Volunteer Ministers on Southeast Asian Goodwill Tour

Sriracha, Thailand
5 November 2010

Traditional Thai dancers perform at the opening ceremony for the Volunteer Ministers’ tent in Sriracha, Thailand. Traditional Thai dancers perform at the opening ceremony for the Volunteer Ministers’ tent in Sriracha, Thailand.

Officials and citizens of Sriracha, Thailand turned out today to welcome the Scientology Volunteer Minister Southeast Asian Goodwill Tour to their city.

The people of Thailand first became acquainted with the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) in December 2004, when a tsunami devastated portions of their country. Hundreds of VMs from around the world responded to the call, aiding the people of Thailand and surrounding regions. As a consequence of their selfless actions during that disaster, the VMs gained a reputation in Thailand for their willingness and ability to help which has preceded the cavalcade at each stop along its route through the nation.

Such was the case when the VM tour arrived in Sriracha, a city two hours southeast of the capital, Bangkok. In his welcoming speech during the opening ceremony for the VM tents, the Mayor of Sriracha said, “Scientology welcomes people from all religions to work together. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of the opportunity the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are giving them to learn how to help themselves and others.”

Immediately following the ceremony, 143 people attended a seminar on Study Technology—designed to teach people of all ages how to overcome the barriers they encounter when trying to learn different subjects. Following that, there was another seminar on organizing and running an efficient workplace; then yet another on assists, Scientology techniques which help people recover from physical and emotional trauma.

Almost immediately, the VMs were invited to deliver seminars to the parents of students at a local school on how to care for and communicate with their children. Medical personnel in and around Sriracha have also asked the VMs to train volunteers in disaster response and assist technology.

Once finished in Thailand, the Volunteer Minister Goodwill Tour will continue to other ports of call in Southeast Asia—carrying their message of hope that “Something Can Be Done About It.”