Three Thai celebrities were appointed as the latest Friends of Unicef last week to help promote children's rights and mobilise public support for children's well-being, as the world faces multiples crises but also the chance to reimagine a better future.
The newly-appointed Friends of Unicef -- renowned singer Palitchoke "Peck" Ayanaputra, actress/model Pechaya "Min" Wattanamontri and internationally-acclaimed singer Kunpimook "BamBam" Bhuwakul -- are not new to Unicef's work for children, as they have participated in its missions and campaigns over the past few years.
Palitchoke recalled his field visit in Chiang Mai province and in Kenya, where he witnessed children living in poor conditions. "Too many children are living in poverty and have very limited opportunities in life. In many of the homes I visited, children didn't have books, sometimes not even pencils," he said.
Since 2013, Friends of Unicef have been helping to raise awareness of issues related to children's rights and well-being, and mobilise public support for Unicef's programmes. In their new role as Friends of Unicef, Palitchoke, Pechaya and Kunpimook will help raise awareness on key issues including inequity, early childhood development, inclusive and quality education, child protection, adolescent mental health and meaningful participation, and climate change, among others.
This year, Unicef marks 75 years of its work for children around the world. In Thailand, Unicef has been providing essential services for children in need and working with communities, the government, NGOs and private sector, to find sustainable solutions that meet children's needs since 1948.
In 1953, Unicef supported launching a nationwide vaccination programme against tuberculosis for the first time in Thailand. In 1960, clean drinking water and sanitation programmes were launched in rural areas. In 2004, the Child Protection Act was passed to help ensure children's growth, quality care and development. In 2017, the Control of Marketing of Infant and Young Child Food Act was enforced. Two years later, Thailand expanded the Child Support Grant from 400 to 600 baht.
And as the Covid-19 pandemic continued to disrupt education and healthcare services in Thailand, Unicef and partners delivered critical hygiene supplies, books, toys and learning materials to vulnerable families as well as life-saving oxygen concentrators to hospitals nationwide.
"We need supporters and partners like Peck, Min and BamBam to help us reach out and mobilise public support for children's rights and well-being," said Kyungsun Kim, representative for Unicef Thailand.
However, their missions will be challenging as Covid-19, the worst crisis for children in Unicef's 75-year history, has further deepened inequalities and put millions of children at risk of being left behind.
In less than two years, 100 million more children have fallen into poverty around the world, and Unicef estimates that it may take seven to eight years to return to pre-Covid-19 levels of child poverty in Thailand. The Equitable Education Fund found that more than 6,500 students in Thailand dropped out of school in the 2021 academic year.
Kim added that it will take all our efforts together to respond to these enormous challenges, protect the most vulnerable from falling through the cracks and secure a bright future for every child.
"I'm honoured to join Unicef and truly hope that I can make a difference in children's lives," said Palitchoke.
"Every opportunity must be made possible for children," said Pechaya. "I believe it's everyone's duty to ensure that every child has a fair chance in life and is supported in every way in developing to their fullest potential."
Kunpimook spoke about the importance of listening to children, building their confidence and supporting them in following their dreams. "Every child is unique and full of potential. Each has their own strength. Adults should listen to and support them so that they can find that strength, fulfil their dreams and become the adults they want to be."
