In The News
Executives Celebrate 2008 Bollywood Awards Night at Siam Niramit
Royal Phuket Marina Chairman Mr. Gulu Lalvani attended the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony – Bollywood’s Oscars – staged at the spectacular Siam Niramit theatre on 8 June 2008.
A special reception held before the awards ceremony was attended by many prominent Indian businessmen and Thai government officials. Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat was present to welcome more than 2000 honoured guests, Bollywood stars and industry insiders. The international media was also in attendance, filming the event for broadcast at a later date to an estimated TV audience of over 600 million viewers in 110 countries.
In a bid to promote the Indian film industry around the world, the IIFA stages its annual awards show in a different city each year.
Mr. Lalvani remarked to Minister Weerasak that, in hosting such a high-profile event, Thailand will also benefit from increased exposure among the traveling Indian population. He added that direct flights between India, Bangkok and Phuket are essential and that, with the support of the Thai government, the number of Indian tourists could increase significantly over the next few years.
Gulu Lalvani with Gaysorn Plaza owner Charn
Srivikorn and his wife Thipvipa Srivikorn
Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports
Weerasak Kowsurat with Gulu Lalvani