Page 21 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL10

Smiles are back on people’s faces.Our people now can have better lives and realize their dreamsbehaviour, like respecting elders. Then there are the environmental concerns. As I mentioned, we don’t want tourism to spoil our resources, so being aware of that will be appreciated.Tell us three things you want Thais to know about TL.First, I’d like to express my deep appreciation to the Thai royal family, which launched several projects with East Timorese. HM the King’s sufficiency economy philosophy and techniques have been practiced in TL’s rural areas since 2003. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has a school garden project teaching our children in rural areas to make use of their backyards and school lawns to grow vegetables and raise livestock. This way our children benefit from their own milk, meat and nutrition neces- sary for their growth and development. That’s generosity we East Timoreseare grateful for and will never forget. There are also the Princess Maha Chakri Awards granted to outstanding teachers in Southeast Asia. One of our teachers was awarded it, and it’s an honour to acknowledge the princess’s support of TL’s entry to ASEAN via education.I also express my appreciation for Thailand’s help in 1999, when Thai police and armed forces joined the United Nations to restore peace and order in TL after the referendum and restoration of independence.Second, our people take a lot of pride in our country and our freedom. During the 24 years of occupation, we were cut off from the world. We sacrificed and struggled for our freedom with no outside support until towards the end. We had friends and families killed, some missing until today. Now East Timorese put up TL flags everywhere. We own our countryand our lives. Smiles are back on people’s faces. Our people now can have better lives and realize their dreams.Third, TL is a peaceful country. It’s safe to travel in TL and easy to get there. From Bangkok there are connecting flights in Singapore and Bali. From Bali to TL takes only one and a half hours. In the near future we should have direct flights from Bangkok and Phuket to TL. With media exposure, I hope more Thai people will be introduced to TL, be curious about us, visit us and develop love for our people and our country.