Bangkok--16 Aug--JWT Public Relations Introducing “Samsung Torchbearers,” 4 Thai Heroes Selected by Samsung and Searching for 2 More Heroes to Join Once-in-a-Lifetime “Torch Relay” Experience for the World’s Most Prestigious Sport Event Samsung warms up for the Olympic Games 2008 with “Samsung Torchbearers” selection campaign in search of Thai heroes to join 4 role models from a variety of fields in “Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay,” one of the greatest ceremonies of mankind. Mr. Arnut Changtrakul, Deputy Managing Director of Thai Samsung Electronics disclosed that “As a Presenting Partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, Samsung is extremely proud to be a part of the honoured-legacy event where Samsung takes part in the selection of Thai “Samsung Torchbearers.” Traditionally, the Olympic Torch Relay takes place a few months before the opening celebration of the Olympic Games with the first torchbearer in Athens, Greece, carrying the official torch of the Games. Going around the world, this starts the relay to the host city of the Olympic Games. This year, the Olympic Torch Relay will lead to Beijing, China and Samsung will select 6 Thais as “Samsung Torchbearers” to join the ceremony. We have initially selected 4 distinguished Thai citizens and will begin our search for 2 more torchbearers from the public. This will provide a great opportunity for Thais nationwide to join this legendary ceremony once in their lifetime. The Olympic Torch Relay 2008 will be delivered to Thailand in April 2008.” The 4 Thai heroes chosen to be “Samsung Torchbearers” are “Paweena Thongsuk” — Thai National Team Weightlifting Athlete who won a gold medal in the Olympic Games 2004 in Greece and in the Asian Games 2006 in Qatar, “Chris Benjakul” — An actor who has admirably provided help during an accident, “Krunoi Nuannoi Timkul” — A founder of a free day-care centre for slum children who dedicates her life helping underprivileged slum children regardless of her physical and financial difficulties, and “Police Sub-Lieutenant Wichai Suriyuth” - An avid-tree planter who grows millions of trees in honour of the King of Thailand. “The selection criteria for Samsung Torchbearers in the Olympic Torch Relay will focus on the candidate’s roles and responsibilities in their profession and in society, and particularly distinguished honours that can be recognised as a role model for the general public. The theme of this year’s torchbearer selection is ‘Push the Limit for Better Life,’ representing those who can overcome severe limitations and push the limit for a better life and a better society. These role models are truly distinguished citizens and widely recognised as heroes of the Thai people. To involve public participation in a most broad and extensive way, Samsung will recruit 2 more Thai torchbearers whose qualifications meet the requirements to take part in the ceremony. Samsung will be cooperating with popular TV shows; Fha Muang Thai and TiTV News, to help in the selection process. Those interested and with qualifications that fit with the ‘Push the Limit for Better Life’ concept can obtain further details from the shows” Mr. Arnut added. Samsung has been an “official TOP Partner” of the Olympic Games since the Olympic Games 2004 in Athens, Greece, and the Winter Olympics 2006 in Torino, Italy. The sponsorship also extends until the Olympic Games 2016. “For years, Samsung has realised the importance of sport and provided continuous support for activities at both local and international levels. We are thrilled to be part of the up-coming Olympic Torch Relay 2008, a precious moment in sport history. We hope that Samsung Torchbearers will reflect our determination in being part of society and building a good understanding and relationship between Samsung and all Thais.” Mr. Arnut concluded. About Samsung Electronics Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2006 parent company sales of US$63.4 billion and net income of US$8.5 billion. Employing approximately 138,000 people in 124 offices in 56 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business, Telecommunication Network Business and Digital Appliance Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com About Thai Samsung Electronics Thai Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in consumer electronics, IT, and mobile phone in Thailand. In 2006, the company achieves sales of US$403.5 million with the majority of market share in Color TV, LCD TV, Plasma TV, Projection TV, Flat Panel TV, LCD monitor, computer monitor, refrigerator — both side-by-side and two-door, The company currently employ about 2,400 people for its Bangkok office, Bangkok and provincial service centers, and factory in Cholburi, which consist of three main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, and Telecommunication Network Business. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com/th Press Contact Thai Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Prinda Nilthachan Tel: 0-2695-9169Fax: 0-2670-2267Email: prinda.n@samsung.com JWT Public Relations Wanlapa SookyaiTel: 0-2204-8219Fax: 0-2259-9246Email: [email protected]