On 20 December 2010 at 15.00 hrs, H.E. Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, presided over the “The King of Thailand in World Focus” book presentation ceremony at the Buakaew Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the ceremony, the first softback version of “The King of Thailand in World Focus”, published by the the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT), was presented by H.E. Mr. Kasit Piromya to the Ministry of Education for distribution, with the cooperation of the Thailand Post, to schools, universities and libraries all over Thailand to be used as part of their English learning programmes. The ceremony was attended by representatives from Thai government agencies as well as Thai and foreign media, including Mr. Marwaan Macan-Markar, President of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) and members of the FCCT Board.
In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Kasit Piromya noted the contribution of “The King of Thailand in World Focus” as a valuable reference for both Thais and foreigners who wish to learn about the life and works of His Majesty the King through eyes and observations of foreign journalists in Thailand. The various articles in the book also contain ethical and moral values which young generations of Thais can learn from His Majesty the King’s speeches and gracious conducts. On his part, Dr. Weerachai Thavornthon, Secretary to the Minister of Education, emphasized the importance of the book not only as an English-language learning tool for Thai schools, universities and libraries in all parts of the country, but also as a resource for Thai youth to read and learn about His Majesty the King’s lifelong contributions for the well-being of his nation and people. Also as another important contributor, Mr. Ormsin Chivapruck, President of Thailand Post, expressed Thailand Post’s great pleasure to be part of the project to help disseminate information about His Majesty the King’s works and promote education for Thai youth in a wider context.
In addition, Mr. Denis Gray, Editor-in-Chief of “The King of Thailand in World Focus”, in describing the background of the book, noted that its first edition was produced in the mid 1980s to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Birthday and has since been periodically updated. It was a collection of articles and photographs, telling stories about the life and works of His Majesty as observed by foreign journalists in Thailand.
As part of the celebrations marking the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 84th Birthday Anniversary in 2011, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to distribute “The King of Thailand in World Focus” to schools, universities and libraries abroad through Thai embassies and consulates all over the world.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th