Mong's right at home

       Stateless 12-year-old is feted by govt after winning contest for Thailand
       The Science Ministry will appoint Mong Thongdee, a Thaiborn but stateless boy, as its youth ambassador.
       Mong, 12, is just back from the Origami Airplane Contest in Japan where he won third prize for Thailand in the individual category but bagged first in the team competition.
       Scholarships awarded
       "We will offer him scholarships too," Science Minister Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich said yesterday.
       She said the scholarships would enable Mong to get a degree and even a doctorate if he wanted.
       "He deserves the scholarships because he bolstered the country's reputation and has become an inspiration for other children to learn more about science," Kalaya said.
       His dream
       Mong says his dream is to become either a pilot or a scientist. Born to Burmese migrant workers, Mong does not qualify for Thai nationality even though this is where he was born, lives and goes to school.
       "I feel like a Thai," he says.
       Mong was invited to participate in Japan as a local champion, but with no Thai nationality, his requests for a passport fell on deaf ears. Just as his monthslong quest seemed to have hit a dead end, his plight came to the attention of the media. After meeting Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, he got his passport in time to travel and compete.
       Win dedicated to HM
       Returning with his prizes, Mong headed straight to Siriraj Hospital to wish His Majesty the King, who was admitted on Saturday, a quick recovery.
       "I love the King. I'm glad to have the chance to sign a getwell message for him," he said, adding that he hoped one day to get an audience with His Majesty.
       "What I'm doing is for the country and for His Majesty."
       He also plans to get ordained as a novice for 10 days in dedication to the King.