The rainy season is often a headache for busy mothers, as they struggle to keep up with the endฌless washing generated by young kids.

Samsung, a world leader in innovative digital home appliances, has come up with the solution to these problems with the introduction of its state-of-theart front-loading washing machine, which boasts a dedicated door allowing users to add extra pieces of clothing to the wash compartment while the machine is in use.

Mothers attending the recent launch event were happy to share their experience and explain what they wanted from a washing machine. Said Jannis Yangpichit, a mother of twins: “For me the pleasฌure and the chores are double. I seem to be constantly bombarded by dirty clothes and have to wait for hours if I want to do a second wash as I cannot interrupt the cycle of my front-loading washing machine.”

Actress Nana Rybena, mother of Bena and Brooklyn, adds that she feel lucky that today’s mothers have lots of appliances to facilitate their daily chores. “I use a front-loading washing machine but often end up hand washing extra dirty outfits. I really wish that every front-loading washing machine were equipped with a time-saving tool so I could add the muddy clothes to the wash while the machine is still in use. I remember when a complete washing course took two hours. At least today, a cycle is completed in just an hour.”

Fashion designer Monlada Pongpanich knows the importance of a good washing machine, explaining that all her outfits and accessories need gentle handling. “A washing machine has a serious flaw – everything put in the same wash has to go through the same cycle, which can damage some delicate articles. This new machine can both reduce detergent stains and preserve the quality of the fabrics.”

Modern laundry is much more convenient with the addition of another door, allowing the new Samsung Addwash to take in additional outfits during the current washing cycle, says Saowanee Sirariyakul, the brand’s digital appliances business director.

Moreover, the proprietary Eco Bubble technology uses both air pressure and water pressure to turn detergent into a delicate foam so it can easily pass through layers of fabrics. This technology helps retain the quality of all fibres and eliminates detergent stain formation on the surface of washed items.

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.