On 29 March 2016, Mrs. Thipayasuda Suvanajata, Spouse of Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar, joined the screening of the film “Min Chong” (Because of You), a short film about the family with autism kid, aiming to raise awareness about autism and children with special needs in Myanmar. The event was organized by Myanmar Autism Association (MAA) and related organizations at Junction Square Cinema, Yangon.

During the event, Mrs. Thipayasuda was invited to give a speech in which she addressed an appreciation for MAA and relevant agencies as well as parents of autism children for their effort producing this film and reiterated Thailand’s readiness to provide support, collaboration and sharing knowledge and experiences of Thailand for families with and care of children with autism. In this occasion, she also presented the crown to Ms. Mai Li Thoon Set, a leading actress in the film who was appointed as the brand ambassador of the association.

The screening event was crowded by parents and family members of autism children as well as like-minded supporters of the children with special needs. It conveys clearly an important message to Myanmar society about right attitude towards children with autism and how the society can share and care them.

Later on, on 2 April 2016, Mrs. Thipayasuda also joined with MAA in the opening ceremony of the World Autism Day Activities, attended by numbers of children with autism and their families. The event was held in People’s Park, Yangon.

Several activities were organized during that day. A Number of exhibition booths and performances were set up for the children and people with special needs to use their quality time with their families.  These activities enormously encouraged better understanding and taking care of the children with autism who need special care and understanding.

Since 2013, the Royal Thai Embassy has been working hand in hand with MAA and Myanmar’s related organizations to promote capacity building to relevant Myanmar personnel through various workshops and training both in Myanmar and Thailand, as well as helping to establish network between Myanmar and Thailand’s mental health and child development agencies.

The Royal Thai Embassy still has plans for upcoming projects and activities related to this field in the future with a view to sharing the best and most practical practices that Thailand has with Myanmar. On the basis of the philosophy that every group of people in any society should not be left behind.

*************************