C.P. Intertrade and Thai Rice Foundation announce “Thai Rice – Thai Children” essay writing contest
C.P. Intertrade Co., Ltd., in cooperation with the Thai Rice Foundation under Royal patronage, is organizing the national essay contest to promote greater knowledge about rice among Thai students.
At a recent press conference organized to announce the project, Mr. Prasit Damrongchietanon, CEO of C.P. Trading Group explained, “The objectives of this contest are to teach Thai students just how vital rice is to Thailand. It has long been a basic staple of the Thai diet as well as important commodity with Thailand today the world’s number one exporter of rice. Now, we would like to see how Thai students can express their thoughts on this through the writing."
The winner of the essay contest will be presented with the H.R.H. Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn Cup and a scholarship. The panel of judges, which includes many prominent academics, linguists and columnists, will be led by renowned Thai writer and S.E.A. Write Award winner Mr. Naowarat Pongpaibul and the president of the Thai Rice Foundation under Royal Patronage, Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul.
When asked about their views, Dr. Sumet said that he felt Thai Children today do not realize how integral part rice plays in their lifestyles and culture. “They no longer value rice as the invaluable asset it really is. Through this project, we hope to once more instill this belief in our Thai Children.”
Mr. Naowarat went on to say that he hoped the participating writers could also provide suggestions on how to solve this problem and make Thai Children again aware of how much rice has always been integrated into Thai culture.
Dr. Sumet concluded by saying, “Thai rice and Thai Children are two of our Thailand’s most precious resources, and we must work to preserve and develop both.”
The “Thai Rice – Thai Children” essay contest is open to all Thai students, grades Por 3 – Por 6. Their essay should be written on size A4 paper, not to exceed to pages, and must be written in their own handwriting.
Entrees should be submitted from 1 January to 15 March 2009 to C.P. Intertrade Co., Ltd., any branch nationwide, or they can be mailed to P.O. Box 67, Suthisan Post Office, Bangkok 10301