Bangkok--19 Mar--AirAsia
The Ministry of Culture and AirAsia Celebrates Second Year of Partnership Flying National Artists To Share Cultural Wisdom with Youth Groups
In Over 10 provinces in Thailand
The Ministry of Culture joins hands with AirAsia for the “Air Travel to Preserve Art” program, intent on inspiring youths to continue their region’s arts and traditions by having National Artists impart them with their expertise. The project is being piloted in 10 provinces in the North, Northeast and South. AirAsia is also continuing its special support of air travel for National Artists for the second year.
Dr. Preecha Kanthiya, Permanent Secretary of Culture, noted that this is the second year the Ministry of Culture has worked with Thai AirAsia to provide air travel to Thailand’s National Artists. He affirmed the ministry continues to see the program as important and beneficial as it facilitates the work of the country’s artists as they create, disseminate and exchange their work and knowledge to the Kingdom’s communities. The crux of the program lies in providing seats at no cost to National Artists on all of AirAsia’s routes, both domestic and international, when they travel in their capacities as National Artists as well as for personal affairs. This year, the ministry has also collaborated with AirAsia to organize the “Air Travel to Preserve Art” program, aimed at imparting the knowledge of the artists on the nation’s youths.
“We see the nation’s youth as the main force behind preserving Thailand’s art and culture, especially endangered regional traditions. We initiated the ‘Air Travel to Preserve Art’ program, with the great support of AirAsia, to allow National Artists to travel to organize training sessions, camps and other events in 10 provinces to teach their youths and to find those with exemplary works to represent their provinces in cultural promotion events both at the national and international level” said Dr. Preecha.
Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, Director of Commercial for Thai AirAsia, remarked that AirAsia continues to be determined to be a part of preserving Thailand’s cultural heritage. He pointed out that over the past year, the airline was able to facilitate travel for National Artists working to promote the Kingdom’s culture and received positive feedback from the artists. He said AirAsia feels honored to have been given the opportunity to continue the program by the Ministry of Culture and is confident that with its 14 domestic routes and 21 international destinations as well as award for best on-time record from FlightStats, the airline will be able to serve the National Artists.
“We are very happy to be continuing this program. We will work with the Ministry of Culture to organize training camps in 10 provinces, namely; Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang and Hat Yai. The events will provide the opportunity for youths to audition their own works so that 30 may be chosen to take part in a special camp with the National Artists from which 1 distinct individual will be selected to act as a representative nationally and internationally. We believe that by providing the opportunity for young artists to learn from masters, they will be inspired to develop their own work” Mr. Santisuk concluded.