Thirty-two Thai Young Ambassadors of Virtue visited Yangon and Bago, Myanmar during 23 February – 1 March 2015. The 32 Thai Young Ambassadors are students aged between 8 -14 years old selected from 32 schools under the Young Ambassadors of Virtue Foundation, supervised by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The main purpose of the visit is to expose the new Thai “gens” to learn about neighboring countries and to meet with their ASEAN friends. Myanmar was selected as the first country for these children as it is the closest neighbor. 

 

            During the visit, the young ambassadors have visited 3 schools in Myanmar; International School of Myanmar, Diplomatic International School Yangon, Myanmar International School, and one university, the Yangon University of Foreign Languages. They joined in various creative activities to learn and cultivate their friendship with Myanmar friends. 

 

            Students had field visits to Shwe Dagon Pagoda, National Museum, National Race Village, and Bago to learn about Myanmar’s history and culture. They have also experienced Myanmar’s taste and lifestyle such as food tasting, using tanakha, wearing traditional wear, try traditional dances, learn how to sing Myanmar songs, and try to perform the Myanmar marionette, etc. 

 

            Before leaving, these children planted a “star flower” tree at the Peoples’ Park Yangon, as a monument of their visit and their mission of friendship in Myanmar. 

 

            For many of these children, it was the first trip overseas or the first trip to neighboring Myanmar. Leaving behind them is a tree of friendship that was grown and will be brought up in Yangon. But keeping with them are various fond memory and their commitment to further foster friendship and cordial ties between Thailand, Myanmar and the two peoples.