Special guest at the opening ceremony, held at the Phang Nga Provincial Government Center, was Gen Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council and the ‘San Jai Thai Su Jai Tai’ Foundation, presiding.
The event brought together officials including the governors of Phang Nga and Krabi, along with military and police representatives; and host families welcoming the youth.
Phuket is one of the three Andaman provinces participating in the project, alongside Phang Nga and Krabi.
Youth from the southern border provinces will stay with local host families, gaining first-hand experience of daily life and the unique cultural traditions of the Andaman coast.
In Phang Nga, 120 youths were placed with 20 host families, two per family, from Oct 2-16.
Pol Lt Col Athit Boonyasophat, Secretary-General of the Foundation, explained that the programme was initiated by the late General Prem Tinsulanonda, former President of the Privy Council, and has been running since 2011.
The programme provides opportunities for youths from Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Satun and four districts of Songkhla to develop skills, knowledge and understanding in a multicultural society.
This year, the programme has expanded to include three Andaman provinces, hosting a total of 440 participants. While 320 youths travel to Bangkok and central provinces for exchange activities, 120 participate in projects in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
Gen Surayud highlighted that the project’s aim is to cultivate quality future leaders who appreciate diversity and can contribute to national development.
After staying with host families, the youths will return to Phang Nga for further camp activities and field trips until the project concludes on Oct 20, before returning to their hometowns on Oct 21.
Governor Saransak arrived in Phuket on Wednesday to formally take up the post of Governor of Phuket.
However, local government agencies have yet to report Mr Saransak as joining any meetings, briefings or events on the island.