Bangkok, 20 August, 2017 – A joint promotion by the Thai Journalist Association (TJA) and AirAsia is hosting 17 journalists from neighbouring ASEAN countries to Thailand to experience the Kingdom’s diverse tourism offerings and rich culture.
The innovative and ground-breaking ‘TJA ASEAN Travel Journo Camp’ marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN’s founding and runs from 18 to 24 August, 2017.
Mr. Pramed Lekpetch, TJA President, said: “By bringing participating journalists together, this camp fosters the kind of cooperation and understanding on which ASEAN was founded, strengthening our relationship for the benefit of more 600 million inhabitants around the region.”
Journalists from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are currently travelling around the country utilising AirAsia’s extensive flight network. Highlights include stops in Bangkok and other AirAsia regional hubs like Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Krabi.
Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia said, “Thailand is home to many travel opportunities as each region is unique in terms of geography, culture and traditions. By operating an ever-expanding regional network in Thailand, AirAsia learns so much about the Kingdom’s diversity and how to promote getting its important message out.”
All receive an ‘ASEAN Travel Journo Camp Guidebook’ introducing AirAsia’s ‘Journey D’ corporate social responsibility programme developed by community development experts and AirAsia All-stars.
Together they identified four pilot communities, Baan Pha Mee in Chiang Mai, Baan Kok Muang in Buri Ram, Phromlok in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Ko Klang in Krabi, evaluating the strengths of each destination that could develop sustainable tourism models for the future.
The media group with immerse themselves in local Thai culture while visiting Pha Mee to learn about local coffee production and Ko Klang for an authentic homestay and hands-on rice farming experience.
In Photo (from left): Mr. Pramed Lekpetch, President of the Thai Journalist Association; Mr. Chavarong Limpattamapanee, Chairman of the National Press Council of Thailand; Assoc. Prof Chavanee Tongroach, Deputy Minister for Tourism and Sports; Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia; and Mrs. Srimala Waraphaskul, Director, International Public Relations Division of the Tourism Authority of Thailand; as well as AirAsia ladies at an special event to announce the launch of the TJA Asean Travel Journo Camp.