The Khun Anand Panyarachun Charity Golf Invitational for UNICEF 2011
In the 10th year of the Khun Anand Panyarachun Charity Golf Invitational for UNICEF Thailand, held at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort on Saturday, January 22, the local Eastern Star Real Estate team produced a fine winning score of net 6o to just narrowly edge out the Kasikorn Bank 1 team, who took third last year, by a single point on net 62, while the Asian Seafoods team finished as second runners up on net 65.
The Eastern Star Real Estate foursome, comprising of Messrs Luechai, Phichet, Chalongpol and Somkit, were each presented with individual trophies by the UNICEF Country representative for Thailand, Tomoo Hozumi, as well as receiving the much coveted annual Khun Anand Panyarachun Cup which will have their team name engraved upon it.
Eastern Star’s deputy general manager, Pravit Rotsawatsuk, left, presents a cheque for 3,030,000 baht to UNICEF’s Tomoo Hozumi.
The runners-up Kasikorn Bank 1 team included stalwarts Winai Walapol and Sukchai Sonbatsrisombun from last year, as well as new faces Paisarn and Kasidej, while the Asian Seafoods lineup featured Porndsak, Netch, Kittichai and Kittirat. Both runner-up teams also received trophies for their efforts.
The tournament was played out on a fine, hot day and the course was presented to its usual very high standard.
The nine technical trophies featured were claimed as follows: Near pins went in course order to Paisarn Lawattayakul #3, Vorapong #6, Paisarn (Kasikorn Bank 1) #13 and Kittirat (Asian Seafoods) #17. The straight drives were won by Frank Sittipreedanan on Hole 10 and Manoj (K Bank) on Hole16. The long putt awards went to Supakorn (Thai Airways) on hole 7 and Apirak (Thai Airways) on hole 14, and finally the long drive was won by Kasidej Phoodamrongpan (K Bank 1) on Hole 4.
This year’s champions, the Eastern Star Real Estate team, receive their trophies from Tomoo Hozumi (right), the UNICEF Country representative for Thailand.
The night before the tournament, a get together of VIPs, sponsors and players was held at HE Khun Anand Panyarachun’s poolside home, where parties are always memorable for his warm hospitality, live music and sumptuous Thai & western buffet with free flowing wine, beer and various beverages. HE Anand Panyarachun gave a friendly welcome to all those in attendance.
Following the post golf buffet at 3 p.m., the prize-giving ceremony took place in the Masters Conference Hall at Eastern Star. Sponsors and guests were welcomed to the tournament by UNICEF representative Tomoo Hozumi who informed that all the proceeds from the event will go to support UNICEF’s Child Protection Program “helping UNICEF to address some of the urgent needs facing the most vulnerable children in Thailand.”
Certificates were then presented to the Platinum sponsors who were Siam Cement Group and American International Assurance Co., Ltd., and also to Surapon Foods who made a large sponsorship donation and to Gold sponsors Eastern Star Real Estate PCL.
Other generous Silver, Bronze, donation and prize draw sponsors were then thanked for their tremendous generosity, and it just left the highlight and main purpose of the tournament – the handing over of the proceeds from this year’s event to go towards supporting UNICEF’s Child Protection Program. Eastern Star’s deputy general manager Pravit Rotsawatsuk duly presented a cheque of 3,030,000 baht to Mr. Hozumi on behalf of the organizers, golfers and all the sponsors. The tournament has now raised over 18 million baht for this worthy cause during the past 10 years of its short history.
All said it was yet another enjoyable and successful charity golf invitational in the name of H.E. Anand Panyarachun for the benefit of UNICEF and the children of Thailand. Rest assured it will be back in 2012.
Note: For more information of how you can support UNICEF Thailand, log on to www.unicef.org/thailand.
Former Thai Premier H.E. Anand Panyarachun, 2nd left, talks to tournament organizers prior to the start of play.
Teeing-off on the beautifully manicured Eastern Star golf course.
A team of hopefuls ready to go looking for the big prize.
The ladies were out in force to support the charity day.
Whose honour on the tee?
Always time to relax between holes.
Parasols were a sensible option in the hot conditions.
