Peck Palitchoke, Min Pechaya, BamBam Kunpimook appointed as new Friends of UNICEF to help promote children’s rights and well-being

BANGKOK, 15 December 2021 – Today, UNICEF Thailand announced three new celebrity supporters, Peck Palitchoke Ayanaputra, Min Pechaya Wattanamontri and BamBam Kunpimook Bhuwakul, as the new Friends of UNICEF for Thailand. 

As Friends of UNICEF, Peck, Min and BamBam will help UNICEF promote children’s rights, bring greater public attention to the challenges facing children in Thailand and around the world and help mobilize support for UNICEF’s programmes to meet these challenges.

“We welcome the new Friends of UNICEF, who all have a unique ability to touch people’s hearts with their powerful voices. Their commitment, energy and passion will help UNICEF’s mission in its efforts to realize the rights of children and bring about positive changes in their lives,” said Anand Panyarachun, who has served as UNICEF Thailand Goodwill Ambassador for 25 years.

The new Friends of UNICEF will help UNICEF raise awareness on key issues including inequity, early childhood development, inclusive and quality education, child protection, adolescent mental health and meaningful participation, climate change, among others. 

“Just a few days ago, UNICEF celebrated its global 75th anniversary. I believe it is such an opportune moment for us to welcome our new Friends of UNICEF who join our mission at a critical time when we celebrate and learn from our history, while looking ahead to reimagine a better future for children in Thailand and around the world,” said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand, at today’s virtual launch event in Bangkok.

“We need supporters and partners like them to help us reach out and mobilize public support for children’s rights and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest threat we have witnessed in our 75-year history, has put uncertainty in children’s futures and further deepened inequalities, with millions of children now at risk of being left behind. It will take all our efforts together to respond to these enormous challenges, protect the most vulnerable from falling through the cracks and secure a bright future for every child.”

Over the past few years, Peck, Min and BamBam have participated in UNICEF campaigns, programmes and missions. During the launch event, they shared their childhood memories and their passion to support the well-being of children and helping them follow their dreams.

“Too many children are living in poverty and have very limited opportunities in life. In many of the homes I visited, children did not have books, sometimes not even pencils,” said Peck, who joined UNICEF’s mission in Chiang Mai Province and in Kenya to raise awareness on child health and poverty. “I’m honoured to join UNICEF and truly hope that I can make a difference in children’s lives.”

Min said she hopes every child has an equal opportunity to have the best start in life. "Every opportunity must be made possible for children. I believe it’s everyone's duty to ensure that every child has a fair chance in life and is supported in every way in developing to their fullest potential.”

BamBam spoke about the importance of listening to children, building their confidence and supporting them in following their dreams. “Every child is unique and full of potential. Each has their own strength. Adults should listen to and support them so that they can find that strength, fulfil their dreams and become the adults they want to be.”

Original article published on UNICEF Thailand.