The Fire and Rescue Association of Asia (FARA), reported on in September 1998, held a training camp for youngsters during my visit to Thailand, writes

Emily Hough

Held at the 11th Infantry for the King's Guard barracks,
youngsters took part in a number of activities designed
to reinforce safety knowledge and discipline, as national television networks reported on the events.

While the children, supervised by adult volunteers and their parents,
abseiled, marched and played,
adults were taught safe driving techniques by Vasan Anuchareepitak,
and experience rally driver and safety driving instructor.

I spoke to one mother, who proudly pointed out her son
marching up and down the square
"It is amazing how much self confidence he has developed since
he joined FARA eight months ago" she said,
"now he is much more outgoing and willing to socialize. He also lectures me regularly of fire safety.

" She commented wryly.

Such activities are gaining national recognition in Thailand and FARA is becoming a strong pressure group,
campaigning for greater safety measure.

The Permanent Secretary and the Director of the NSCT both told me

how valuable FARA's work is in contributing
towards safety in Thailand . Dr. prasit Damrongchaitham,
Permanent Secretary, said:
"We fully support the work of this association because of
its role in education young people.
It is so laudable to get people to do volunteer work on fire prevention.
And these children go no to educate their parents! The NSCT supports

FARA and regularly joins in its activities and seminars,
often letting the association use its Government
premises for lectures, etc."

During my interview with Deputy Prime Minister Suwit Khunkitti,
he told me how important public awareness
programs are to promulgate safety, and of FARA's essential role in this.

"FARA is training the children, the younger generation,
giving them greater awareness of dangers
and how to handle them. I hope that the youngsters can tell their parents

and school friends, and even their
teachers, about potential dangers. When they grow up they
will be more aware of dangers of fire and will
then be able to help the Government advocate
greater fire safety and public awareness."

In fact, Tom Kanathat, President of FARA, says that hopefully the fire safety message

may be spread wide quite soon.
"When some of these older members go to university, FARA will be

funding them to start their own safety clubs.

We are planting an oak tree taking the long term view."