Phasakorn Channgam
Tanaree Fungpinyopab, lovingly known as “Nui”, the 29 year old chief
receptionist at the Redemptorist Center lodge, which operates under the
management of the Father Ray Foundation, was blessed and recognized for her
good work and fighting spirit under extreme adversity when she was chosen as
one of the very few youngsters in Thailand to receive the Youth Idol Award
2009 for being an outstanding role model for youth in the community.
Khru
Prateep Ungsongtham, chairperson of the Duang Prateep Foundation hugs Nui as
they pose for a happy photograph.
The Youth Idol Award was initiated on August 30, 2008 to mark the 30th
anniversary of the Duang Prateep Foundation. Winners of the awards must show
outstanding qualities in 3 categories: Education & Personal Development;
Social Responsibilities & Community Development; and Morality.
This year the Duang Prateep Foundation chose 10 exceptional young people in
Thailand to receive the prestigious awards which are presented in the name
of Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Phannavadi.
Nui
is loved and cared for by her uncle Cherdsak Pangsrisusan (left) and Khun
Radchada Chomjinda ‘Toy’ (center) of the Pattaya Orphanage.
Nine of the recipients were from the Khlong Toei community in Bangkok. They
were selected from 22 nominees by a committee with representation from the
Duang Prateep Foundation, the Khlong Toei District office, the Port Police
and a community representative. Three of the Khlong Toei youngsters were
selected for their education achievements, three for their community
activism and three for their support for their family or guardians.
But this year an extra special award was added because the committee felt
that Tanaree indeed deserved to be a recipient of the “Special Inspiration
Award”.
A
correspondent interviews Nui for a show that will be broadcast in Japan.
The presentation ceremonies were held at the Duang Prateep Foundation in
Bangkok on November 22, 2009, when family members and teachers watched
emotionally as their children humbly yet proudly received their awards which
were placed in front of the Royal portrait.
Amongst them was our very own Nui! So what makes Nui so special?
Thanaree ‘Nui’ Fungpinyopap was born without any arms or legs. Soon after
birth, Thanaree’s mother left Thanaree and her father to start a new life.
Thanaree was raised with great love and dedication by her father.
Nui
writes a note for this reporter using a pen pressed between her arm and
cheek.
After Thanaree completed high school, her father died, leaving Thanaree in
despair and thinking she would not be able to live without her father’s
help. The step-mother who had married Thanaree’s father a few years before
did not want Thanaree around.
In the following years Thanaree moved through several homes and jobs before
she completed a two year computer and business management course at the
Redemptorist Vocational School for the Disabled in Pattaya. Thanaree went on
to complete her studies, earning a BA degree in Public Relations at
Sukhothai Thammathirat University.
Nui,
hard at work on the computer in her office.
Nui spoke to Pattaya Mail saying, “I feel so honored and proud of having
received the Youth Idol Award 2009 from the Dung Prateep foundation.
“I thank Khru Prateep Ungsongtham, chairperson of the Duang Prateep
Foundation for especially submitting my name to receive such a prestigious
award. I was very excited and highly honored as one of the disabled women to
be given this honor. I realized from my experience that a youth role model
doesn’t need to be one with a complete set of limbs and organs. What is more
important is that they should have these 3 vital qualifications, namely
education, social responsibility and morality. I have always lived by these
tenets.”
Nui
poses on her electric wheelchair which was presented to her by Rotarians in
Pattaya.
Nui remembers her childhood days when she only had her father to care for
her. “He loved me very much. He always said, ‘Don’t be intimidated by people
who look down upon you. You may be physically handicapped, but if they look
at you in disdain, then it is they who are mentally handicapped. You should
be proud that you are able to take care of yourself and are not a burden on
anyone. Plus you are a very talented girl and you will succeed in life.’
Those words have give me the strength and determination to carry on and
become what I am today.”
After having spoken to Nui one felt that Nui never seems discouraged about
anything. Not once during our conversation did we feel that she was
handicapped. She has a positive outlook on life, is very bubbly and always
smiles. Nui told us that she never thinks that she’s handicapped. She tells
herself that she can do the same things that other people can do.
“I have been self-dependant since I was very young. My disability hasn’t
obstructed my life, and I am able to work and generate an income to support
my family as well.”
Thanaree now works at the Father Ray Foundation in Pattaya. She has also
been an inspirational speaker at several events for Khlong Toei youths.
Nui recounted the philosophy that governs her life, “Positive thinking is
everything - speak only with good words - treat others as you wish to be
treated - give and you will receive.”
