Celebrating
SONGKRAN
The Alberta Thai Association
Remarks for the Hon. David Kilgour, P.C.,
M.P. (Edmonton - Southeast) & Secretary
of State (Asia - Pacific)
Edmonton City Hall
April 12, 2003
It gives great pleasure to have this opportunity
to say a few words today, on the occasion
of SONGKRAN. As we’ve heard, this is
a traditional time of cleansing and renewal
for Thailand’s peoples. It is evidently
a day of great importance in the Thai calender
– one which offers an opportunity not
only for good-natured fun and celebration,
but reminds the entire community of the
importance of respect; of faith; and certainly
of the central importance of family and
friends.
I must acknowledge
the tireless efforts of The Alberta Thai
Association in organising this wonderful
event. They have been representing the Thai
community in Alberta for almost 20 years
(it’s hard to believe it has been that
long). Certainly in Ottawa, in my conversations
with the Thai embassy, they’re known
as one of the strongest most active Thai
community association in Canada, and today,
we owe them a debt of gratitude
The bonds
between Alberta and Thailand and Canada
and Thailand are broad and deep. The government
in the province works very closely with
the Thai government, especially in education
and rural development. Thailand and Canada
recently celebrated 40 years of diplomatic
relations, but as most of you know, the
bonds between our countries stretch well
beyond that. We have long been partners
in the internationals system, particularly
in the United Nations, in the Asia-Pacific
Economic Community, and in the World Trade
Organization. Thailand and Canada share
a strong commitment to addressing key human
security priorities. We are working together
to help rid our world of landmines. Recently,
we’ve begun talking about how we can
more effectively cooperate in building bridges
across different faith communities and cultural
groups.
This latter
point is perhaps most important given current
global circumstances. Never before in the
world’s history has the misunderstanding
of difference threatened us all so personally.
Thailand and Canada, as multi-religious,
multiethnic, plural democracies have much
to offer in overcoming narrow minded and
often, blatantly incorrect views. I’d
go so far as to say that we a responsibility
to do so.
An so to
close, I’d ask that in celebrating
SONGKRAN this year, while we seek to renew
ourselves and our community for the year
ahead – we also try and do this between
communities and across borders.
Thank you.
KOB KHUN MA.
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