Wednesday, August 12, 2009

School Mothers Day Celebrations

Ceremonies were already under way when I arrived.
Everyone was singing, facing the picture of the HRH the Queen.
Apparently Thai National songs. Everyone was standing.

After everyone was seated, traditional Thai dancing was performed for the entertainment of students, teachers, staff, and mothers.


Mothers were then formally honored on stage by their sons and daughters.
This part of the ceremony tends to get quite emotional. The kids take this quite seriously. Many times in tears, and a lot of hugging and comforting.



At the conclusion of official ceremonies, furniture and other props were removed from the stage for the main entertainment.
Apparently a beauty contest of sorts. Of course there were the very obvious ladyboys, but others I wasn't too sure of their (ahem) gender.



The pageant was frequently taken over by funny antics which had the audience rolling on the floor with laughter.





Some of the more needy students were selected to present me with flowers.
Of course I anticipated these gestures by offering small financial rewards.




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