THAI to hold Asia: Beyond the Economic Horizon international conference

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will hold an international conference under the theme, “Asia: Beyond the Economic Horizon,” on October 15, 2010, which will be inaugurated by HE Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, marking its 50th anniversary.

Over 500 top policymakers, business leaders, economists, aviation and tourism experts, and media representatives will convene at a THAI’s conference that is one of the key corporate anniversary events.

THAI’s corporate conference is based on the theme, “Asia: Beyond the Economic Horizon.” Dr. Supachai Panitchapakdi, Secretary-General of Geneva-based UNCTAD, as the keynote speaker will discuss the new global economic order that is taking shape and being led by countries in Asia and Latin America.

Leading speakers from well-known global organizations such as McKinsey, Airbus, Bank of America, and Merrill Lynch will also be present.

“As a leading global airline, we want to engage our customers, partners, and business leaders with cutting-edge knowledge of Asian economies, international business and political trends, aviation development, and sustainable tourism,” said Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President.

THAI’s corporate conference is being held at the Shangri-La Hotel and also serves as an international networking venue on a by-invitation-only basis for participants.

The conference is taking place when Asia’s manufacturing and service sectors are growing leaps and bounds, and Asian passengers are traveling across all national borders. Asia is being asked to play a leading role or to take the initiative on numerous global agenda issues.

Obviously, the challenges facing the continent are: Can it continue on its meteoric path with the coming crunch in energy and the threat of climate change? What kind of management strategies should airlines and service providers adopt? Can the hospitality, culture, and other service industries that have thrived so far continue to prosper without losing their native charm? What else can Asia do to retain what it has, both in terms of culture and the environment, and at the same time meet the aspirations of its burgeoning population?

These and more topics will be explored and debated at the conference that will be the climax of a series of activities marking THAI’s 50th anniversary. The event is co-organized by Asia News Network, an alliance of 21 newspapers in 18 Asian countries, and in cooperation with Thai Airways International.