Bangkok, 11 May, 2017– The Sufficiency Economy concept initiated by Thailand’s late and highly revered monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej is to be the over-arching theme of the 14th Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) to be held 25-28 May, 2017, at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa.
“Rotaract”, which stands for “Rotary in Action”, is Rotary International’s service club programme for young adults aged 18-30. It focuses on the development of young adults as leaders in their communities and workplaces, and promotes their participation in international service projects in a global effort to advance peace and international understanding.
Organised yearly, the APRRC is one of the large scale Rotaract events. Approximately 1,000 delegates from 24 countries are expected to attend the Phuket event, the second time it is being held in Thailand since the 9th meeting in 2012 in Bangkok.
This year, the Thai Rotaract organisers chose to highlight the theme of King Bhumibol’s Sufficiency Economy in order to promote a greater global understanding of its relevance in the Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
According to Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, “The APRRC will be a wonderful opportunity for both Thai and foreign Rotaractors to learn, share experiences and participate in various activities about the way of life of the Southern Thai community.
“Together with the Sufficiency Economy model, participants will be able to understand more about the linkage between sustainable development and the Sufficiency Economy, and explore ways of making it more applicable across the Asia-Pacific region.”
The event will be divided into four sections:
- Training in Sufficiency Economy philosophy development, including cultural exchange and activities.
- Learning about Thai culture, especially the role of women.
- Environmental care and community development activities, especially those which are linked to the Sufficiency Economy philosophy.
- Study tours of the Sufficiency Economy projects.
The Thai cultural programme will include making garlands, learning Muay Thai boxing, preparing well-known Thai delicacies; such as, Tom Yum Kung (Prawn Spicy Soup), and Som Tam (Papaya Salad), fruit carving, herbal ball making, traditional weaving, learning Thai classical dance and making Thai kites.
Participants will also undertake beach-cleaning and garbage-collection activities, visit a school for special-needs children and contribute to its projects, learn about Sufficiency Economy agricultural techniques; such as, growing vegetables in containers and fertiliser compost, enjoy folk cultural performances, try their hand at rubber-tapping, visit a coffee plantation and plant mangroves.
Mr. Yuthasak said, “We are sure the young Rotractors will leave Thailand with wonderful memories that will last them a lifetime and go a long way towards building both ASEAN integration and global sustainability.”
For further details, APRRC 2017 and Facebook Page: APRRC 2017
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