#058/05 November 4, 2005
Remarks by Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce
At Bookbag Distribution
To Ban Bang Klak, Ban Bang Toong Yai
and Ban Bang Yai Schools
November 4, 2005
(As prepared for delivery)
Good afternoon Archarn Sawad (Chittarat), Archarn Duenpen (Kitprasobchoke), Archarn Anuwat (Sutham), Khun Sommai, Phang Nga Educational District Director and students.
I am sure you are wondering why the US ambassador is visiting your school today. I know this is a holiday for the Islamic students and appreciate your being here with us today in the middle of your celebrations of the end of Ramadan.
I am here because the people of my country, the United States, have seen the terrible pictures of the violence in the southern provinces of Thailand and the destruction caused by the devastating tsunami in Takua Pa district and wanted to do something for the children in those areas. They have sent the Embassy 3000 bookbags with school supplies to give to students in these two areas. In July, the Embassy gave most of those bookbags to students in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces. Today I am here to give the rest of the bags to you. I hope you will enjoy using them now at the start of the new school term.
In the bags you will find school supplies like pencils, pens, rulers, erasers, and paper. But you will also find a Thai-English dictionary to help you in your study of English. Since these bookbags are given in friendship, the American people also want to share with you information about their life in the United States. I am really pleased to tell you that in your bag is also a picture book about the US. It is called America 24/7 and contains pictures from all over the United States showing the diversity of ethnic groups, religions, terrain, and living conditions. I hope you enjoy it. If on reading it you have questions about the US, please call, write or e-mail the Embassy website and we’ll be happy to answer them.
I also have copies of America 24/7 for the headmasters as well as some English teaching materials, cassette tapes, maps and posters for each of your schools.
So if the student representatives from each school will come forward along with their principals, I will present these materials to you. After you receive your bookbags, please stay close by so that we can take school by school photos.