Diplomatic dealings at CentralWorld

Her royal Highness Princess Somsavali recently presided over the opening of “63rd YWCA Diplomatic Charity Bazaar 2016@CentralWorld” organised by the shopping mall together with spouses of ambassadors and diplomats based in Thailand, and the Young Women's Christian Association of Bangkok. The bazaar is a much-awaited annual event, coming as it does just before the festive season and offering interesting merchandise from 43 countries at more than 200 booths. 

On hand to welcome the Princess was Juri Sekiguchi-Drofenik, spouse of the Austrian ambassador to Thailand and this year’s chairperson, along with Colombia’s Astrid Amaya, Greece’s Galina Matsu-katova, Olga Bar-Skaya, spouse of the Russian ambassador, and Mukda and Supatra Chirathivat of Central Group. 
This year’s highlights included cosmetics and ginseng from South Korea, handicrafts from Panama, and the world-famous egg tarts and Shea Butter soaps from Portugal, as well as exquisite jade from Colombia. Also much in demand were the perfumes and reputable wines from France, batik and snakeskin bags from Indonesia, leather goods and olive oil from Italy, Armenian scarves, handbags and pillow cases, fresh and smoked salmon from Norway and natural pearls and silk from China. And visitors were queuing up to buy raffle tickets in the hope of winning one or more of the more than 300 prizes on offer.
The YWCA annual events have traditionally been well received by both Thai and foreign shoppers and this year was no exception.
Proceeds after expense deduction from the Bazaar will be added to the proceeds from the “YWCA Diplomatic Mini Bazaar” held early this year at Central Festival Eastville and will fund projects supporting children, women and underprivileged groups. Last year, the event raised some Bt6 million. 
Over the years more than 40 projects have been funded including those of the Chaipattana Foundation, Rajaprajanugroh Foundation and Princess Pa Foundation –Thai Red Cross Society, along with a canteen building project for rural schools, and support to the Emergency Fund for National Disaster in Thailand and Foreign Countries. Funding is prioritised based on the application’s submission date and the urgency of each project.