Canadian Business Community Steps Up Support After Bangkok Crisis
Canadian Business Community Steps Up Support After Bangkok Crisis
The importance of loyalty and friendship in troubled times was the dominant theme of the evening as the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) and the Embassy of Canada jointly dedicated Canada Day 2010 to the city of Bangkok. The expansive event drew 800 guests and took place at the Four Seasons Hotel, with Governor of Bangkok Sukhumbhand Paribatra as the Guest of Honour and keynote speaker.
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra addressing the gathering
The choir of Lertlah School
Ambassador Ron Hoffmann’s address focused on the great value that Canada places upon its relationship with Thailand. He highlighted Canada's willingness to help the Thai people recover from the recent political crisis, noting Thailand’s significance as “a traditional anchor of stability and prosperity” in the region. Ambassador Hoffmann stressed that “there has never been a more important time to support our hosts in Thailand, the Thai people, and to assist their institutions of governance and democracy.”
TCCC President Mr. John Casella thanked the principal sponsors of the event—Bombardier, RIM, Thanachart Bank/Bank of Nova Scotia, and the Four Seasons Hotel—and went on to express confidence in the resilience of the Thai economy and the prospects of expanding Canadian investment.
In his keynote address, Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra thanked the Canadian community in Thailand for its support at a time in which such ties are especially valuable. He noted the shared values of our two nations, tracing his personal association with Canada back to the signing of the Ottawa Treaty to ban landmines in 1997, and promised that with the continued support of Canada and the international community, Bangkok would be at the forefront of the recovery and reconciliation process.
The choir of Lertlah School, a bilingual institution offering the Manitoba curriculum in grades K-12, delighted the audience with their spirited rendition of “The King’s Anthem,” followed by “O Canada” in both the English and French versions.
