Logo Unveiled on Anniversary of Thailand-Malaysia Relations

by Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa BANGKOK, Aug 30 (Bernama) – A logo to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Malaysia was unveiled today by Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry following a competition to design the logo. A panel of judges chose the winning logo from 64 entrants who submitted a total of 70 designs for the competition held from April to July. The winner, Kritsada Haorang, 23, a student at Chiang Mai University, said the logo was based on the national identity of the two countries. "I chose Thailand's national animal, the elephant, and Malaysia's national flower, the hibiscus, as both are national identities. I designed the elephant and hibiscus (bunga raya) to portray the number 60 to refer to the 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries," he told Bernama Wednesday. It took him several days to come up with the concept and the actual design of the logo, said Kritsada, who received 15,000 Baht (RM1,875) and two Thai Airways round-trip tickets to Kuala Lumpur from Foreign Affairs Ministry deputy permanent secretary Panyarak Poolthup. The ministry, according to an official, has lined up several events to commemorate the auspicious anniversary and will use the winning logo. The charge d'affaires at the Malaysian Embassy in Thailand, Mohd Faizal Razali, was also present at the prize-giving ceremony, held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. -- BERNAMA