Skatbos in Thailand

Some of the teachers at Wiset School. Recognize anyone?

Last Wednesday, August 12, was the Queen of Thailand’s birthday and Mother’s Day in Thailand.  We had Wednesday off so Tuesday was the day we celebrated at school.  The morning was filled with songs about Mom,

Students offer flowers to their Moms.

traditional Thai dance in honor of Queen Sirikit, and our students performing.  Tim and I were invited to participate in the ceremony.  We attempted to just follow along as we stood with the other teachers, in front of the Queen’s photo.  I think we did okay, except when Tim curtsied instead of bowed because he was just following along and happened to be surrounded by females.  The students got a kick out of it though.  It was a blisteringly hot day, but as teachers we got to sit under a shaded tent and sip iced coffee, served by the students.

Hugs and tears say "I love you Mom!"

The best student in each grade brought their Mothers to school with them and there was a special part in the ceremony where they thanked them, offered them flowers, bowed at their feet, and gave them hugs.  It was an emotional ceremony and lots of the students were in tears.

The Book, birthday wishes for Queen Sirikit.

We were also asked to sign a book that will be presented to the Queen.  We were coached through it all and told to write “Long live the Queen” as we took our turn.  We were the first foreign teachers at our school to ever take part in the book signing.  We felt kinda special, but we are a pretty big deal around here.
It was fun to be a part of more Thai traditions, see our students perform, and have morning classes canceled.  All good things!

Here is a video of one of the students singing.  Check out the little dancer in the beginning.  SO CUTE! (Not great quality but you can see the band in the background and kind of hear her singing.)