The Thai National Day Golf Charity 2009 in Ho Chi Minh City, also to celebrate the Thai King’s birthday, will be held on Dec. 5 and part of the proceeds will be presented to a local charity, the organizers announced Thursday.

More than 100 players of Vietnam, Thailand and other nationalities are expected to compete in the fundraising event at the Vietnam Golf and Country Club in District 9, according to the organizers.

Thailand’s Consulate General in the city and the Thai Business Association (Vietnam) will organize the event in association with the Thai Trade Center and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, HCMC Office.

(L-R) Thai Business Association (Vietnam) president Preechachai Chauychoo, Thai Consul General Somchai Powcharoen and Pichai Raktashina, Tourism Authority of Thailand director, HCMC, act the panel at Thursday’s press briefing (Photo: Tuong Thuy)

Dec. 5 is the 82nd birthday of the King of Thailand, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, and also the Thai National Day, Thai Consul General Somchai Powcharoen told Thursday’s press briefing at the Thai Consulate General.

“All of us, Thai citizens both living in Thailand and other countries will organize celebrations to commemorate His Majesty Birthday and will organize activities in order to donate proceeds to the Royal Project Foundation under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty as well as to public charity organizations,” he said.

“All proceeds from this golf event will be divided into two parts for donation. The first will be presented to the foundation and the second will be donated to charity organizations of Vietnam.”

This year’s second part of donation will go to the HCMC Association for Support of Handicapped and Orphans will receive, said Thai Business Association (Vietnam) president Preechachai Chauychoo.

He said the organizers expect to collect at least US$5,000 for the charity.

Donations will be presented to the local charity during the award dinner party at the Thai Consulate General on the same day. The party is also the reception to celebrate the King’s birthday.

Vietnamese saxophonist Tran Manh Tuan will join a jazz band from Thailand in a show at the reception, said Mr. Pichai Raktashina, Tourism Authority of Thailand director, HCM City Office. He added the Thai King loves jazz and composes some pieces.

As for the golfers, the hole-in-one prize is a Mercedes Benz E300 sedan. Other prizes include Best Gross, Nearest to the Pin, Longest and Accurate Drive.

Thai paint manufacturer 4 Oranges is the main sponsor in the charity golf event.