Kids everywhere as Eastern Seaboard celebrates Children’s Day

Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome recites the Prime Minister’s Children’s Day message.

Staff Reporters

From navy ships to city halls, airports to shopping malls, kids were everywhere as the Eastern Seaboard celebrated Thailand’s annual Children’s Day.

Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome opened festivities in Pattaya early Jan. 14, reading a proclamation from Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in front of a city hall building blocked off to traffic to let thousands of kids run wild.

Balloons fill the air at Prince Chumporn Park on Children’s Day in Sattahip.

The impromptu fairground saw displays of military vehicles from the Royal Thai Army and Marine Corps, rides on cranes and “apple pickers” from the Pattaya Disaster Relief and Mitigation Department and booths with games, food and refreshments.

At the Banglamung Home for Boys, about 300 youngsters joined in a morning merit-making activity, followed by recreational activities, food and dessert. The day was capped off with a football match, flag races and eating competitions.

Similar scenes were repeated throughout the city, with thousands of parents taking their children out for fun and games at Central Festival Pattaya Beach, the Sanctuary of Truth, Royal Garden Plaza, Pattaya Floating Market and Redemptorist School for the Blind.

In Chonburi, Chonburi Gov. Khomsan Ekachai was on hand for festivities at Chonburi City Hall.

(Above) Coming in for a landing in U-Tapao.

Following the national government’s slogan of “Unity, knowledge, and wisdom, whilst preserving Thai identity and learning technology,” the celebration featured musical, stage and traditional arts performances; reading activities, games, jokes and exhibitions of slingshots and paramotor vehicles.

Khomsan presented prizes to children with good behavior and grades and wished for all the children to carry out HM the King’s royal wishes as much as possible.

In Sattahip, both military and civilian officials threw open their doors for kids, with Mayor Narong Bunbancherdsri presiding over exhibitions of trains, gliders, and hot-air balloons. The fair offered games and rides, food and drinks to more than 3,000 children at Nong Ta-kien Public Park.

Fishing for prizes at the Sanctuary of Truth.

Another 2,000 + kids stormed the Royal Thai Navy’s flagship.

Rear Adm. Nawin Thonnet, commander of the Helicopter Carrier Fleet, welcomed waves of children from across the country who had travelled to Sattahip to participate in Children’s Day activities at Juk Samet Pier Jan. 13. More than 2,000 boarded the HTMS Chakri Naruebet for a tour, with a select group treated to a sail along the Sattahip coast aboard a support ship, giving the kids a chance to view seven islands and a display of military might.

Look at me, I’m a Thai dancer at the Sanctuary of Truth.

Not all the children could fit onboard the ship at the same time, so the rest were given their own tour of the Sattahip coastline by Adm. Surasak Rhungruengrom. They were treated to a show of navy ships and aircraft.

Other Children’s Day activities included tours of the Sea Turtle Convention Center, Air and Coastal Defense Command, Juk Samet Pier, Samae San, Laem-Thien Pier, and U-Tapao Pattaya International Airport, where almost 10,000 people turned out for aircraft displays, skydivers and navy band performances.

The commander of Royal Thai Navy Region 1 was also busy on Children’s Day, handing out awards.

Vice Adm. Phongsak Phureeroj hosted the Jan. 14 party at Prince Chumphon Camp, presenting awards to winners of the Healthy Children contest sponsored by the Mother’s Breast Milk Center for Navy Children.

The contest was organized to strengthen family bonds and develop children. Mothers who breast feed their babies while telling them stories help nutritional and physical growth, members of the Navy Wives Association said. The turnout was massive as many navy families attended with their children.

Feeding the carp at Pattaya Underwater World.

The navy commander spoke to the children of navy personnel, focusing on those who are stationed in Thailand’s troubled southern provinces. He urged them to improve themselves spiritually and work to earn the pride of teachers and parents.

Navy officers also held more personal celebrations, such as Vice Adm. Saema Suvanchok, who returned to Navigyothinburana School, which he once attended, to throw a Children’s Day party for current pupils.

Principal Suphanee Klangngen welcomed the 1,500 students and helped hand out 100 scholarships worth 50,000 baht.

There were also military activities, demonstrations of weapons, students performing on stage and games. Winners received prizes. Food and drinks were served.

Students at Pattaya School #9 love performing with their musical instruments on Children’s Day.

The Pattaya Floating Market’s mascots are big hits with the kids.

Learning about nature at the Sanctuary of Truth.

Blind students receive a great donation on their day.

Playing traditional Thai games at the Banglamung Home for Boys.

Chonburi Gov. Khomsan Ekachai recites the Prime Minister’s message of “Unity, knowledge, and wisdom, whilst preserving Thai identity and learning technology” at Chonburi’s grand Children’s Day celebrations.

Youngsters open savings accounts at the Gov. Savings Bank, hopefully to help pay for their future education.

Pretty girls perform a well rehearsed dance at Pattaya City Hall.

Having your face painted is a time honored ritual on Children’s Day at the Royal Garden Plaza.

Hoola Hoops are a big hit at Central Festival Pattaya Beach.

Wow, this is much heavier than it looks!

Vice Adm. Phongsak Phureeroj hands out awards at the navy’s annual children’s day celebration in Sattahip.

Little ones do their best singing star imitations on the Central Festival Pattaya Beach stage.

Thousands of children and their families create a busy atmosphere in front of Pattaya City Hall.

It’s great fun getting away from studies for a little while at school on Children’s Day.

Thailand’s only aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet is always a popular attraction on Children’s Day.

A select group of families are treated to a mini cruise along the Sattahip coast.

Face painting, clowns and balloons - what more could you ask for on Children’s Day?

Ready, aim, but don’t fire! at Pattaya City Hall.

Young Marines Pattaya Support 46th Special Forces Company’s Chiang Mai Relief Mission

CEO of the Prostheses Foundation excepting the 46th SFCA’s donations. (L to R) Young Marines Bret Mays, Secretary General Therdchai Jivacate, MD and Reed Johnson, CEO of 46th SFCA.

Rad Mays

Young Marines Pattaya (YMP) supported the 46th Special Forces Company (ABN) Association (46th SFCA) mission to supply remote schools in the mountains north of Mai Rim in Chiang Mai. The five day mission supplied 350 blankets, 500 school sport shirts and additional school supplies to two remote mountain schools and three poor schools outside of Chiang Mai.

46th SFCA is headquartered here in Pattaya. They have been supporting these schools for at least six years. 46th SFCA started supporting schools here in April 2003. They now support 26 schools in 5 provinces. The 46th SFCA is made up of Special Forces soldiers, and their families and friends, that have served in Thailand during the last 58 years. Missions are funded by donations from America, Australia, Europe and money from Reed Johnson, founder and current CEO of 46th SFCA.

46th SFCA’s vehicle just after arriving at first remote mountain school. It’s a little cool as you can see by Young Marine Bret Mays wearing a cold weather shift under his uniform.

The first day started on 26 December, when the two truck convoy traveled to Chiang Mai. On the second day, two schools in the mountains north of Mai Rim were given snacks and sports shirts with their school name on the back. They also received a lunch with all the seconds, thirds, etc., they could eat.

The third day of the mission saw the team at the Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. “The King’s Mother”. Thousands of “pop tabs” were donated with an additional 10,000 baht. Next the Young Marines did a tour of the Chiang Mai Train Station. And, later that day the Young Marines dropped off donated individual field equipment and some medical supplies to the Free Burma Ranger HQ near Mai Jo. The Young Marines ended the day with a two-hour hike at the Mai Sa Falls.

The Team passing out snacks, school supplies and sports shirts. (L to R) CEO of 46th SFCA Reed Johnson, Young Marines Bret Mays, Nee Phillip with the 46th SFCA.

On the fourth day the team delivered blankets, more sports shirts and snacks to three schools in poor areas outside and around Chiang Mai.

On the last day of the mission, the team returned home to Pattaya completing 1,291 kilometers during a five day mission. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #9876 Pattaya financed the fuel for the Young Marines vehicle to support this mission.

If you know of someone who would like to become a Young Marine, please contact Rad Mays at 083 115 8694 or email to rmays999 @yahoo.com.

46th SFCA can be contacted at 089 071 0919 or email SFCA46THASSOC @YAHOO.COM.

Young Marines Pattaya Thailand is an affiliate of Young Marines Washington DC, USA.

Young Marines Bret Mays checking out how the prosthetics are made and how they function.

The 5th and final school of this mission. As you can see, the sports shirts were a big hit.

The remotest school’s Preschool and Kindergarten Class. (L to R) Reed and Pranee Johnson, the school’s principal and Brian Phillip.

Ready to pass out blankets, shirts and snacks (L to R) School District Manager Atichok Prasopchokwattana, known to us as #1, Reed Johnson CEO 46th SFCA, Young Marines Bret Mays, Pranee Johnson and Nee Phillip. Nee and her husband, Brian, are deeply involved with assisting the 46th SFCA.

GIS goes to the other side

Ben Bartlett, GIS IB1 student & Rachel See, GIS IB2 student

Students from Garden International School swapped the Eastern Seaboard for the western one as they enjoyed a holiday in Hua Hin.

On December 3, Garden International School’s boarding students left for a holiday to Hua Hin. After a long drive, one of the first things we did was hit the beach. The weather was perfect as it was windy and cool, perfect for walking along the fluffy sand. Afterwards we visited to the local mall to be treated to food and great live music.

The following day, we left for monkey hill. Again, the weather was ideal for an outing like this. A fantastic view of the whole of Hua Hin greeted us at the hill, and so did myriad of monkeys. After treating ourselves by buying souvenirs, the monkeys treated themselves to much of the snacks we bought, stealing ice cream and even a coke bottle, which it then proceeded to open, spill on the ground, and then lick up.

After this we made our way to the beach. The ocean was just the right temperature for swimming. We retreated back to the hotel after a long day at the beach, then we left in the evening to the night market, where we all spent more of our money.

On the last day we departed for home. On the way, we stopped at Plearnwan. Plearnwan means “Happy Yesterday”, or perhaps “Nostalgia”. It was a market designed to look old, and most things for sale were meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Old music stores selling antique books, shops that sold handmade sweets and ice cream and shops full of old fashioned toys and candy. It was a 6 and a half hour drive back to the boarding house and by the time we reached it, it was about 7 p.m. and most of us were already exhausted from all the excitement.

Overall, it was a very good and enjoyable holiday for all of us and it was a great way to make the most of our weekends together. It will definitely be remembered.

PSC Charity helps Parnam refurbish her house

The dwelling now has a new roof.

Nongprue Municipality (now City) covers a larger area than Pattaya and, as a consequence, has arguably more underprivileged and handicapped families requiring assistance in the area.

The mayor of Nongprue Municipality, Mai Chaiyanit is dedicated to helping those in need and introduced Parnam and her sister to the Pattaya Sports Club.

They live in a small Soi along Nernplabwan and, as you can see from the photographs, their home was falling down. The wooden beams were in a bad way, there was no front wall, no toilet or washing area and no electricity. To have a wash or go to the toilet, they had to use a neighbour’s facilities, which was not always convenient.

Parnam and her sister no longer need to use the neighbor’s toilet and washing facilities.

Parnam has severe learning difficulties and is unable to hold down any form of occupation. Her only income is the income that comes in from her sister.

The mayor made contact with Pattaya Sports Club through Doctor Somchai, who is the deputy municipality clerk, to ask PSC to help. As you can see from the photographs, a drastic change has taken place and their home is now self contained with a front wall, a new secure roof, toilet facilities and electricity.

The municipality officials are always very grateful for any help that they receive and time is set aside for busy officials to show their appreciation.

To witness the changes made the mayor offered his apologies for his absence but deputy mayors Anak and Suwat, Dr Somchai and a number of other municipality officials made time in their busy schedules to attend, together with BTV and TMN television cameras.

A look at the house before work was done.

Nongprue officials, William Macy from the PSC and Parnam pose at the official unveiling.

Volunteers needed for Able the Disabled Foundation

A.D.F. Thailand is a foundation that provides therapy riding for disabled children.

Sandra Cooper

A.D.F. Thailand is a foundation that provides therapy riding for disabled children. The horse’s movement is therapeutic and improves the child’s balance/posture, co-ordination, concentration, self-esteem and muscle development. The horse’s movement naturally in walk simulates the movement of the human walk. The warmth of the horse’s body and rhythmic gait relaxes spastic muscles and stimulates muscular development. Only very special horses, with quiet temperaments, unlimited patience and deeply giving natures, are suitable for this work.

A.D.F. Thailand relies entirely on volunteers for its operation, and community support for its funding. There is a constant need for motivated, cheerful, and reliable people to help. It is not necessary to know anything about horses, or disabled children, to make a big difference in the lives of these riders. A.D.F. teaches its volunteers what they need to know in order to lead a pony or walk by the side of a rider.

The A.D.F. classes are held at Horseshoe Point Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon.

A.D.F also welcomes other kinds of support. To make a donation, or discuss other ways to help, contact; Sandra Cooper 03824 8026/086 8483684.

Korean restaurateurs cook up smiles for Pattaya Orphanage

Kim Kwang-ho leads a delegation of 10 Korean restaurant owners in bringing lunch to the Pattaya Orphanage.

Theerarak Suthathiwong

Local Korean restaurateurs brought smiles to the faces of children at the Pattaya Orphanage with their delivery of Korean and Thai delicacies.

Kim Kwang-ho, president of Korean Restaurant Club in Pattaya, led the delegation of 10 Korean restaurant owners to the Inside Garden Resort Jan. 5. There they met Children’s Welfare Organization Director Suwanna Chiewnawin and 69 kids and staff from the orphanage.

Sticky and sweet Korean barbecue and Thai dishes were on the menu as Kim and club members donated 10,000 baht to the charity.

Kim said the club cooks for charity monthly to help society’s disadvantaged and express thanks for being allowed to live and work in Thailand.

Silver Fox kicks off Jesters Care for Kids 2012 with Birthday Fund-Raiser

David Jones (left), aka the Silver Fox, donates proceeds from his birthday party to Lewis Underwood for the Jesters Care for Kids Charity Drive.

Lewis Underwood

On January 4th David Jones, aka the Silver Fox, turned 60. To commemorate this auspicious milestone, his wife, Debbie, and he put on a lavish celebration at the Moon River Pub on North Road. The distinction about this birthday party was that the guests were asked not to bring gifts, but instead, to donate to our Jesters Care for Kids Charity Drive, specifically for our newest beneficiary, the Share Love with a Friend Project.

Fifty plus guests attended David’s do which consisted of family members and friends coming from near and as far as David’s home in New South Wales, Australia. Like the Silver Fox, many of the guests were regular supporters of our Jesters Care for Kids. And, by the evening’s end, the donation box was filled with 34,630 baht.

The Share Love with a Friend Project involves a monthly distribution of rice and milk to impoverished families with disabled kids. Wheelchairs and walkers are also provided as needed by the kids. Many of these children and young adults are so severely disabled that they must be cared for at home.

As a result, we often go to the individual houses to save the family from having to travel with the disabled child to the general distribution point at the Nong Prue Municipality.

Sam, a polio victim since he was young, heads this project and was delighted to hear the results of the party. He recently reported that the money raised at the party will be used to help one of the families construct a side car for their motorcycle, so that they can eke out a living collecting recyclables more efficiently.

The Moon River Pub, popular with both tourists and expats, put on a great buffet and house band for the occasion to make it a top evening. We would like to thank Debbie and the Silver Fox not only for the good time, but also for raising funds for us and getting our 2012 campaign up and running early in the New Year.

Note: The next fund-raiser coming up is The Links Challenge 2-person scramble on Thursday 16th February at Eastern Star Resort. There will be 30 plus prizes donated by many generous sponsors.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Jesters Care for Kids Charity Drive. Anyone wishing to enter a team or become a sponsor for this event can contact Russell on 0847824582, or call in at The Links Hotel and Restaurant 316/145-146 Soi Buakaow.

Kids everywhere as Eastern Seaboard celebrates Children’s Day

Young Marines Pattaya Support 46th Special Forces Company’s Chiang Mai Relief Mission

GIS goes to the other side

PSC Charity helps Parnam refurbish her house

Volunteers needed for Able the Disabled Foundation

Korean restaurateurs cook up smiles for Pattaya Orphanage

Silver Fox kicks off Jesters Care for Kids 2012 with Birthday Fund-Raiser