WITH THAILAND a member of the newly formed Asean Economic Community (AEC) since the end of last year, several schools all over the country have been helping their students get to know our neighbours a little better, particularly the cultures of the other nine member states.

Such was the case at the recent annual performance hosted by Roong Aroon School, which this year was dubbed “San Jai Sai Yai Asean”. More than 700 students took part in the event, which focused on the music of Asean and the lifestyles often so similar to our own.

Among the professionals helping the youngsters put on their show were Professor Rapee Sagarik, who at 96 still plays his violin with the dexterity and enthusiasm of a much younger man, traditional Thai singer and teacher Surang Duriyapan, flautist Thanis Srikindee, National Artist and poet Naowarat Pongpaiboon as well as Duangporn Pongphasuk of “The Voice Thailand”.

The back-up music was scored and created by the RA Pop Orchestra band, the RA Symphonic Band, and the school’s traditional Thai music club.

The students’ performances reflected the lifestyles and beliefs of Asean people in different countries through the traditional rice dance “Ram Buchasrichaisingh”, Indonesia’s “Rasa Saying” and Malaysia’s” Chan Malichan”.

The well-known Suanpoo Chorus performed Myanmar’s “Kao Malae” and the Philippines’s “Lukluklumbu”, and “Burong Kaka Tua”.

The show ended with “Asean Way”, a song that talks about sharing peace, dreams and prosperity.

The school’s director Sunisa Chuenchareonsuk was delighted with the performances put on by her young charges, saying: “Our lives will be very much influenced by all the member nations of the AEC and learning about and accepting the differences and similarities between us all will lead to a harmonious and creative society”.

Proceeds after the deduction of expenses will be used to support education at Wat Boromthatdoi Pasom and the remote Jomaloluela School in Chiang Mai‘s Samoeng district.