Thousands of people lined the streets and dozens of cars joined the parade, accompanying mock-ups of the giant pandas Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui from their wedding ceremonies at Thapae Gate back to Chiang Mai Zoo. Both Pandas were dressed up with Thai and Chinese costumes, representing and emphasizing their role as friendship ambassadors between the two countries. More on the festivities in next week’s issue.

Team building is very much part of human resources development and there is nothing quite like a little adventure and excitement out in the wilderness for building up unity and bringing out leadership qualities.

Awards and honors ceremony a time for thanks and rejoicing

The Chiang Mai Ballet Academy held its certificate commencement ceremony in the Grand Nanta ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel Chiang Mai on Sunday, with hundreds of students gathered to give a warm thank you and acknowledgment to their families, loved ones, teachers and staff of the academy, in short, to all those who made it possible for them to receive this special education.

Older people are a critical part of Thai society. They are significant and have the potential to play an important role in shaping society but many people do not recognise this potential. The last NGO Forum provided an opportunity for older people, especially those who are affected by HIV/AIDS, to get involved in tackling HIV/AIDS related problems and to show that they have the potential to do so with a little support. It was organised and facilitated by four organisations, HelpAge International, Mother and Child Concern, the Foundation for Older Persons’ Development (FOPDEV) and Clear Sky.