Govt Launches Thai Unity Project

[Rumfoord]

Govt launches Thai Unity project

Writer: BangkokPost.com

Published: 20/09/2009 at 10:54 AM

The government unveils the Thai Samakkhi (Thai Unity) project with an aim to end conflicts in the country.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on his weekly broadcast programme on Saturday that the Thai Unity project had been introduced to bring about peace so the country can move forward.

"The government has organised activities to promote unity and patriotism among Thai people, and one of them is to sing the national anthem together," Mr Abhisit said.

He said the project had started in Krabi province and it will take place in other provinces nationwide until December 4, 2009. On December 5, it will be held in Bangkok.

-- Bangkok Post 20/09/2009

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1548...i-unity-project

[Rumfoord]

Government News

Government launches national unity program (19/9/2009)

On the 18th of September, 17.30 hrs, at the Santi Maitri Building at the Government House, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva commenced the "Thai unity and strength” project in cooperation with public and private sectors for all Thai people to express their unity for the nation. Attendants included members of the military, police, medical officials, civil servants, athletic representatives, the public, and the media.

The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to all for being a part of the project. This project is directed to create unity and fairness among all the sectors of society. The project is also in part associated with the “ I love Thailand” project which was launched on 4th of July .

The Prime Minister said these projects will begin with a live broadcast of the people singing the Thai National anthem from all the provinces. The broadcast will go by each province, alphabetically starting from Krabi province to Ubon Ratchathani, and finally to Bangkok on December 4, BE 2552 and December 5, BE 2552, which is His Majesty the King's Birthday. In this occasion, the Thai people will be able to sing the national anthem together once again to show their love for the nation on Father's Day.

The Prime Minister stated that the Thai people understand well that without unity, the nation and society cannot stand strong. Many times in the past, the nation had overlooked this idea through various situations and problems, which resulted in the weakness of the nation. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister articulated that he believes that if the Thai people cooperate, like they had on this project, the people will be able to create unity and strength for our nation.

In the end, the Prime Minister thanked all persons who contributed to this project. He also reiterated that the success of the project depended on the cooperation of the people, which is an activity that people can participate in on a daily basis. Hence, the Prime Minister wished to invite all Thai people to participate in this project for the prosperity of the people and the nation.

http://media.thaigov.go.th/pageconfig/view...;contents=36373

more photos here: http://media.thaigov.go.th/pageconfig/albu...975&pageno=

[Rumfoord]

Public doubt over Thai Unity

Writer: BangkokPost.com

A study by Suan Dusit Poll revealed that many people were not sure that singing the national anthem together would bring about unity in the country.

The survey on the government's Thai Unity project was conducted on Friday and Saturday, involving 1,169 people.

One of the activities is to encourage Thais to sing the national anthem together at 6pm everyday to ease their stress while promoting love, unity and goodness.

36.49 per cent said they were unsure whether this move would lead to unity in the country. 32.85 per cent said the project would help promote unity while 30.66 per cent disagreed.

-- Bangkok Post 20/09/2009

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1548...over-thai-unity

[rabcbroon]

as the old ditty goes - 'nuts whole hazel nuts'

Why not drop paper birds from the sky - oh no thats already been done. How about - any ideas on a post card!

Edited September 21, 2009 by rabcbroon

[mca]

I think a better project form Aphasit would be the " I've got a professional hit team of true Thai patriots whose one driving force is to stop their country going down the shitter so basically if you're one of the so-called "dark forces" in Thailand we don't care who you are or who you know you'd better be looking over your shoulder because your cards been marked matey. Army, politician, police, mafia, crooked businessman, whoever. A 9mm slug to the head isn't fussy"

What I find the most depressingly amusing part of the Thai Unity project is the ones with the most pious beatific looks on their faces singing with the greatest gusto will be the ones who're shagging the country up the arse the most.

[Rumfoord]

Suan Dusit Poll: Majority say "United Thais, Strong Thais Project" could lead to national reconciliation

BANGKOK, 20 September 2009 (NNT) - The majority of respondents of the recent survey of the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University stated that the United Thai, Strong Thai project was considered an important milestone in creating national reconciliation.

The poll was conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University among 1169 people during 18-19 September on the recent opening ceremony of the government's newly United Thais, Strong Thais Project. The activity included singing the national anthem at 18.00 hrs, while aiming to alleviate the current political tension, promote love and national unity and encourage making good deeds. The poll showed that a majority of 28.29% said they were proud of being Thai, 23.17% said the national anthem has existed since they were born, and others felt that the national anthem showed the nation's sovereignity.

In addition, the survey indicated that about 31.32% agreed that the project was the beginning of national reconciliation, 30.51% said it would boost all people a sense of being Thai, 25.40% stated that it was fruitless if neglected by all Thais, 36.49% were uncertain that national unity would be improved but 30.66% cited that it could not lead to national reconciliation.

-- NNT http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255209200006

[Rumfoord]

Kon Kaen ready to host "Thai Unity, Strong Thailand"

KHON KAEN, 24 September 2009 (NNT) - The Governor of Khon Kaen province assures that the province is ready to be used as the next stop for the "Thai Unity, Strong Thailand" project.

Khon Kaen Governor Pramote Sajjarak stated today that his local administration was ready to facilitate the "Thai Unity, Strong Thailand" project's presence in the province. Khon Kaen is the 5th stop for the project, which will travel the nation to arrange national anthem singing to promote unity. The project kicked off in the southern province of Krabi.

Today's session will take place at 18.00 hrs on Srichan road near Khon Kaen's main city center with an expected 5,000 participants. Provincial police will assist in managing traffic during the event. Apart from the singing of the national anthem, there will be several activities such as a parade of marching bands from schools throughout the region and signing of unity proclamations. Mr Pramote has issued an open invitation to citizens throughout Khon Kaen to partake in the event.

-- NNT 24.09.2009

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255209240002

[JR Texas]

as the old ditty goes - 'nuts whole hazel nuts'

Why not drop paper birds from the sky - oh no thats already been done. How about - any ideas on a post card!

How about this:

1) create a democratic society

2) establish the rule of law

3) relax all the xenophobic visa/business rules and open up the economy to tourism (low, middle, high income) and foreign competition (the fastest way to create jobs and reduce the stress that is building up)

4) take serious steps to improve education at all levels

5) stop rewarding/promoting irresponsibility and corruption

In combination, these things would create a much better economy and cause less stress and more unity............just a thought.

On second thought, maybe dropping paper birds from the sky is not such a bad idea.......

[EffectiveAnger]

It just makes them feel like school kids all over again.

[doggie888888]

A country that sings together stays together? That's the hope I suppose

A country that sings together, sinks together? This is the probable outcome if all they do is sing and ignore real issues.

A country that sings together gets hoarse together? Factually corrrect but does not make a good slogan

[007]

"The government has organised activities to promote unity and patriotism among Thai people, and one of them is to sing the national anthem together," Mr Abhisit said.

I can remember, being the only person standing up, hearing the national anthem at 6 p.m. at the Southern Bus Terminal in 1999. Back then none of the many Thais there cared about it, neither listened, nor stood up.

Extreme nationalism wasn't known yet in Thailand, and as for me, I wanted to be 'yellow with sliteyes'...

Funnily enough, nowadays they all freeze at times when the anthem is on, while I usually just walk past them, not caring. Thank you, Mr Toxin and Co.

[bendejo]

Sounds like they're picking up the idea from Malaysia. The overt theme of the new PM is "1Malaysia" with theme song on all the TV stations etc. Of course, what he's really trying to do is prevent the ethnic groups from all splintering into their own parties.

[cmsally]

On the bright side, one can only suppose that folding so many paper birdies got the Thais into practice and they then went onto achieve great things at the paper aeroplane contest.

Now with all these singing practices, watch out Simon Cowell here they come. I would like to see what our Simon has to say about some nice fuzzy patriotic song!!!

[MiG16]

Sounds like they're picking up the idea from Malaysia. The overt theme of the new PM is "1Malaysia" with theme song on all the TV stations etc. Of course, what he's really trying to do is prevent the ethnic groups from all splintering into their own parties.

Malaysia has been trying to do that for the last 50 years....unity that is. not necessarily singing the anthem

on appearance, and on paper, Malaysia has been boasting a harmonious multi racial country for as long as since independence

in reality - problems have existed from day 1, but simply goes through phases of violence resurfacing every now and then.

thailand? I have nothing productive I can add on this thread

[Eggmeng]

I hope they are also planning to ban the sale of alcohol every day from at least 4:00 pm until the appointed hour. Could be pretty painful otherwise.

[TAWP]

Now where is the appropriate icon...

[Rumfoord]

Phetchaburi takes turn to sing national anthem

PéÓHETCHABURI, 22 October 2009 (NNT) – Residents and authorities in the province of Phetchaburi will gather at city hall today at 18.00 hrs to sing the national anthem, following the Thai Unity, Strong Thailand project initiated by the government.

Phetchaburi governor Mr. Chai Panichpornpan hoped to take this opportunity to publicize the Phetchaburi province. More than 20,000 people both from Phetchaburi and the nearby provinces are expected to join the event. The Phetchaburi governor said the event will start at 17.00 hrs with the show of a documentary about Phetchaburi as well as a band formed by students from Aroonpradit School. At 18.00 hrs the national anthem will be sung together with all Thais across the country.

The Thai Unity, Strong Thailand project was initiated in the hope to create unity by encouraging all Thais to sing the national anthem together. All 76 provinces are taking turn, in alphabetical order, in hosting the live-broadcast singing. This evening, the nation would be singing with Phetchaburi which is the 34th province in the project. Phetchaburi is also in the world spotlight as the host of the ongoing 15th ASEAN Summit and related meetings.

Phetchaburi is located in the central region of Thailand, 160 kilometers south of Bangkok with the gulf of Thailand on the east. The provincial seal shows the Khao Wang Palace in the background. The hilltop palace was built in the reign of King Mongkut, Rama IV. In front are rice fields bordered by two palm tree which symbolize the signatory cash crop of the province.

News ID: 255210230041

Reporter : Nereita Tancharoen

News Date : 23 October 2009

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255210230041

[Rumfoord]

Phitsanulok takes turn to sing national anthem

PHITSANULOK, 25 October 2009 (NNT) - Residents and authorities in the northern province of Phitsanulok will gather in front of Phra Buddha Chinnarat compound, Wat Pra Sri Rattana Mahathat Vora Maha Viharn today at 18.00 hrs to sing the national anthem, following the Thai Unity, Strong Thailand project initiated by the government.

Phitsanulok governor Mr. Preecha Ruengchan informed the press that the province would take this opportunity to publicize the province in a bid to reflect the characteristics and uniqueness of Phitsanulok residents. More than 10,000 people are expected to join the event at Pra Sri Rattana Mahathat Vora Maha Viharn temple at 18.00 hrs to sing the national anthem simultaneously with all Thais across the nation.

The governor said the province will inaugurate "Walking Street Project" on 21 November in Sangha Bucha Road as well as launch the concept of organizing the Kindergarten Sport Competition in 17 northern provinces with an aim to promote tourism and sport in the province.

The Thai Unity, Strong Thailand project was initiated to create unity by encouraging all Thais to sing the national anthem together. All 76 provinces are taking turn, in alphabetical order, in hosting the live-broadcast singing. This evening, the nation would be singing with Phitsanulok which is the 36th province in the project.

Phitsanulok is the province in the northern part of Thailand. It possesses several ancient places, such as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat or Wat Yai, Wat Chula Manee and the Shrine of King Naresuan the Great. The province is also famous for its beautiful scenery, which include the Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, the Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. Nowadays, Phitsanulok plays an important role as the center of air and land transportation and is also a commercial center in the northern part of Thailand.

Reporter : Weeranuwat Saengsawang

-- NNT 25 October 2009

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255210250029

[Rumfoord]

Phrae ready to sing national anthem

PHRAE, 28 October 2009 (NNT) – More than 30,000 local people and authorities in the northern province of Phrae are ready to sing the national anthem together today at 18.00 hrs as part of the Thai Unity, Strong Thailand project initiated by the government.

According to Phrae Governor Somchai Hathayatanti, the national anthem singing will take place today at the stadium of the Phrae Provincial Administrative Organization. Before singing the national anthem, there will be a traditional northern ritual to wish His Majesty King Bhumibol a speedy recovery. People in the province will also write good wishes for the revered king on a 99-meter-long piece of cloth.

The event will also feature a Mohom clothing fashion show by students from Phrae Vocational College, Sabatchai Drum Dancing--a traditional Lanna-style drum dancing, and a performance by soldiers to show loyalty to the monarchy.

The Thai Unity, Strong Thailand project was initiated by the government to foster unity by encouraging the nation to sing the national anthem together every day at 18.00 hrs. All 76 provinces across the country will take turn arranging the live-broadcast singing according to the alphabetical order of their names. Phrae is the 39th province in the project.

Phrae is one of the oldest and most important cities of the northern Thailand since the era of the Lanna Thai Kingdom. Traces of Lanna civilization and cultures can still be found in the province at present days. The province is located on the banks of the Yom River and is abundant with teak forests.

-- NNT 28 October 2009

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255210280041