Since 1996 TAT has presented the Friends of Thailand Awards to international individuals/organizations, international tour operators and international airlines every two years. The 2nd Awards were presented in 1998, the 3rd Awards in 2000, the 4th Awards in 2002, and the 5th and latest Awards were presented in 2004. For the past 9 years (1996-2004), a total of 356 awards were presented to recipients from 57 countries.
This year, the 6th Friends of Thailand Awards was presented on the 27th September 2008 at the Centara Grand at Central World.
TAT has invited distinguished individuals from the Thai tourism industry to participate as Committee Members of the Friends of Thailand Awards.
A total of 18 Awards were presented.
Mr. Egil Seglem Eide, author and priest from Norway recived the “International Individual Catogary award.
26 tour operators revived the “International Tour Operators” award.
Among the awarded professionals was Danish Profil Rejser, represented by Mr. Frederik Wagner, Danish Nyhavn Rejser, Finnish Aurinkomatkat, represented by Mr. Harri Laine, Swedish Kuoni Scandinavia/Apollo, represented by Mr. Roger Jarkell, Swedish Select Travel Sweden, Thomas Cook/My Travel/Ving Sweden, and not to forget TUI Nordic (Fritidsresor) represented by Mr. Juha Kostiainen.
International Media: A total of 24 Awards were presented.
Helene Benno from Swedish Television (SVT) was the only rewarded Scandinavian.
In the international airlines category Finnair Plc. Represented by Mr. Petri Schaaf, Sweden, and Skandinavian Airlines (SAS), and TBA Sweden, recived award.
