Over 300 attendees are expected to participate in the IOGT’s 68th World Congress at The Regent Cha-Am Beach Resort. The IOGT is the largest worldwide community of non-governmental organisations with a mission to independently enlighten people on adopting a lifestyle free from alcohol and other drugs, thus leading to a richer, freer and more rewarding life.
Mr. Esbjörn Hörnberg, Executive Director of IOGT, explained the reason for the choice of Cha-Am, Thailand. He said, “During the last decades we have become more and more aware of Asia, its long and rich history and also the possibilities for development in the continent.
“For many Europeans, especially Scandinavians, Thailand has been a popular destination for exciting vacation trips. Uncountable backpackers, families and pensioners have found their ways to the ocean, mountains, big cities and rural villages, food and adventures of different kinds.”
“Today, we appreciate Thailand’s global leadership in Global Health advocacy, especially in the alcohol and tobacco policy. Thailand has put in place one of the best alcohol policies in the world. But all these developments are being challenged by the growing aggressive global alcohol industry in Asia that has identified countries like Thailand as emerging markets,” Mr. Hörnberg added.
The IOGT Head office is located in Sweden. The networking organisation in Thailand is “the International Organisation of Good Templars – Thailand (IOGTT)” or the Association for Social Development, under the auspices of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board.
The IOGT International World Congress is held every four years. This year’s event is divided into two parts: 1) The main Congress to be held between 26-31 October, 2014, in cooperation with two member organisations of IOGT International and IOGT Thailand and Stop Drink Network. 2) A Youth Camp to be arranged in cooperation with the regional office of the IOGT-NTO movement, which is based in Chiang Mai. The Youth Camp will be organised at the Rama VI Border Patrol Police Camp, Cha-Am, Phetchaburi Province.
On 28 October, 2014, the opening ceremony and welcome reception will be hosted by the Royal Thai Government. Both Thais and foreigners will be amongst the speakers at the numerous seminars and workshops. Participants will also have a chance to participate in various activities; such as, Thai cooking class, workshops, exhibition, and sightseeing tours.
Located less than 200 km south of Bangkok, Cha-am is a quiet beach retreat in Phetchaburi province. Cha-am is popular with couples looking for a romantic retreat, seniors who like peace and quiet, and families with young children.
Cha-am has a small but quiet beach “town” where there are some charming seafood restaurants and plenty of open-air eateries. Accommodation ranges from backpacker friendly European owned hotels to boutique spa retreats, ideal for a romantic rendezvous.
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