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Published on February 24, 2008

The six environmental champions invited as torchbearers in Thailand are Dr Sumet Tantivejkul, Admiral Kohlak Charoenrook, MR Narisa Chakrabongse, Pornwut Sarasin, Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat and Ammara Siripong.

"We recognise each of these six torchbearers as ambassadors of a growing environmental movement in Thailand - men and women who will inspire others to become involved," said Jorge Garduno, general manager of Coca-Cola (Thailand).

For the Beijing Olympics, which will take place from August 8 to 24, Coca-Cola has been inspired by one of the three platforms of the Beijing Games - the concept of the "Green Olympics".

Dr Sumet is a leading expert on the environment in Thailand and plays an important role in developing policies for water resource management. He is the current chairman of the Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute (HAII), responsible for steering the institute's main missions and collecting data on water resources and agriculture in response to His Majesty the King's initiatives.

Admiral Kohlak has been involved with several environmental conservation projects, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Thajin River conservation scheme, mangrove forest conservation and the programme for Khao San Kalakhiri forest conservation.

MR Narisa is the founder and chairperson of the Green World Foundation, which was established in 1991 as a source of information for youngsters who want to understand more about the environment. In addition, it suggests solutions to environmental problems, presenting them in compelling and easy-to-understand ways such as through the Green World magazine, issued every two months. The foundation is also behind the "seashore detectives" project, which regularly surveys beach quality in the wake of the 2004 tsunami.

Pornwut is currently vice chairman of the Coca-Cola Thailand Foundation, which plays an active role in developing environmental and community outreach activities, and Dr Thon is a leading marine scientist and well known for marine conservation activities.

Last but not least is singer Ammara, who is also a volunteer for a marine-life conservation programme in Koh Tao, Surat Thani.

The Thailand leg of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay takes place on April 19.