ogonoski receives a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the
Jackalope charity golf contributions.
Dr Wiwat Wiriyakijja of the Rayong Public Health Department, Dr Garchit
Kunawudhi of the Rayong branch of the national health service,
Archbishop Monsignor Salvatore Pennacchio, and leading model and
personality Cindy Burbridge with her husband Byron Bishop were amongst
those attending.
The latest data from the Monitoring and Surveillance Center shows HIV
infected and AIDS patients totaling 366,888 people with 90,059 deaths,
as of August last year. The data for death and sickness from AIDS has
decreased compared to the decade 1995 to 2005. The number of patients in
the 30 to 40 years age group is 26.03 percent of the total, and those in
the 25 to 29 years group was also 26.03 percent. The 35 to 39 year age
group accounts for 16.70 percent and infants up to four years of age
3.05 percent.
Dr Wiwat said the first infection in the Rayong area was recorded in
July 1988. Since 1994 the number of AIDS patients had increased by
approximately 1,000 patients per year. The highest patient rate was in
1998 when there were 1,172 new patients. In October 2005 there were a
total of 10,586 patients: 7,708 from AIDS, 2,878 from infection, and
2,236 deaths.
The Rayong Public Health Department offers training to juveniles on HIV
prevention and makes information available to the general public.
(From left) Byron Bishop
and Cindy Burbridge receive a certificate of appreciation from Fr.
Giovanni Contarin, director of the Camillian Social Center Rayong.
Various public and private
organizations were thanked for their kindness and support.
(From left) Bernie Tuppin,
Pattaya Sports Club charity chairman, receives a certificate of
appreciation from Archbishop Monsignor Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic
Nuncio, as Fr. Giovanni Contarin, director of the Camillian Social
Center Rayong looks on.
Rayong Deputy Governor
Suwaet Tantiwong (center), Bishop Lorenzo Thienchai Samanchit (3rd
left), head priest of Chantaburi Precinct, and Archbishop Monsignor
Salvatore Pennacchio (5th left), Apostolic Nuncio (H.E. Ambassador of
the Vatican City to Thailand), cut the ribbon to formally open the
Independent Living Center.
Father Giovanni and his
lovely children (above) some of whom accepted plaques of appreciation on
behalf of the sponsors. (below)
(From left) Father Robert
Murphy, Renato Porzio, past president of the Rotary Club Eastern
Seaboard, Pattaya Mail MD Pratheep Malhotra, Archbishop Monsignor
Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Nuncio, and John Kallarackal, secretary
Apostolic Nunciature participate in the opening ceremonies for the new
Independent Living Center.
Taal Yatra – World Premier Indian
Classical Music comes to Pattaya
Indian national artists to perform classical extravaganza at charity concert
Gen. Kanit, Khun Busyarat
and deputy mayor Ronakit pose for a photograph with some of the Sikh
faithful.
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty
the King’s accession to the throne, the Ministry of Culture and the
Indian Embassy in cooperation with the Sri Laya Foundation have invited
Indian national artist Pandit Suresh Talwarkar and his troupe of
musicians and cultural dancers to perform two charity concerts at the
Thailand National Cultural Centre on August 26 and 27. HRH Prices
Sirindhorn has graciously consented to preside over the Charity Gala
Performance on August 27.
 General
Kanit speaks to the Thai Sikh congregation about His Majesty the King’s
activities with Khun Busyarat and Amrik Singh listening intently.
Tickets are priced at 1000 baht for the performance on the 26th and 3000
baht for the following day. Donors of 200,000 baht will receive two
entrance tickets and receive a souvenir from HRH Princess Sirindhorn.
On Sunday August 13, General Kanit Permsub, Deputy Chief Aide-de Camp,
General to His Majesty the King and Chairman of the National Project to
promote Thai-Indian Culture along with Khun Busyarat, Chanyuth
Hengtrakul and Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh paid a visit to the Sri
Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) in Pattaya to convey their
respects to the Sikh community and to inform them that His Majesty the
King loves and cares for them as much as He does for everyone who lives
in Thailand under His umbrella of righteousness and benevolence. His
address to the Thai Indians was about His Majesty’s work throughout the
60 years of His reign and how His Majesty has developed the country to
such a high level, that His subjects now enjoy a much better standard of
living than ever before.
 Gianiji
Onkar Singh, the temple’s priest blesses Gen. Kanit by presenting him
with saffron coloured cloth.
General Kanit also brought good tidings, saying that because of his love
for Indian classical music especially the tabla, he had managed to
convince Pandit Suresh Talwalkar to agree to perform at a charity
concert right here in Pattaya.
With the cooperation of Pattaya City Hall, Thai Sikh Community, Hard
Rock Hotel and Pattaya Mail the concert has been scheduled for Monday
the 28th August at the Hard Rock Hotel.
 Pratheep
Malhotra encourages the Thai-Indian community to be more visibly active
in the service of our community.
Gen. Permsub in his capacity as the Chairman of the Organising Committee
said, ‘This concert is organised to honour His Majesty the King on the
auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of His accession to the
throne. We are confident that this historic arrangement will further
strengthen the cordial relationships between India and Thailand. In
addition the coming together of the people of our two nations will
promote interaction by enhancing knowledge and understanding of our
esteemed cultures.’
 Chanyuth
Hengtrakul gives greetings to the Sikh members of his constituency.
He added, ‘I am also very happy to announce that all proceeds from this
charity concert will benefit the underprivileged children in Pattaya and
the surrounding community. I have assigned members of the Thai Indian
community to utilize these funds to enhance education, sports and
culture and more especially the knowledge of Indian music to those who
are interested and in need.’
Busyarat Permsub, Vice Chairperson and devoted wife of the general says,
‘Pandit Suresh Talwalkar is one of India’s greatest exponents of the
tabla and is rated as one of the top solo players in India. He has
contributed immensely to the field of Indian classical music. This is
not only a golden opportunity but also a privilege to see and hear
Pandit Suresh and his troupe of musicians and Kathak dancers.’ With
pride she added, ‘My son Kata has lived in Pune for the past two years,
studying under the great Guruji, and will study for a further three
years to be able to master the art of playing the tabla to perfection.
He is the only Thai prodigy ever to study under the great maestro. He
will also be a part of the visiting cultural troupe!’
 Andrew
Khoo is expressively moved by the holy proceedings.
‘Lovers of Indian classical music in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard
should not miss this wonderful opportunity to experience a show of
beauty and elegance as only can be seen in the cultural heart of India.’
The organisers welcome sponsors to help raise more funds, so that the
most assistance can be distributed amongst the needy in our communities.
Tickets for dinner and concert are priced at 1500 baht per person or
10,000 baht for a table of 8. For more information, please call Hard
Rock Hotel, Tel. 0 3842 8755-9, Massic Travel, Tel. 0 3841 330, Thai
Sikh Community, Tel. 0 3842 3065, Pattaya Mail, Tel. 0 3841 1240-1.
Vasinee Malhotra (left)
seems amused as Jintana Wetchote (right) explains the Indian customs to
Khun Busyarat Permsub.
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