Professionals and Public Join Thai Webinar on the Family

Bangkok, Thailand – More than 500 participants joined an online program, hosted by UPF-Thailand, to mark the UN International Day of Families on May 27, 2025. The theme was "The Power of Love within Family: Bring Happiness and Love to Complete Our Lives.” The event aimed to promote awareness of the important role of the family as the foundation of peace, security, and harmony in society.

The seminar began with a welcome address and opening remarks by General Terdsak Marom, president of UPF-Thailand, followed by speeches from distinguished speakers. These included Ms. Raporn Pongpanitanon, family affairs specialist at the Department of Women's Affairs and Family Development; Col. Dr. Pongsak Tangkana, president of Foundation of A Giver's Mind, A Nirvana Heart; Ms. Sukumal Maliwan, senior head of the Moral Promotion Group, Moral Center; and Dr. Jiraporn Arunakul, assistant professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, and founder of the Facebook page "Parenting Outside Home.”

The speakers described projects carried out by their organizations and shared their professional experiences, providing inspiration and practical applications that listeners could apply to their own lives and families, as well as promoting cooperation among families and communities.

The event also featured a question-and-answer session, an exchange of ideas, and a summary of the key takeaways from the seminar. These stressed the importance of family relationships built on love, understanding, and effective communication. They also included the idea that the motivation to make one’s family members happy serves as the foundation for a warm and loving family, which is the smallest and most crucial unit for fostering sustainable peace and stability in the nation.

Closing remarks were given by Mrs. Ursula McLackland, secretary general of UPF-Asia Pacific. The program was moderated by Mr. Kamol Thananopavarn, secretary general of UPF-Thailand.

This seminar garnered interest from both individuals and groups, including government agencies, the private sector, families, youth, and a large number of students. Participants from various organizations attended, including agencies under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, provincial social development and human security offices, provincial cultural offices, the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification Foundation, the Youth and Student Federation for Peace Foundation, National Statistical Offices, and district offices of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

By Ursula McLackland, Secretary General, UPF-Asia Pacific May 27, 2025