PAN-ASEAN TOURING is a promotional event organized by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) to publicize the launch of the new Yamaha sporty moped model "T135" by having it complete a marathon tour through the ASEAN region countries of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines. The first leg of this touring event was run through Indonesia in November and December of 2005.
Now, on January 15, the second leg of this event begins in Chiang Rai, Thailand, under the name "SPARK 135 PAN-ASEAN TOURING - THAILAND." Prior to this start, a press conference was held at the Montien Riverside Hotel in Bangkok on Jan. 13.
This press conference gathered a total of approximately 150 people, including about 60 members of the press from Thailand and other countries, riders who will be participating in the tour from the five ASEAN countries, tour support staff and related guests. The conference began with the introduction of the tour's nine riders, consisting of two riders each from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand and one from Vietnam. This was followed by explanations of the event, an introduction of the aims of the "Green Campaign" tree-planting project that will be conducted at various sites along the way, an explanation of the 15-day, 3,248-km tour route through Thailand and a technical introduction of the "Spark 135" (T135) model that will be used for the tour. It turned out to be a lively conference with numerous questions coming from the press about the event concept and the new technologies featured in the Spark 135 (T135) model.
After the conference, the press and guests enjoyed attractions including exciting demonstrations of the Thai sport of muay-Thai (kick-boxing), a martial art known as kra-bong using a wooden staff and another called fun-dabi using swords. The kick-boxing especially impressed the guests, who could be heard cheering at the execution of the dynamic kicks of the boxers.
Also attending the press conference were members of Bangkok's Yamaha dealers association, whose representative, Mr. Yuthana Srisutjaripanich, presented the nine riders with commemorative gifts expressing the dealers' hopes for the successful and safe completion of the tour.
That evening, a post-conference Welcoming Party was held aboard a tour boat that cruised the Chaopraya River, which flows through Bangkok. A beautiful sunset awaited the guests at this two-hour cruise party that began at 6:00 in the evening and provided the international gathering of guests to deepen friendship in a cordial atmosphere. |
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