Purachai launches “Happy Families’ project

PHUKET TOWN: Visiting Deputy Prime Minister Purachai Piemsomboon today announced that Phuket will be one of two pilot provinces in the Government’s new “Happy Family Skills Training Project”. The project is intended to provide useful skills to couples who wish to raise happy and healthy families. The other province chosen was Prachin Buri. K. Purachai, formerly Thailand’s second most powerful man as Interior Minister and architect of the controversial Social Order Policy, made the announcement today at a press conference held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel. The event was attended by about 200 people, among them government officers, citizens and members of the local press. Dr Prasit Koeysiripong, President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor), told the Gazette that the Government’s policy is to develop the country’s economy while strengthening family bonds. Although a provincial leader, Dr Prasit is expected to run for MP in the next general election under the banner of the ruling Thai Rak Thai party. “The project aims to provide couples with training in how to have their own happy families,” Dr Prasit explained. “It will be an ongoing effort. Today we will set up a committee to oversee the project in each community. Representatives from each district are being chosen to run the project.” Couples who participate will be taught the fundamentals of family accounting, legal aspects of marriage, parent-child psychology, health and hygiene and other useful issues. “Parents should understand their children. It’s not necessary to force their children to get As in school,” K. Purachai explained, perhaps aware that academic failure is a leading cause of child suicide in the country. “They should encourage their children when they fail and praise them when they do well. This will teach them to cope with both success and failure.”