The development King
See "UN to honour King's development work," front section, page 1
Today's story is only a short one announcing the
upcoming award
to His Majesty. You can be sure there will be many more longer stories
to come. In today's story, you will find out exactly what the award is
for, who is likely to present it and when it will be presented. You
will also find out about the planning for the celebrations to mark this
very special occasion.
Anyone living here in Thailand will realise that the award is richly deserved. Throughout his 60-year reign, His Majesty the King has been intensely interested in development, particularly sustainable development, a concept his has made famous. He has spent countless days in rural areas, talking to villagers, analysing their problems, and implementing solutions. We are certain to learn much more about the King's development work in the next month as the day for the award presentation approaches. The Bangkok Post is particularly keen on this subject, so watch for stories beginning soon. I'll be watching too.
You
can hear the story by clicking here.
UN
to
honour King's development work
PRADIT
RUANGDIT
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan will present His Majesty
the King
with an award next month in recognition of his dedication to the
development of
the country and people since his accession to the throne 60 years ago.
Government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee quoted caretaker Deputy Prime
Minister Surakiart Sathirathai as telling the cabinet yesterday that Mr
Annan
would present His Majesty with the United Nations Development Programme
award.
The Thai ambassador to the UN, Khunying Laxanachantorn Laohaphan, was
officially informed by the UN Secretariat on April 11, and was
coordinating
work on the details.
The UN secretary-general is scheduled to visit
His Majesty is being recognised for his efforts through various
development
projects to raise the standard of living and bring sustainable
development to
his people.
The cabinet has assigned deputy prime ministers Chidchai Wannasathit
and Mr
Surakiart, Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon, PM's Office
Minister
Suranand Vejjajiva, the prime minister's secretary-general Prommin
Lertsuridej,
cabinet secretary-general Bavornsak Uwanno, the government spokesman,
and
permanent secretary for foreign affairs Krit Garnjana-Goonchorn to
prepare the
celebrations for the special occasion.
award – a prize, certificate, etc. given to someone for doing something well
reign – the time when a king or queen rules a country
sustainable development – development at a controlled, steady level that is not likely to damage the environment
implementing – carrying out; putting into use
keen – very interested
dedication – putting a lot of time and effort into doing something because it is felt to be important
accession – the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country
accession to the throne – the act of becoming the King
cabinet – the group of ministers who run the government
ambassador – a person who represents his or her country in another country
UN Secretariat – the department responsible for the administration of the Unitd Nations
granted an audience – given the opportunity to meet with a member of the Royal Family
diamond jubilee – a celebration to mark a 60th anniversary