Message for

Friends of Thailand Awards 2008

           The Tourism Authority of Thailand initiated the Tourism Awards Project in 1996 as a biennial event to recognize and honour Thai organizations which contribute positively to the development of Thai tourism. The same suite of awards also includes a special category called “Friends of Thailand” which recognizes individuals for their dedication and commitment to the Thai tourism industry.

          This is the sixth year in which these Awards are being conferred. I commend and compliment all the awardees of the Thailand Tourism Awards, the Friends of Thailand Awards, and the Tourists Guides Awards 2008.

          As companies and individuals, you all are our proven true friends who share our goal for the positive promotion of Thai tourism worldwide. Furthermore, you all have contributed to Thailand, as role models of tourism development and promotion which focuses on environment-friendly activities and conservation of local arts and culture.

          On behalf of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Thai tourism industry, I thank you all for your hard work friendship and commitment. This is what true friendship is all about, and we are proud to count you all amongst our friends. I also wish to extend my gratitude to all members of the judging committees as well as those who have been involved in organizing this event.

PHORNSIRI MANOHARN

Governor

Tourism Authority of Thailand

   The 6^th Friends of Thailand Project 2008

            Mr. Santicha Euachongprasit, Deputy Governor for International Marketing, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that TAT has a role to promote Thailand’s tourism industry and to invite travellers from around the world to visit Thailand. However, TAT had not been alone in pursuing these objectives, but has been supported by many ‘friends’ from the international community whom share a love for Thailand and its people, and have played a significant direct and indirect role in the successful development of Thai tourism. Therefore, to recognize and honour the contributions of our international friends, TAT is proud to present the Friends of Thailand Awards.

          The Friends of Thailand Awards were first introduced in 1996, and were presented by then - Prime Minister, General Chaovalit Yongchaiyuth. The Awards were presented to international individuals/organizations, international tour operators and international airlines. Since then, TAT has presented the Friends of Thailand Awards every two years. The 2^nd Awards were presented in 1998, the 3^rd Awards in 2000, the 4^th Awards in 2002, and the 5^th and latest Awards were presented in 2004. For the past 9 years (1996-2004), a total of 356 awards were presented to recipients from 57 countries.

          This year, the 6^th Friends of Thailand Awards will be presented on the 27^th 
September, 2008, at the Centara Grande at Central World. TAT has invited distinguished 
individuals from the Thai tourism industry to participate as Committee Members of the 
Friends of Thailand Awards. Distinguished Committee Members include the Tourism 
Council of Thailand, the Association of Thai Travel Agents, the Thai Hotel Association, 
the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association, the Thailand Convention and 
Exhibition Bureau, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, Bangkok Airways 
Public Company Limited, and Thai Air Asia Public Company Limited. The Tourism Authority 
of Thailand’s 21 overseas offices and 23 marketing representatives were responsible for 
the nomination of qualified individuals/organizations to the Committee of the Friends of 
Thailand Awards to select eligible persons to receive the Award. For 2008, a total of 
79 Awards will be presented to recipients from 34 countries. The Awards are divided 
into 4 categories:

1.  Category of International Individual/Organization: A total of 18 Awards 
     will be presented. Recipients include the Japan-Thailand Business Forum 
     (JTBF) from Japan, Mr. Jaime Serrano-Guerra, President of the PATA 
     French Chapter from France, and many others.

2.  Category of International Tour Operators: A total of 26 Awards will be 
     presented. Recipients include Eso Travel from the Czech Republic, 
     Kuoni Scandinavia/Apollo from Sweden, EGL Tours Co., Ltd. from 
     Hong Kong, and many others.

3. Category of International Media: A total of 24 Awards will be presented.
    Recipients include the Great Outdoors Channel 7 from Australia, 
    Mr. Vir Sanghvi, Advisory Editorial Director of HT Media LTD (Hindustan 
    Times) from India, Mr. Yasuo Yoshitome, Advisor of FM Radio 
    Station Northwave from Japan, and many others.

4.  Category of International Airlines: A total of 11 Awards will be presented. 
     Recipients include EVA Air from the United Kingdom, Scandinavian Airlines 
     (SAS) from Sweden, China Airlines from Taiwan, Royal Jordanian from 
     Israel, and many others.

          The Friends of Thailand Project aims to contribute to the further development 
of Thailand’s tourism industry, which has many international friends whose invaluable 
contribution has helped promote Thai tourism, as well as create a good image of 
Thailand. To express our appreciation to these distinguished individuals and organizations, 
TAT is proud to host the Friends of Thailand Awards Presentation Ceremony.