- Standard-size photographs of artwork in any medium, such as photography, graphic design, computer graphics, sculpture and painting.

- Articles of 300 to 400 words written in English about any movie, music, play, cartoon, concert, television programme or life experience.

Send your work to The Nation, Smartlife, 44 Moo 10 Bangna-Trad Road (Km. 4.5), Bang Na, Bangkok 10260, or via e-mail to education@nationgroup.com.

Be sure to include your name, contact number, e-mail address, and address.

Students whose pictures and stories are published receive gift vouchers for Coffee World.

Patthira Mokthaisong, Sukanya Singdee and Sukanda Tanchom, Mathayom 1 students from Thung Song Hong School painting for “Dek Thai Hua Jai Silp”, a project that supports Thai youths by developing their artistic skills. Proceeds from the sale of paintings will be donated to the Art for All Foundation.

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Ur Say: Problems and prompt solutions

Rising gas prices, a plummeting economy, unrest in the South… What’s the most pressing problem that the government should tackle first? Here’s what some students say.

Amornchai Sukarom, 20, Bangkok University

“I think education is the most important thing that Thailand can base its progress upon. It’s the first area that needs development. It would be better if the government increased the opportunities for underprivileged children. Scholarships will be a good incentive. The more knowledge they acquire, the more Thailand will be developed. When people have knowledge, they express their ideas

correctly.”

Mallika Uswachoke, 24, MBA candidate at Sasin Graduate Institute

of Business Administration

“I’d like the Prime Minister to emphasise Thailand’s economy. The government should not only distribute cash among farmers but also tell them of the need for frugality. I think the P.M. should try to put and end to the violence in southern Thailand. Crime and car bombs dominate the headlines. We must do something about it because we don’t want to see people die.”

Thanapun Phawasithichort, 20, Chulalongkorn University

“The government should do something about corruption immediately because it can lead to many problems. Corrupt practices at Suwannabhum Airport result in the government wasting money and time. The airport would be open an people would be using it if there wasn’t any corruption. Moreover, this problem is all-pervasive, affecting the [government’s] smallest as well as the largest departments.”

Worawut Jongtirawong, 22, Ramkhamhaeng University

“This government makes me feel that everything, including Thailand’s economy, is fine. But as far as

I know, many people are unemployed. The poor are still poor, while the rich get richer. I think it would be better if this government stressed public development rather than self image.”

PLOYBUSSARA LONGSOMBOON