PRESS RELEASE:
BANGKOK, 21 December 2023 – Business leaders, celebrities and influencers joined forces on Monday night at the first Blue Carpet gala dinner, co-hosted by UNICEF Thailand and its National Ambassador, Nualphan Lamsam – or Madam Pang. The gala was held in Bangkok to celebrate 75 years of UNICEF’s work in Thailand and mobilize support millions of children in Thailand and around the world who are facing multiple challenges such as conflicts, climate change, and rising poverty and inequality.
“UNICEF is proud to have supported the Royal Thai Government and the people of Thailand during these 75 years of progress for children,” said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand. “Tonight was about recognizing everyone who has contributed. But it was also about recognizing that there are still many challenges to be overcome. Inequality blights the lives of many children in Thailand, and globally millions more are suffering as a result of disasters and conflicts. We can overcome these challenges but only when we all come together to put children first, and that is what the Blue Carpet gala is all about.”
Today, an estimated 400 million children – or 1 in 5 – are living in or fleeing from conflict zones. Many of them are killed, injured, orphaned, and/or losing critical years of development and education. Even in countries such as Thailand, millions of children are born into poverty and deepening inequality, with new challenges such as climate change, growing mental health issues and online harm threatening their future.
The Blue Carpet Gala featured a live interview with UNICEF Regional Chief of Communication and Advocacy for South Asia Samantha Mort, shining a spotlight on the dire situation of children in conflict areas including Afghanistan and UNICEF’s efforts on the ground to save children’s lives. A short film portrayed the needs of children and how UNICEF makes a difference.
Senior UNICEF staff members including the Regional Director of the East Asia and Pacific, Debora Comini, and the Director of UNICEF’s Private Fundraising and Partnerships, Carla Haddad Mardini, joined the gala. Mardini explained how crucial individual contributions and support are to help UNICEF reach children in the most hard-to-reach areas all over the world. She also presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Anand Panyarachun for his dedication and contribution to protecting the rights of children in Thailand and elsewhere during his 27 years of serving as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Thailand.
“During my time with UNICEF, I have witnessed remarkable advances namely improved health outcomes, enhanced educational opportunities, and new services for disadvantaged families, such as the Child Support Grant,” Anand said. “I have also had the opportunity to go to field visits and meet many of the young people who are now determined to play a part in continuing to improve Thailand. I am always inspired by meeting young people and listening to their views, and they give me enormous optimism in our country’s future. Thank you for your continued support of UNICEF’s missions. Your support is an important force that will allow us to achieve our goals for every child together.”
Nualphan Lamsam, the Blue Carpet Gala co-host who was recently appointed as UNICEF Thailand National Ambassador, shared her determination and commitment to be a strong champion and advocate for children.
“Participating in field visits with UNICEF since early 2023 has demonstrated to me how dedicated UNICEF is to improving the quality of life of children around the world,” said Nualphan. “It takes not only a family, but also education, health, good nutrition and a caring environment to give a child the best start in life. UNICEF works hard to provide that to every child. As UNICEF Thailand’s new National Ambassador, I hope to be a driving force to help give every child the opportunity to grow to their fullest potential and become the future of our world.”
Friends of UNICEF Paula Taylor, Peck Palitchoke Ayanaputra and Min Pechaya Wattanamontri – as well as leading actors Anne Thongprasom, Patricia Good, Tuitui Puttachat Pongsuchat, Sririta Jensen Narongdej, Aff Taksaorn Paksukcharern, Nonkul Chanon Santinatornkul, Pijika Jittaputta and former Miss Universe Thailand Anna Sueangam-iam – were among celebrities who joined the gala dinner.
Major supporters and donors at the Blue Carpet gala dinner includes Muang Thai Insurance Public Company Limited and TQM Insurance Broker Company Limited. Auctions on exclusive items led by Panchalee Penchart also raised significant funds for UNICEF.
“UNICEF thanks all of our donors and supporters, including our Goodwill Ambassador, National Ambassador and our Friends of UNICEF, for taking part in this journey with us. We will not stop until every child can thrive on a livable planet where they all have a fair chance in life and their rights are fulfilled.” Kim concluded.
The preceding is a press release published with full permission and authorization by the organization(s) listed in the PR material and TPN media. The statements, thoughts, and opinions of the organization involved in the press release are entirely their own and may not necessarily represent those of TPN media and its staff.
