Move Forward party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, attended a Karen traditional wrist-tying ceremony today (Sunday), at Wat Phraya Suren school in Bangkok. The ceremony was organised by the Oversea Karen Refugees’ Social Organisation.
Move Forward MPs, Manop Keereepuwadol and Pimkarn Kiratiwirapakorn, also attended the annual ceremony, which began with the sound of buffalo horns and gongs, followed by the Thai Royal Anthem and the Karen national anthem.
Pita, dressed in Karen national costume, gave a speech to the Karen community and vowed to continue the fight for equality for ethnic minorities in Thailand.
“Similar to Karen traditional clothing, the pattern of which is symmetrical and the same on both sides, my honesty and sincerity to all brothers and sisters will always the same” Pita stated.
He also added that the traditional clothes, given to him by Karen people, have no collar, seams or pockets, which means simplicity, closeness to the people and being down to earth,which he will always keep in mind.
Pita also stressed that he will continue working on the bill to promote the rights of ethnic minorities and indigenous people.
The president of the Cross Cultural Foundation, Surapong Kongchantuk, said that Pita’s loss in the vote for prime minister was met with disappointment among ethnic minorities in Thailand, but that he also believes that the bill to promote the rights of ethnic minorities will go forward under the new government.
Every year, Karen communities around the world organise the wrist-tying ceremony, in which the white threads tied around the wrist represent protection from misfortune and evil spirits.
Other materials are used in the ceremony, such as cold water, rice balls, sticky rice, bananas, bunches of flowers and pieces of sugar cane, as symbols of unity, good health and growth.
