UNHCR’s celebrity supporters join hands to mobilize Thai generosity for refugees

Eight high-profile Thai personalities today joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to launch its “Namjai for Refugees” campaign. Renowned artistes from the arts and entertainment world, such as Praya “Pu” Suandokmai Lundberg and Saharat “Kong” Sangkapricha, will team up to create artworks to raise funds for refugees in Thailand.

The campaign was officially launched on Friday afternoon at Mega Plaza of Bangkok’s Mega Bangna mall. The celebrities were divided into four teams with four important missions:

• Well-known actress and model Praiya “Pu” Suandokmai teamed up with Vouge magazine’s Style Director, Jirat “SanShai” Subpisankul, to design a limited edition T-shirt to highlight the situation of  refugee women
• Famous musician and singer Saharat “Kong” Sangkapricha joined best-selling songwriter  Jakrawut “Van” Sawangpol to compose a special song for refugees
• Hearthrob actor Sunny Suwanmethanon joined hands with renowned sit-com director Piyakarn “Mook” Budprasert to produce a short video on how to pay Namjai forward
• High profile editor and writer, Wongthanong “Nong” Chainarongsingha collaborated with talented illustrator Pattarida “Pang” Prasarnthong to create a special book about refugees.  

The four teams are calling on the Thai public to bring Namjai for refugees and to join their teams by donating at www.unhcr.or.th. Donations will be used to improve the lives of refugees in Thailand, including the Myanmar refugee children and women living in nine border camps, some of them for over 30 years.

“The global refugee crisis is dominating news headlines,” said Pu. “As Thai people, we can be part of the global response by starting to lend your support to refugees in Thailand. My team aims to raise our voice for refugee women, including single mothers who experience great loss in their lives and need support to stand on their own for their children and family. Join me and Khun Sanchai’s team and we will keep you posted on how our designs go.”

Kong added, “I will use my talent as a singer to work with Khun Van to compose a song for refugees. I hope that this song will inspire Thai people to extend our Namjai to fellow human beings. And most importantly, I’d like UNHCR to bring this special song to refugees to let them know that there are people who care about them and give them encouragement to stay strong with the hope of a new life.”

Members of the public can show their support at Mega Plaza from 30-31 January. Over the weekend, there will be games to simulate the refugee experience as well as activities for children. Most importantly they can support their celebrity team and make donations at the event.

UNHCR’s “Namjai for Refugees” campaign recognizes the generosity of Thai people towards refugees in Thailand over the years while calling for all sectors of society – the people, government, private sector and the media – to strengthen a culture of generosity to rebuild the lives of less fortunate fellow human beings.

Your Namjai is important for refugees in Thailand to rebuild their lives. Choose your team today and support the campaign by visiting www.unhcr.or.th.

For more photos at Press conference event, please visit here