Metz - Number 3 son's graduation ceremony

Metz (Somchai), my number 3 son, graduated from the Political Science faculty of Chualalongkorn University, Bangkok, on 14th July 2005. Determination and a clear goal won him a full scholarship to one of Thailand's most famous Universities. As the oldest of 4 sons, hopefully he's leading the way for his younger siblings. Metz's parents are farmers, living and working their farm in Rayong, some 3 hours drive from Bangkok.


Metz Mom and Dad

Children from wealthier families easily pay the Chualalongkorn University fees, Metz had to earn his every inch of the way. I am so proud of him. It is within Metz to rise to great heights in his life and work.


Number 3 son Metz (Somchai)

Metz had spent the summer months working with NATR, translating and helping with the co-ordination of projects for our NGO. I remember one specific conversation with him which told me how deeply he cared for the betterment of all people in Thailand. It didn't matter if they were Burmese, Thai, Moken, Hmong, Muslim, Bhuddist, Christian. Metz's zeal is to level the playing fields for ordinary people. To give people a chance. To try and redress the terrible abuses and corruption that government, military and other officials exact from the poorest of the poor. Sometimes endangering their livelihoods and even their lives. His determination if nothing else will surely make it happen.

That's not to say Thailand's either the only corrupt country or is all bad. Not at all. I consider all politicians corrupt to a greater or lesser degree, no matter what country they are from. The West simply manages to hide the corruption better.

What Thailand has going for it, besides Metz, is it's people, they are true their wealth.

Princess Marachakri Sirindthorn, who had visited Kuraburi a few months earlier and met Metz, presented him with his Degree certificate.

All throughout the day hords of current University students, dressed in uniforms, would gather around the people graduating and sing and dance in a circle to celebrate the event.



People milled around in bunches and singles, just enjoying the excitement and air of happiness throughout the day.


Waiting to present a celebratory bouquet


Pretty in Pink


Celebrating at dinner afterwards


Mom, Dad, Metz and his three brothers. Little Nim the rascal managed to sneak into the photo too


The bowtie fixing


Metz and college friends


Metz and Georgi


Hying and Phylippa


Vendors sell their wares to hungry graduates, friends and families


Brothers celebrate together

All in all it was a great day. We ended up on Khaosan road in a small nightclub at the back of a less than sparkling mall.