Bangkok--18 Jun--PITON Communication Ripley’s International Laughing Contest, 1st Time in Thailand Ripley’s World of Entertainment Pattaya, management of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum, Thailand, Mr. Somporn Naksuetrong, General Manager, today announced the debut of a laughing contest: “Ripley’s International Laughing Contest: World’s Loudest, Longest and Funniest.” The winner laughs all his or her way to the bank with Thai Baht100,000.- together with a Certificate in gold granted by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! This event is generously supported by the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Weerasuk Kowsurat presiding over the press announcement, to raise the spirit and morale of Thais amidst the economic storm and to also raise awareness for Pattaya tourism and to promote this event to be placed on tourism calendar of Thailand. Ripley’s to Endorse Little Laughs as International Event This ‘International Laughing Contest,’ held by Ripley’s World of Entertainment Pattaya, is the first international laughing contest in Thailand which will uplift laughing contests to be widely known on both the local and international level. This contest is also to alleviate and to raise spirits and morale of people who otherwise might be bored; happily with laughs and prizes Ripley’s hopes the contest will work the charm. The contest supports the creativity through costumes, styles and decibels from the contenders from over 15 countries ranging from Thailand, India, Russia, Japan, China, USA, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and more. The contest will be a stage display to showcase another aspect of cultural difference. Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Weerasuk Kowsurat stated, “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Pattaya has been the landmark for more than 13 years in the City and well-known for its high quality standard entertainment for family and tourists. It is my pleasure that Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! initiates ‘Ripley’s International Laughing Contest’ which, I am sure, will become a tourism magnet for Pattaya in the future. This is very much in line with the Ministry’s tourism promotional plan to draw tourists to domestic venues. I note that this Contest also encourages contestants to wear their national costumes creating impressive impact on attendees.” Mr. Somporn Naksuetrong, General Manager, Ripley’s World of Entertainment Pattaya, stated, “The economic wind blows very harsh and the atmosphere is somber; happily a little laugh will do the trick and change all that. Thus, the contest is another way out of depression and also to express cultural distinction. It has always been Ripley’s, as part of Pattaya City, to create tourism activities upholding both Ripley’s outstanding characteristics and the colors of the City ofPattaya. Aiming to add the Contest as part of the tourism calendar of Thailand and Pattaya, the event is set to take place around July every year. Therefore, tourists from outside Thailand and domestic tourists can expect to attend the event on a regular basis. The local businesses can benefit from this event, and also at a national level as well. The City of Pattaya contains a wealth of attractions for both natural resources and nightlife activities, including sports such as diving, fishing, shooting, zoo, temples and the not-to-miss shopping. Most importantly, if you miss Ripley’s, you’re not to Pattaya yet.” Criteria for Laughing Contenders of Ripley’s 1st Prize “There is no admission fee needed to enter ’Ripley’s International Laughing Contest: world’s loudest, longest and funniest’ or Ripley’s International Laughing Contest’ however the contenders must present the loudest, longest and funniest laughs plus styles and most outstanding national costumes to present distinction of their culture. The committee will select only one representative from each country in the preliminary round (on Sunday, 29th June) for the final round (on Saturday, 5 July). The winner will receive Thai Baht100,000.- in cash with certificate in gold by Ripley’s, and Ripley’s Privilege Gold card and many other gifts, the first runner-up will receive Thai Baht10,000.- in cash with Ripley’s Privilege Gold card and many other gifts and special prize for the Most Outstanding National Costume will go home with Thai Baht5,000 with Ripley’s Privilege Gold card and gifts,” confirmed Mr. Somporn Naksuetrong. “Ripley’s International Laughing Contest: world’s loudest, longest, and funniest” is open for contenders from 17 June 2008 — 29 June 2008, by Sunday, 29th June 2008 is the Audition Day at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Pattaya, and the Contest Day is on Saturday, 5th July 2008 at Fountains G Floor, Royal Garden Plaza Mall, Pattaya. Those with interest can call 038-710-294-8 or apply in person or fax application form to 038-710-487. For more information, please visit our website www.ripleysthailand.com About Ripley’s World of Entertainment Pattaya Ripley’s World of Entertainment is a member of Minor International (MINT) Thailand’s largest food service operator with 562 outlets system-wide including The Pizza Company, Swensen’s, Sizzler, Dairy Queen, Burger King, and Le Jazz brands. MINT is also one of the largest spa operators in the Asia Pacific region with 19 spas in Thailand, China and the Middle East under the Mandara, the Spa and Anantara brands. For more information: Pattaya at phone: (038) 710-294-8 # 334; fax: (038) 710-487, Bangkok at phone: (02) 477-0777#1835 or visit www.minornet.com Information inquiry, please contact: Buranii CHANDRAPARNIK, Pattama RAMMANUS, Sawatruja RATANABUPHA, Rattiya TOSUNGNOEN, Janya JOYCHAROEN PITON Communication Co., Ltd. Phone: 02-612 22 11-7; Fax: 02 612 23 19 Email: [email protected], [email protected],