Bangkok, 15 June 2015 - Thailand's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MoNRE) in collaboration with UNEP, commemorated World Environment Day (WED) today at a star-studded event in Bangkok. The celebration included a major exhibition on environmental goods and services and an award ceremony recognizing outstanding environmental work by local governments, the private sector, women's groups and department stores.
The exhibition featured WED messages from Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, H.E. General Dapong Ratanasuwan, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand, as well as Thai celebrities, including artist Suthipongse Thatphithakkul, news reporter Kitti Singhapat, actor Krittamed Muangdee, writer Zcongklod Bangyikhan, actress Ms. Siraphun Wattanajinda, Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005, singer/songwriter Thanakit Panichwid, and environmental campaigner, Thanaboon Somboon . During the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed by MoNRE and retail outlets in Bangkok for a "No Plastic Bag Campaign".
"It is through socialization at homes and schools that children learn responsible behavior. We need to inculcate good values to attain sustainable consumption, that all of us are responsible for a clean and health environment. We cannot only depend on authorities or governments, we all have a responsibility for a clean and health environment. Protecting the environment is every citizen's responsibility. We are part of the 7 billion and our children too," said H.E. Prayuth Chan-ocha, Prime Minister of Thailand at the opening ceremony.
More than 200 participants, including Ambassadors, Chief Operating Officers of malls and distribution outlets, recycling companies, teachers, students and members of the public participated at the event and exhibition.
