Bangkok--4 Jul--124 Communications The Honorary Consular Corps is getting ready to hold an augural World Consular Fair to mark His Majesty the King’s 80th birth anniversary at Central Plaza Ladprao’s Bangkok Convention Hall during November 14-18, 2007, said Dr. Sribhumi Sukhanetr, the corps’ president and Consul of the Principality of Monaco to the Kingdom of Thailand. “On the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej’s 80th birth anniversary this year, the Honorary Consular Corps in Thailand aims to hold wide-scale celebration. “We, therefore, invited the World Consular Corps to hold their forum in Thailand this year, with this being the first time it is staged in the Asia Pacific region. In addition, in order help Honorary Consuls collectively participate in activities benefiting the society and the country, we came up with the idea of holding the first World Consular Fair to mark His Majesty’s 80th birth anniversary. An exhibition will be held by over 50 countries that have honorary consuls in Thailand with world-class products and information about each country’s tourism industry, investment and trade on display. “We aim to strengthen cooperation among these countries, promote cultural exchange and increase tourism, international trade and investment. Representatives from the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Principality of Monaco, the Republic of Maldives, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Panama, the Republic of Estonia and many more will be participating in this event,” Dr. Sribhumi said. Mr. Ronnapong Kamnuanthip, Head of the Event Committee and Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the Kingdom of Thailand, added that this is the first time the World Consular Forum, the biggest such global gathering with there to be an exposition of products and cultural exchange, will be held in the Asia Pacific region. With strong support from the two organizations, Honorary Consular Corps in Thailand (HCCT) and World Congress of Consuls (FICAC), honorary consuls from different countries worldwide will be participating in this event for the following objectives: - To celebrate the auspicious occasion of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 80th birth anniversary; - To promote economic, trade and cultural exchanges as well as increase tourism between Thailand and these countries; - To build up public awareness of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC), and the Honorary Consular Corps in Thailand (HCCT) while also donating the proceeds from the event to charitable organizations. World Consular Fair 2007 is being held under the concept of “shop, dine, explore and experience” original products, services, and cultures from across the world. 1. World Consular Forum will be held on November 14, 2007 at Sofitel Central Plaza Hotel. 2. World Consular Fair 2007 will be held during November 15-18 2007 at Bangkok Convention Center, Central Plaza Ladprao. This will be open to the public during November 16-18, 2007. Addressing the World Consular Forum, where Consul Corps and Honorary Consuls from 51 countries are expected to participate, will be Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul who will speak on Majesty the King’s philosophy of sufficient economy. Mr. Anand Panyarachun, the UNICEF Ambassador, will also give a speech on World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) and UNICEF cooperating on HIV and helping children. This event will be held during November 14-18, 2007 with November 14 marking the 25th anniversary of World Consular Corps’ forum with celebration of His Majesty’s 80th birth anniversary taking place during November15-18 and open to the public. For more information please contacts: Elizabeth Wongwasin, [email protected] Kittisak Anansitichok, [email protected] 124 Communications PLC. Tel: 0 2662 2266 Fax: 0 2204 2662