GRAFFITI IS GOOD, DRUGS ARE BAD

       ThaiHealth is giving teens a chance to express themselves in cosplay and|B-Boy dancing
       Graffiti and hip-hop gangs aren't synonymous with illegal drugs in the eyes of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. ThaiHealth, as it's known, is using popular pastimes like these to reach out to youngsters at a free, three-day workshop next month in Phetchaburi.
       The Healthy Youth project will involve classes in cosplay, creating graffiti and dancing in the B-Boy, hip-hop, K-pop and jazz styles.
       It sounds like a lot of fun at Phetchaburi's Suan Buak Hat Cha-am Hotel from October 6 to 9.
       "Some people may think these kind of activities are a waste of time, but they're not," says ThaiHealth's Manop Yam-utai.
       With the right support, they're beneficial, both to the teens and society as a whole, he says.
       "We should encourage them to pursue this sort of thing rather than drinking, taking drugs and otherwise wasting their time."
       Good skillz
       B-Boy dance instructor Chaiwat Sereebut sees nothing but good in the Healthy Youth project and points out that adults shouldn't ignore teenagers' interests.
       B-Boy dancing isn't just something that street toughs do, he adds.
       "Skills like these can make money and pave the way to a solid career," says project staffer Tik Mahesaka. And in the meantime, the kids will be networking with like-minded people.
       Grade 11 student Chutima Sremkaw has signed up for the dance classes to keep fit.
       "It looks cool, too," she says. "I've already talked to my parents about it and they have no objections."
       It's the graffiti course that attracts Thanapong Onkeaw, 16.
       "I really like drawing," he says. "It's a good way to express my feelings and ideas."
       BOOK A SPOT
       >> The classes are limited to 200 participants aged 12 to 18.
       >> Write a bit about yourself and your interests and turn in your application to ThaiHealth at YoungProject.Hi5.com.