Northern Thailand
American Peace Corps Volunteer Helps Spruce Up Phayao Park Ahead of Kings Coronation
PHAYAO – A young American volunteer has expressed her delight at taking part in a community activity in Pong district to spruce up a public park to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty the King this weekend.
Braving the beating sun, Caitlin Navratil, fondly called “Naam Wan” by her Thai friends, was busy cleaning up Chalermprakiat health park in tambon Ngim on Friday. She joined more than 100 municipal officials, staff and local residents in the volunteer activity.
Wearing a yellow shirt, the 24-year-old Peace Corps volunteer from the state of Minnesota showed no sign of tiredness as she swept up garbage in the park and helped repaint the concrete walls.
“I feel proud and happy to participate in this volunteer activity. I’m having a lot of fun,” she said with a smile when asked by the Bangkok Post. The American political science graduate will be in Phayao for the next two years, serving as a swimming coach for local youngsters aged 9-15.
Ms Navratil recently arrived in Phayao after 10 weeks of training and has been chronicling in a blog for Peace Corps Thailand Magazine.
Thais from all walks of life across the country have been taking part in volunteer activities in recent weeks on the auspicious occasion of the royal coronation.
More than 100 municipal staff and volunteers take part in an activity to celebrate the King’s coronation at a public park in Phayao on Friday.
By Saiarun Pinaduang
The Bangkok Post