Child Advocacy Group Gets Formal OK

PHUKET: After a two-year procedural undertaking, the island’s children’s advocacy organization is now legally registered. The Child-Watch Phuket Association announced it has received formal approval of its registration by the National Culture Committee. The association currently has five ongoing projects to help improve the quality of life for Phuket’s underprivileged children. Among the projects are three facilities: a child recreation and skills center in Rawai, Uncle Pitak’s Home; a day care center adjacent to Phuket Provincial Prison serving children of inmates; and a safe house where children in trouble can seek temporary refuge. Child-Watch Phuket Association volunteers also follow up reported cases of child abuse and serve as instructors for youngsters living in labor camps on the island. The association also announced that a proposed research project on Phuket’s child labor situation is currently awaiting funding approval from UNICEF. The study, to be headed by Rajabhat Institute Phuket Professor Dr Chirawat Nitnate, aims to collect data and other information related to incidents of suspected child labor exploitation in the province. The organization maintains an office on the second floor of Building One on the Phuket campus of Prince of Songkhla University in Kathu district. A hotline (01-6761011) has been established by the association in addition to its office telephone lines. For further information, call 202901, ext 2156, or 01-464-2244.