Unique gift for Asean leaders

October 4, 2009 by  
Filed under Related Interests

An impressive picture book on the Asean region will be Thailand’s parting gift as it vacates the association’s chair

“Linking people with arts will help them appreciate and be proud of the closeness of one’s community,” said Vitavas Srivihok, director-general of the Asean Affairs Department at the Foreign Ministry. His words later inspired the birth of an artistic book entitled Asean: Portrait of a Community which will be presented as a special gift to the 10 Asean leaders at this year’s final Asean gathering this month in Cha-am/Hua Hin. What makes this book unique is the compilation of sketch drawings of all Asean leaders, as well as the top tourist attractions of the region. The livelihoods of the Asean peoples are portrayed in the natural flow of water colours. The project took shape in June after an exchange of ideas during a friendly chat between Mr Vitavas and artist Taveepong Limapornvanich. “The ministry thought it should have a surprise gift for the leaders. I’m sure it will be unlike anything they have
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