Pubdate: Sat, 20 Mar 2004 Source: Chiangmai Mail (Thailand) Copyright: 2004 Chiangmai Mail Contact: http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3105 Author: Nopniwat Krailerg 500 EX-DRUG ADDICTS ATTEND RETRAINING And Score A 20,000 Baht Bonus! Udom Maneekhat, Chiang Mai Provincial Development Office head, said that the Chiang Mai Provincial Authorities appointed his office to work with former drug addicts who had been rehabilitated during the war on drugs. Part of the rehabilitation was training in useful occupational skills and investment management methods. In addition, the office has arranged training courses in March on the Poverty Eradication Scheme in seven districts, including Samoeng, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Phrao, Fang and Mae Ai districts. Approximately 500 former drug addicts attended the course. After the completion of the courses, the province gave each group of attendees 20,000 baht investment money to begin their small businesses. The Provincial Development Office will be responsible in following up their business acumen. Udom added that this occupational training course would inspire former drug addicts to be eager to earn a living themselves. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman