How did you get to school this morning? Was it by car, motorcycle, bus, or train? These are the most common modes of transport that many of us take for granted. They aren't the only ways to get around however. A few of us might even have had to take a ferry ride across a river or down a canal. For the many who have never even been on a boat, it might be surprising that boat transport is one the oldest and most significant forms of transport, not only for Thailand, but the entire world (not as old as walking of course).
 Before the invention of the locomotive, bicycle, automobile, and airplane, humans relied on the various waterways and oceans that make up more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface: Whether it had been for transportation, migration, exploration, economy, or industry, the boat was the way of life for millions. Unfortunately for nature, humans have become slaves to fossil fuel guzzling machines. Thus, the advancing world continues to develop and maintain concrete paths and structures to support an ugly and polluting car-culture.
Just take a look around. The various canals around Bangkok that once earned the city the nickname "Venice of the East" or "City of Canals" have been neglected---boat-less, filled with oil and litter, and blocked off or filled in with tar and concrete to accommodate newer roads and traffic. Many of the up-country canals and rivers are so full with weeds and vines that they are un-navigable.
For thousands who still make a living around boats, there is still hope. "Though we have only seen the expansion and development of land-based transportation over the past decades, the (Thai) people should realize the importance and opportunity of the water for the future." Said Bumrung Aramruang, the Director of Ayutthaya Industry and Ship building college. "With the number one industry being tourism, the rivers and canals have an important role in this industry, and the government should realize this."
When disaster struck the six southern provinces last December, Bumrung, along with a handful of boat-building educators and students went to Phanga to share their experience, knowledge, and skills of boat construction and repair. Their first trip in January included 25 vocational students. They spent several weeks repairing damaged ships and building one experimental prototype fiberglass fishing ship. As it turns out, fiberglass is not only cheaper and lighter than wood, but also more durable and maintenance-free. Apichart, an instructor explains "Traditionally, Thais have used wood for ship and boat building. As the cost of wood is so expensive these days, we wanted to find an alternative following research of ships from Europe, Malaysia, and Japan."
The 10 by 2.20 meter fiberglass proto-type was modeled and molded from an existing wooden fishing ship. When that turned out to be successful, the expertise of these skillful students and educators was requested again in March. Then, 9 students including Niwat Treesit, Nattapat Aiunsa-ard, Panuwat Thohkeemorlee, Ekapoon Khuntapon, Santi Ngamsomchat, Sarawut Kongwaree, Ekapon Jaisaen, and Woravatt Serher took charge of leading the local labor of villagers and even 30 prisoners to construct an additional 70 ships. "It felt really good to be able to apply what we've been learning and apply it to a real life situation to make a difference helping the victims in the South." Said Sarawut, a senior student studying steel and fiber ship building.
Looking at the present situation and limited career opportunities, one might wonder why these students decided to study ship building as opposed to electronics, computers, accounting, food, and other popular vocational subjects. "Many students are already studying those subjects, and so the competition will be high and harder to get a job." Said Niwat "When we graduate, we are guaranteed a decent job as there is not enough experts on the field." Elaborated Ekapon. "Boats are part of my life and soul. I've known I wanted to work around boats since I was very young." Added Woravatt.
Currently, Ayutthaya Industry and Ship Building College has just over 200 students. Only about 30 of these currently study ship building on the island campus, however. Nopadol Detwatagul, the assistant director explains that ship building is a difficult subject with a heavy work load. On top of this, after graduating, students must usually work far away from their homes in places like Chonburi, Phuket, or Nakhon Sri Thamaratt. Therefore, most students prefer to study other subjects like electronics and industrial machinery where work can be found almost anywhere.
Initially, Ayutthaya Industry and Ship Building College based their volunteer work in Ban Nam Khem village, later moving its operations to Tai Muang district, collaborating and uniting with the technical/vocational school there. This has transformed into an additional campus for ship building as the instructors Ayutthaya open courses and instruction to locals. They have been hired to complete an additional 100 ships by October 27. This quota is part of the Princess Pratep's royal sponsorship to build 500 fishing ships based on the fiber-glass prototype mentioned earlier, just in time for Thailand's post-monsoon fishing season.
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