Published on January 13, 2006
Of more than 1,000 letters sent to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to mark National Children’s Day tomorrow, a handful were from students and teachers in the South appealing for peace in the restive region, a source at Government House said yesterday.
Among many letters wishing the premier and his family a good and healthy life, thanking the government for its policies or requesting financial assistance or scholarships (about 100), about 20 letters were from Ban Yalutong School in Narathiwat’s Bacho district. They pleaded for peace in the violence-plagued region.
“Please come visit my school,” asked a girl identified as Nadia Maero, while a teacher of a Prathom 2 class wrote: “May the premier bring peace to southern residents (especially we teachers, who teach students everyday but still live in fear).” Another interesting letter was from a boy named Tawan Sondhirathi saying: “I study in Australia and am now visiting Thailand. When I was [in Australia], many people talked about you [the premier] in negative ways and I often defended your name. I believe you are a good person and are trying to help our country. I know you feel tired, so I offer you moral support.” Meanwhile, activities for National Children’s Day have been organised at the Sanam Sua Pa, the Royal Plaza and Government House, where Thaksin will open his office to children. The PM’s Secretariat Office yesterday said the activities would begin at about 8am, when Thaksin would preside over an opening ceremony and listen to the speeches of outstanding youths who have brought fame to the country. Thaksin is also going to give away piggy banks with his photo on them. But this year, children would not get to sit on the prime minister’s chair as usual, Thaksin warned, because the queue was normally too long and it was difficult to manage for all young visitors. Later, the PM will listen to the recommendations of the National Youth Council Conference and address 175 youth representatives and their teachers.
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