SCB Chairman

Dr Chirayu Israngkun

Na Ayuthaya welcomes Thanpuying Pensri and Keokhwan Vajarodhaya.

RIGHT

Khunying Jada Wattanasiritham, Chanya Sawangjitr, Dr Chirayu,

Dr Vichit Suraphongchai and Kannikar Chalitaporn.

Bantoon Lamsam, Anand Panyarachun, Escap Executive Secretary Kim Hak-Su and Chatri Sophonpanich.

Paiboon Wattanasiritham and Charnchai Charnvirakul.

Busaba Chirathivat and Kobkarn Wattanawarangkul.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin (centre) and his wife with Assoc Prof Preecha Charoongkijanan.

'Our Joy and Our Pride' modern dance performance.

Thongchai 'Bird' McIntyre leads singers in the song 'Phalang Baimai'.

Pracha Hetrakul and MR Pridiyathorn Devakula.

IN THELimelight

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF BANKING

Two memorable celebrations marked the centenary of Siam Commercial Bank

His Majesty the King graciously appointed Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as his representative to preside over celebrations marking the one-hundredth anniversary of the founding of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) at the bank's headquarters in Ratchayothin. As part of the celebrations, Her Royal Highness presided over a religious ceremony to enshrine Buddha relics within a Buddha image specially created for SCB's centenary. Her Royal Highness also opened and viewed an exhibition entitled ''100 Years of Thai and World Economy'' at the Thai Bank Museum located at SCB's head office, and presented a trophy to the winner of Kla Mai Fai Roo, a youth development project set up in celebration of the bank's birthday.

On hand to welcome Her Royal Highness were SCB executives led by Chairman Dr Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Dr Vichit Suraphongchai, Khunying Jada Wattanasiritham and Kannikar Chalitaporn.

A grand reception was also held at the bank's headquarters on a separate evening, providing an occasion for the bank to thank some of its loyal customers for their support over the years. The event was attended by privy councillors, cabinet ministers, business people and distinguished guests from various fields. Among the guests were Keokwan and Thanphuying Pensri Vajarodhaya, Pol Gen Phao Sarasin, Gen Pichitr Kullavanijaya, MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, Vijit Supinit, Chadathip Chutrakul, Busaba Chirathivat, Songkran Isara and Sanan and Khunying Natthika Angubolkul.

Thousands of guests attended in all, making the large venue appear decidedly small and crowded. They mingled and moved between three different stages where various forms of entertainment were presented.

The evening was fun-filled and colourful with activities including King Bho Thong and Nang Abasara traditional Thai dances, an ''Our Joy and Our Pride'' modern dance, Golden Land singing performances and a video presentation entitled ''Bank of Five Reigns''. Guests were also treated to a sensational performance by pop superstar Thongchai ''Bird'' McIntyre, who opened with Khong Khwan Chak Kon Din (Gift from Earth) then entertained guests with A Hundred Love Songs and Phalang Bai Mai (Green Power), a song specially composed for the grand birthday celebration.

Bangkok Post
Sunday February 11, 2007