Bangkok Post : Mong takes third in origami flight

Mong takes third in origami flight

Published: 20/09/2009 at 08:51 PM
Online news: Breakingnews

Chiba, Japan - Mong Thongdee, the stateless boy representing Thailand in a paper plane flight competition, took third place in his solo event after winning the team event on Saturday.

Mong, the 12-year-old boy from the northern province of Chiang Mai, is scheduled to return home on Monday.

His paper plane stayed aloft for 10.53 seconds, taking third place in the individual event for competitors aged 12 years old. On Saturday, Mong was part of a three-person team, including two adults. His team won the champion with Mong’s paper plane flying for 11 seconds.

Born to ethnic Burmese parents in Thailand, Mong, a Prathom 4 (Grade 4) student at Ban Huay Sai School in Chiang Mai, entered the limelight when he was refused travel papers by the minister of interior on Sept 2, on the grounds he was a security risk.

Newspaper stories and a countrywide outrage forced the minister to change his mind, and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva personally stepped in to help to arrange the temporary papers necessary to send Mong to Japan. Because his parents are both foreigners, Mong's birth cannot be officially registered either in Thailand, and Burma refuses to accept back any refugees.

Mong travelled on a so-called yellow passport, a temporary travel document issued by the Thai Foreign Ministry’s Department of Consular Affair on Sept 4. (TNA)

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Ursus

Discussion 19 : 21/09/2009 at 05:58 PM19
to Mike, discussion #15

"when Issan is free from Siam we will........."

Why you always tease so sneaky! This is NOT the issue. The issue is a boy with an intresting story. There's no reason at all to bring your "Split of Thailand desire" to this discussion. Shame on you!
Tienmau

Discussion 18 : 21/09/2009 at 04:06 PM18
Congratulation to Mong. I hope Thai goverment will grant him a Thai citizenship... and hope the media will keep track on this imazing boy..
Analyst

Discussion 17 : 21/09/2009 at 01:29 PM17
Good example for struggle of the life. People including school children should take lesson, Mong struggle for his life under stress. Why not those who living under privileges, good facilities, can do better than him. On the other hand, those who under other stress also should take lesson, if there is a will, there is a way.

CONGRATULATIONS Mong Thongdee!
Jaap G. Klasema - Satahip, Thailand

Discussion 16 : 21/09/2009 at 12:51 PM16
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU MY LITTLE FRIEND ! ! !
I find it peculiar, that IF (as the report stated) you were born in Thailand, 'import-quoa' from which parents (nationality-wise) you should have automatic right to Thai citizenship. That's why, in the rest of the developed world, they call this "Birth-Right".
Plenty of viz. Mexicans etc. choose to give birth in the USA for that very reason.
Does this Int. law not apply in Thailand ?

Incidentally; very good point by Mr. Rai (comment # 13) how about that Thai Flag, which was raised during the prize-giving ceremony ? ? ? ?

Good Luck, Mong; from the bottom of my and many, many other hearts !
Mike

Discussion 15 : 21/09/2009 at 12:18 PM15
Mong , Great job .God bless you. Issan people so happy for you.just keep dreaming stay in School work hard. when Issan is free from Siam we will be sure you are a Issab boy.
acetoni

Discussion 14 : 21/09/2009 at 11:20 AM14
Mong became a stateless citizen through no fault of his. Because of his perseverance, he has broken through the barrier of a "lowly station" as Thais call it. Thailand should be commented for allowing Mong to compete in Japan. Thailand has then avoided "discriminating" Mong. May Mong live on with his fighting spirit. He is already a "winner" and even won bronze.
raj

Discussion 13 : 21/09/2009 at 11:17 AM13
If the thai falg went up when he was in the podium means he is thai. Les see what the so called beaurocrats have got to say on this.
moonoi

Discussion 12 : 21/09/2009 at 10:47 AM12
Congratulations Mong!
you must be rewarded - and you will be rewarded!
No politician will let pass the chance to make some big points on the nation-wide heart-warming contest.
I am very sure. be proud!
Edward

Discussion 11 : 21/09/2009 at 10:18 AM11
i had accidentally came across about his story. it is very sad story. i think the law was there to prevent the foreigner (especially Burmese) to cross the border to deliver the baby and get thai citizenship.

but i think thailand has to alter their law to provision clause like this kind of kids can be naturalize if they stay in thailand for like 10 years or something like that... this kid only knows thailand as his home and have done proud to thai. i hope the lawyer will fight for his case and to abolish that "not so humane" law.
Chino

Discussion 10 : 21/09/2009 at 10:16 AM10
And what will Thailand give this talented boy?
Reward him with a scholarship for engineering and a full citizinship! Let him give lectures on the 'Elite' international schools to be an example and a bridge between the poor and rich.

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