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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.
Updated every Friday.
Copyright 2001 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand
Tel. 66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax: 66-38 427 596
Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek, assisted
by Boonsiri Suansuk.
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