On November 1, 2021, at 09.00 hours, Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin assigned Assistant to the Labour Minister Mr. Surachai Chaitrakulthong to give a speech to the handicapped bowling athletes representing the Thai national team, who are personnel under the Ministry of Labour’s Social Security Office. The Social Security Office’s Secretary-General, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, led a group of handicapped athletes to meet them before they departed to participate in the IBF Para Bowling World Championship 2021 between November 9 to 18, 2021, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Permanent Secretary of Labour Mr. Boonchob Suttamanaswong and the Ministry of Labour’s executives welcomed them at the Chatumongkol Room, 6th Floor, Ministry of Labour. The two athletes with disabilities from the Thai national team first consisted of Mr. Thien Thongloy, who experienced a motorcycle accident while traveling to meet customers. The accident resulted in fractures of the spine from T3 to T8, broken collarbones, three fractures of the shoulder blades, and fractures of 3 ribs, which pierced the lungs, requiring treatment for seven months. The injuries prevented him from walking for the rest of his life, and he must use a wheelchair for mobility. Later, he was rehabilitated at the Pathum Thani Provincial Workers Rehabilitation Center, Region 1, and was selected to work as a Social Security Academician at the Pathum Thani Provincial Workers Rehabilitation Center, Region 1. He serves as Business Computer Course Professional Trainer. Mr. Thien has worked there since 2003, totaling 18 years. While working, he was allowed to compete as a disabled athlete and participate in many international competitions, such as the 7th Asian Para Games in 2014, in Naypyidaw, Myanmar. He won 1 silver medal from the men’s COMPOUND archery competition. He also participated in the Thailand Word Para Wowling Championship 2019, which Thailand hosted that year. He received a bronze medal from the doubles category. The second member was Mr. Somsak Ruamsap, who had an accident from working on a forklift, and was backed up against the wall. The accident resulted in his left leg aorta being torn and his spine broken. He was admitted for two years and decided to undergo amputation above the knee. He received rehabilitation in 1999 and was considered to work as an employee of the third place at the Worker Rehabilitation Center, Region 1. He has been working there since 2005, totaling 16 years. Later, he was given opportunities to become an athlete with disabilities, participating in many international competitions.
Mr. Surachai said, “I admire your perseverance, patience, and determination, to the extent that your disability is not an obstacle to living. You have continued to develop yourselves to the stage of being selected as a Thai national team athlete. I consider it something to be proud of at the Social Security Office, especially for the worker rehabilitation centers that help rehabilitate and support its people until they have become national team athletes. Actions like this should be encouraged and supported by both the athletes and everyone involved. On this occasion, I would like to leave it to both athletes to have the spirit of an athlete. To have the determination to compete with the best of your abilities and bring back medals as a gift for Thai people to be happy and proud. I hope you are successful in the competition, and wish you a safe journey. Good luck.”
*****************************************************
Division of Public Relations
