December 3, 2004

80 million `birds of peace' trucked to airbase in preparation for takeoff

Princess Siriwanwaree Mahidol yesterday gave 531paper cranes to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as the government prepared for an airdrop over the deep South.

The paper birds were handed to the prime minister by deputy commander of Traffic Police Pol Col Thawich Kritchamnong.

Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, chief of the Privy Council, yesterday also gave 370 paper cranes to the government.

Each of the birds, accepted by government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair, carries the message: Best wishes from Ban Si Sao Thewes.

Representatives from Udon Thani province also handed over a boxful of paper cranes made from 100-baht notes to the prime minister yesterday.

About 80 million paper cranes, a symbol of peace and goodwill, will be dropped from airplanes flying over Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces on Dec 5, His Majesty the King's birthday.

Mr Thaksin yesterday launched a caravan of military trucks, six-wheel trucks and pick-up trucks carrying the paper cranes from Government House to the air force base at Don Muang.

He said the overwhelming number of paper cranes sent a clear message that Thai people want peace for their countrymen in the South.

Despite criticism, the paper birds had tremendous psychological impact, he said.

He noted that the family of Apichet ``Big'' Kittikorncharoen of D2B band had also contributed some paper cranes to the government. These cranes had been made by the singer's supporters while he was struggling for his life in hospital after a car accident. The singer has since been discharged and is recuperating at home.

Mr Thaksin said the government would be able to manage the huge amount of paper cranes, expected to rise above 100 million. ``The more the better. It's not just a piece of paper, but a gesture of goodwill,'' he said.

He said local administrative organisations had worked out a plan to ensure the birds would not end up creating huge piles of litter.

The government was also considering erecting a peace monument to store those cranes which missed the flight.