Honourable Armenius Silva, Vice Mayor of Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Honourable Cornelio Balingit, Municipal Counsellor of Calumpit, Bulacan
Khun Chaowalit Ekabut, President of SCG?s Paper Group
Distinguished Guests,
Parents, Teachers, Students,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, let me extend my sincere thanks to SCG in the Philippines for inviting me to join this special occasion. It is my great pleasure to witness the Ceremonial Check Turn-Over of the "SCG Sharing the Dream" Scholarship Program this morning. This event is a part of a series of the SCG's continuous effort to return the benefit to the society and community in the Philippines. SCG, one of Thailand's largest business conglomerates is well known in its commitment to corporate social responsibility for nearly 100 years of establishment.

Just to give you a brief background of SCG's presence in the Philippines, SCG's investments are manufacturing of industrial paper packaging products, ceramic tiles for household and industrial use, and various building materials. Harnessing state of the art, and environment-friendly technology, and in particular, initiating the use of alternative energy by using heat from coconut waste, rice husk, corn waste, hay, wood shell, decayed wood and many surplus materials to produce energy in the factory. SCG has been established in the Philippines since 1969 and provides employment opportunities for more than 1,000 Filipinos. Indeed, SCG's business presence here of over a decade indicate that SCG values Filipino human resources and believes that we can work together as one family towards a common interest. Thus SCG, is a good example of an admirable foreign investment in the Philippines.

In its current programme, I would like to commend SCG?s initiative in further promoting human development, through various scholarship programs for less-privileged students. I am very happy to learn that in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), 200 incoming second year high school students from urban households in Batangas, Bulacan and Metro Manila, who are present here today will benefit from SCG?s support. Meawnhile, SCG?s donation of a TV Satellite to an elementary school in Calumpit, Bulacan earlier this year will allow Filipino students to experience cyber-education. Moreover, the SCG Foundation also provides scholarships studies in Thailand for Master?s Degree in Manufacturing System at Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology and Master of Arts Program in International Development Studies at Chulalongkorn University.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Looking at the bigger picture, the Royal Thai Government? also continues to give priority to ?Education for All? since we believe that human resource development is fundamental for social and economic progress. The Royal Thai Government is determined to cooperate with our friendly neighboring countries to enhancing educational cooperation. For several years, Thailand has offered various kinds of scholarships to the Philippines. The programs cover areas ranging from health care, environment, tourism, trade and investment, etc.

As part of these efforts, the Royal Thai Embassy in Manila share the same vision with SCG in promoting better access to education, particularly for less-privileged Filipinos. In 2005 and 2006, the Embassy donated to the Munting Kalinga Foundation, Inc. (MKFI) for training facilities and materials for special children and supported its Ongoing Educational Assistance Project to 20 scholars in completing their studies for the school year 2006-2007. The Embassy has undertaken the renovation and reconstruction of the Sucat Day Care Center for the benefit of the pre-school children in Muntinlupa. And last year, we provided undergraduate scholarships to students under the Pathways to Higher Education Program of the Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo-Pathways).

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Indeed, better access to education is one of the best tools in fighting poverty. I would like to encourage the participants and local community together with the initiation of SCG and with the Royal Thai Embassy to mutually consult and work together so that we can determine other needs of the communities wherein SCG has established presence. To achieve this common goal, I envision that further assistance which SCG and the Embassy will make available in the future are in the areas of healthcare, sanitation, skills trainings and livelihood programme to empower the community, to mention a few. We welcome? all? of? you? to? be? part? of? planning? our? future? projects and programmes. Our common efforts will improve human resources and eventually the quality of life which will create sustainable growth. Thus, it is my desire that we work closely together as one family so we can help each other and realize our goal to return the benefit to the people.

Last but not the least, as cooperation among all stakeholders is valuable, I am pleased to see all of you today, the local government, teachers, parents, donors and students, to witness an important step for the selected 200 second year high school students which SCG wishes to see their bright future. Nobody knows, my dream may come true if some Filipino students here today may work at SCG?s headquarters in Bangkok in the future. Lastly, let me congratulate all of the students and their families who received this unique opportunity from SCG.? Truly, I am one with you in ?Sharing the dream.?

Speech of H.E. Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya,
Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of the Philippines
on the occasion of the Symposium on ?Asian Best Projects and Practices in Real Estate and Tourism Development?
World Trade Center, Pasay City
30 July 2010

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Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand in the Philippines, it is my pleasure to extend my warmest felicitations to everyone taking part in this symposium on tourism and real estate development.

This symposium has come at a very opportune moment when the Royal Thai Government is broadening its efforts to facilitate tourism and promote real estate development to mitigate the effects of our country?s political situation last May.

As I sketch my thoughts about the plight of tourism and real estate development in Thailand, allow me to stress, without overemphasizing, how fortunate we are for the myriad blessings nature has bestowed on us as seen in our unique landscapes, water systems, diverse culture and people. In fact, this recognition of nature?s blessings serves as the pillar of our Tourism Authority?s focus on ?ecological minimization?, which shows our immense care and concern for the environment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thailand is known as the ?Land of Smiles? not only because our visitors love our country?s magnificent beauty and historical places, but also because of our natural hospitality and good will.

In fact, foreigners love to return to Thailand because of their wonderful experience with our people. Aside from these, Thai cuisines also attract foreigners all over the world. In particular, they are fascinated with our street foods, which have also become popular to people from the middle and upper classes.

Furthermore, our government utilizes our natural and human resources to boost our tourism industry, in ways which are not detrimental to the environment. Particularly, our river systems, such as the Chao Phraya River, are used to facilitate tourist travel.

Also, our cultural performances attract many tourists. Each province in Thailand has its own unique and colourful cultures which are shown in the attires we wear, the cuisines we offer, and even the sports we play, particularly Muay Thai.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thailand, being a Buddhist country, is fortunate to have people who are calm and who try to understand foreign guests. In fact, infrastructures in Thailand have been established to facilitate tourism. Through such infrastructures, we are able to connect many tourist destinations within and outside our country.

Take for example our famous Suvarnabhumi Airport which is located in the middle of Thailand. The airport makes it easy and convenient for people to travel not only to different places in the ASEAN region but also to around the world as gateway.

It is also our humble way of telling our foreign guests that: IN THAILAND, WE SUPPORT AND VALUE OUR TOURISTS.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In terms of the real estate industry, the law and regulation of Thailand and the Philippines are quite similar. While foreigners are not allowed to own land, they are permitted to own properties like condominium units.

Moreover, our real estate sector strictly complies with the rules and regulations of our government. For instance, the hotels and resorts near our coast are directed to maintain a certain distance from the beach and that they (hotels and resorts) are obliged to keep their areas clean.

Furthermore, we have the Department of Construction under the Ministry of Interior, which grants permits to those engaged in the real estate industry. In Thailand, a permit is issued only when our government is convinced that a certain project is reliable.

A monumental success in Thailand?s real estate industry is the Industrial Park Zone, which was constructed through joint efforts between our government and the private sector. Indeed, the Zone represents the sound relationship between our government and stakeholders, which is one of the pillars of Thailand?s progress.

In addition, the Zone also shows how we effectively implement an integrated plan in the area of real estate development. Our government had facilitated the creation of good sewage systems, electric systems, international schools, hospitals, and the like. All these have been established in areas which are not only strategic and beneficial for the Thai people and local community but also for foreigners, particularly investors. So to speak, our success in the real estate industry can largely be attributed to our effective national plan and well-determined areas of priority.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The illustration I have just sketched explains why around 15 million people travel to Thailand every year and why many foreigners, specifically Europeans, love to retire in Thailand.

For your further information, there are around 200,000 Filipino tourists who visit Thailand every year and the figure is expected to increase by 10% each year.

Moreover, our recent economic data shows that Thailand?s tourism industry was able to generate an annual income of nearly 16 Billion Dollars, which constitutes about 7% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Lastly, it is my pleasure to inform everyone that Bangkok has recently been given the Best City Tourist Award by the Travel and Leisure Magazine.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tourism and real estate are hugely important sectors in our economy. This is basically the reason why our government and the people of Thailand deeply appreciate foreigners who come to our country. In turn, we reciprocate our appreciation through the good services we provide as evidenced by our infrastructures and sound national policies as well as our genuine support to foreigners.

With this, let me reiterate my warm felicitations to everyone in this symposium and I hope that I have given you a clear picture of the tourism and real estate development condition of Thailand.

Thank you very much for listening and best wishes.

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On behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand in the Philippines, I would like to convey my sincere thanks and appreciation to SCG Group in the Philippines for inviting me to the Ceremonial Check Turn-Over of the ?SCG Sharing the Dream? Scholarship Program. This event reflects the Siam Cement Group?s commendable? efforts in practicing corporate social responsibility which? returns the benefit to the society and community in the Philippines. I am truly honoured to be? a part of this worthy endeavor, whish is now on its second consecutive year of implementation. ?

SCG?s initiative in providing access to education through its three main projects: SCG Sharing the Dream, E-Knowledge and Tele-Education is very effective in promoting sustainable development in the Philippines. I am very happy to learn that many students have benefited from these projects which consists of providing assistance to cover educational expenses, installation of computer units with internet access and installation of satellite television? with Knowledge Channel.

It is also a pleasure to learn that SCG has enjoyed partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. in implementing this meaningful program. I am confident that this good partnership and networking will not only translate to more tangible outcomes in the years to come, but also reflect the importance that SCG attaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Philippine society.

As part of the commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and the Philippines, particularly in the area of education cooperation and human resource development, the Embassy fully supports the SCG? in its drive to sustain social and economic progress in the Philippines as well as the? work of Philippine communities to promote the advancement of education for the youth.

Again, may I congratulate all of the students as well as their families who received a privileged opportunity from SCG today. I am confident that this gesture of goodwill will further deepen our friendship and ensure more cooperation between the Thai and Philippine communities.

Speech of H.E. Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya,
Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of the Philippines
on the occasion of the Symposium on ?Promotion of Tourism Industry Through Diplomacy?
San Beda College Alabang
24 September 2010

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Vice Dean Jose Vasquez, Prof. Mitch Aquino, Prof. Cristy Lopez, Faculty members, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand in the Philippines, it is my pleasure to extend my warmest felicitations to everyone taking part in this symposium on tourism and diplomacy.

This symposium has indeed come at a very opportune moment when the Royal Thai Government is broadening its efforts to promote our tourism industry in order to mitigate the effects of our country?s political situation last May.

To start with, I would like to share an insight from the 18th century British author Samuel Johnson who once said, ?The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.?

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to take this opportunity to stir your imagination about the wonders of Thailand?s tourism industry with the hope that through this speech, I may be able to show you the plight of our tourism industry and our tourist destinations ?as they are.?

We are very FORTUNATE for the myriad blessings nature has bestowed on us as seen in our unique landscapes, water systems, rivers, canals, mountainous areas, diverse culture, food, national sports and people. In fact, this recognition of nature?s blessings serves as the pillar of our Tourism Authority?s focus on ?ecological minimization?, which shows our immense care and concern for the environment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thailand is known as the ?Venice of Asia? because of its good transportation on plenty of rivers and canals; and the ?Land of Smiles? not only because our visitors love our country?s magnificent beauty and historical places, but also because of our natural hospitality and good will of the people.

In fact, foreigners love to return to Thailand because of their wonderful experience with our people. Aside from these, Thai cuisines also attract foreigners all over the world. In particular, they are fascinated with our foods and tropical fruits, which have also become popular to people from every corner of the world.

Furthermore, our government utilizes our natural and human resources to boost our tourism industry, in ways which are not detrimental to the environment. Particularly, our river systems, such as the Chao Phraya River, are used to facilitate tourist travel and the magnificent floating restaurants.

Also, our cultural performances attract many tourists. Each province in Thailand has its own unique and colourful cultures which are shown in the attires we wear, the cuisines we offer, and even the sports we play, particularly sword fighting, takraw, flying lanterns, Thai flying rockets, kite/cock fighting, and Muay Thai, which is also getting popular here in the Philippines and in some other European countries.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thailand, being a Buddhist country, is very fortunate to have people who are hospitable, calm and understanding to foreign guests. In fact, infrastructures in Thailand have been established to facilitate tourism. Through such infrastructures, especially airports and roads, we are able to connect many tourist destinations within and outside our country. National streets can connect to Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China and Myanmar.

Take for example our famous Suvarnabhumi Airport which is located in the middle of Thailand. The airport makes it easy and convenient for people to travel not only to different places in the ASEAN region but also around the world as gateway.

It is also our humble way of telling our foreign guests that: IN THAILAND, WE SUPPORT AND VALUE OUR TOURISTS.

Apart from our hospitality and good infrastructures, another key to the success of our tourism industry revolves around our sound tourism policies implemented by our government agencies, private sector and Thai society in general. An example of which is our Tourism Authority?s ?Amazing Thailand? which guides tourists in exploring and experiencing the beauty of nature.

Paralleled to this is the promotion of medical tourism wherein tourists are given the advantage of express and affordable medical services, particularly in dental health and medical check-up. It is noteworthy to share that in Thailand we offer different herbal medicines as alternative to modern and technology-based curative methods.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thailand?s tourism industry is very much interconnected with the country?s real estate industry. Our real estate sector strictly complies with the rules and regulations of our government. For instance, the hotels and resorts near our coast or rivers are directed to maintain a certain distance from the beach and banks that they (hotels and resorts) are obliged to practice according to laws and regulations.

Furthermore, we have the Department of Construction under the Ministry of Interior, which grants permits to those engaged in the real estate industry. In Thailand, a permit is issued only when our government is convinced that a certain project is reliable.

A monumental success in Thailand?s real estate and tourism industries is the Industrial Park Zone, which was constructed through joint efforts between our government and the private sector. Indeed, the Zone represents the sound relationship between our government and stakeholders, which is one of the pillars of Thailand?s progress.

In addition, the Zone also shows how we effectively implement an integrated plan in the area of real estate development. Our government had facilitated the creation of good sewage systems, electric systems, international schools, hospitals, and the like. All these have been established in areas which are not only strategic and beneficial for the Thai people and local community but also for foreigners, particularly investors. So to speak, our success in the real estate industry can largely be attributed to our effective national plan and well-determined areas of priority.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The illustration I have just sketched explains why around 15 million people travel to Thailand every year and why many foreigners, specifically Europeans, love to retire in Thailand.

For your further information, there are around 200,000 Filipino tourists who visit Thailand every year and the figure is expected to increase by 10% each year.

Moreover, our recent economic data shows that Thailand?s tourism industry was able to generate an annual income of nearly 16 Billion Dollars, which constitutes about 5.3% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Lastly, it is very fortunate for Thailand that Bangkok and Chiangmai have recently been given the Best City Tourist Award by the Travel and Leisure Magazine of the United States. Meanwhile, Thailand has been rated by the Tourist Organization of Spain as one of the best honeymoon place in the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tourism is a hugely important sector in our economy which explains why it (tourism) has evolved to be a major component of our country?s diplomacy and people-to-people contact.

In fact, the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand in the Philippines and in other countries have been very active in promoting Thai tourism, culture, art, and cuisine in different parts of the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Villa Escudero, and Clark Pampanga.

The economic significance of our tourism industry is basically the reason why our government and the people of Thailand deeply appreciate foreigners who come to our country. In turn, we reciprocate our appreciation through the good services we provide as evidenced by our infrastructures and sound national policies as well as our good will to foreigners.

With this, let me reiterate my warm greetings to everyone in this symposium and I hope that I have given you a clear picture of Thai tourism industry and diplomacy.

Maraming salamat sa inyong pakikinig (Thank you very much for listening).

Mabuhay!

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