Bangkok--19 May--Thai Airways
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) announced that THAI is collaborating with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to help transport participants of the ASEAN Youth Caravan of Goodwill who will visit the earthquake and tsunami-affected area in Japan. The Caravan is scheduled for 2-5 June 2011.
Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN Secretary-General, said, “The ASEAN and Japanese Foreign Ministers have endorsed to organize the ASEAN Youth Caravan of Goodwill which include 40-50 ASEAN performing artists and youth representatives from all ten ASEAN Member States to show the goodwill of the ASEAN people. The Youth Caravan is supported by the civil society, the private sector and the Royal Thai Embassy in Japan. This event will help strengthen the ‘bond’ that has long existed between the Japanese and people of ASEAN member nations, and serve as an even firmer foundation for future cooperation between Japan and ASEAN.”
A cultural performance is one of the key highlights of the ASEAN Youth Caravan of Goodwill. Several other activities will also take place during the trip, including a session for sharing personal experiences of similar natural disasters in the South East Asia region.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said, “THAI is proud to join the goodwill effort by bringing performing artists and youth representatives from Thailand to visit evacuation centers in the Northeastern coastal communities of Japan. Japan is one of the most important markets for THAI, and we hope we can continue to encourage the people of Thailand and other international travelers to visit Japan.”
In addition to the ASEAN Youth Caravan of Goodwill trip, THAI has been promoting travel to Japan by bringing key Thai travel media from both television and print publications on a five-day “Visit Japan” trip from 19-25 May 2011. THAI, as the flag carrier of Thailand, representing the strong and historical relationship between the two countries, is proud to lend its help in boosting tourism to Japan.