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Day of Peace in Bangkok
Written by UPF - Thailand
Monday, September 28, 2009
Bangkok, Thailand - The Universal Peace Federation-Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Youth Federation for World Peace-Thailand organized three activities to commemorate the International Day of Peace 2009: One minute of silence for peace campaign, a seminar, and a peace concert.
One Minute of Silence
With the collaboration from the office of the Bangkok Governor, Hon. M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, more than 15 schools in Bangkok participated the “One Minute Silence for Peace” campaign.
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To read UPF's Declaration on the International Day of Peace 2009, click here.
Seminar
The Universal Peace Federation-Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Youth Federationfor World Peace-Thailand organized a half-day seminar on "Our Role in Building Peace in Thailand” on September 21 at the Arnoma Hotel.
Ms. Taya Tepsuwan welcomed the 336 participants. As Deputy Governor of Bangkok, she said she felt honored that her administration was co-hosting the event. "It is our duty to support and protect the welfare of the people," she said, expressing her sincere desire for peace particularly in the southern provinces of Thailand.
The International Day of Peace is meant to be a day of global cease-fire, when all countries and all people stop all hostilities for the entire day and reflect on the importance of global peace to mankind. “On this day we reaffirm our commitment to this quest for peace," declared Dr. Chung Sik Yong, chair of UPF-Asia. "Let us consider how to strengthen cooperation and partnership for peace initiatives in our society and nation.”
“Let us start reaching out to those with whom we may disagree, those with whom we may have a dispute," said Dr. Philip Bergstrom, advisor for Adolescent Reproduction and Sexual Health at the UNESCO office Bangkok. He encouraged everyone to cherish the message of peace in their heart and practice it in their daily relations with others: "Let us stop for a moment and try to see the situation from the other person’s point of view. This requires us to practice putting ourselves in another person's shoes so we can see and understand what they are seeing and thinking.”
Political conflicts, problems in the southern provinces, and problems on the Cambodian border are ongoing challenges in Thailand. Hon. Apirak Kosayodhin, former Governor of Bangkok, encouraged the young people and the religious leaders to reflect on how they can work together to solve such problems. "Even though we may have different views, we all have the same goal and the same hope, and that is peace," he concluded.
Session II focused on the “Role of the Role of Young People in Building Peace in Thailand.” The panelists were Mr. Boonlert Kachayutthadet, Senior Editor of Matichon Newspaper; Miss Naree Charoenpholpiriya, a peace researcher; and Mr. Danai Chanchaochai, CEO of DC Consultants and Marketing Communications. The moderator was an anchorwoman from the Nation TV channel, Ms. Veenarat Laohapakkakul.
This seminar also served as the launch of UPF's Peace Volunteer initiative. Dr. Narumol Jotivej, Special Advisor to Ven. Phramaha Wutichai Vajiramedhi, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya Buddhist University, explained the qualifications, roles, and responsiiblities of Peace Volunteers.
UPF-Thailand appointed two new Ambassadors for Peace: the Deputy Governor of Bangkok and Dr. Pramukh Chandavimolbb, Secretary General of the Princess Mother's Medical Volunteers Foundation.
Peace Concert
In collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Central Department Store, UPF Thailand organized a Peace Concert in front of the Central World Department Store on the evening of September 21.
Hon. M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Governor of Bangkok, came to open the Peace Concert, which was attended by around 900 participants. He was appointed an Ambassador for Peace, along with Mr. Suchipong Vatanajang, Director of Sony Music Entertainment Operating (Thailand) Co. Ltd.; Mr. Kobchai Chirathivat, President of the Central Department Store, Ltd.; and Mr. Chaiyut Sangphotirat, Managing Director of J.M. Intertech., Ltd. Five Young Ambassadors for Peace were appointed: Miss Khanungnij Jaksamitthanont, an actress, and four artists: Mr. Pramote Vilepana, Mr. Popetorn Sunthornyanakit, Mr. Suppawat Berananda, and Mr. Wathanyu Munghmai.
The concert was covered by TV Channels 3, 5, 7 and Thai PBS, and two local newspapers — Siam Rath and Thai Rath Newspaper —as well as Bangkok online news.
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