Shell Thailand celebrates its 125th anniversary and marks Shell’s purpose of “Making Life’s Journey Better” with a tribute to His Late Majesty King Bhumibol
Sep 15, 2017
Bangkok - The Shell Company of Thailand Limited celebrated its 125-year anniversary by holding an appreciation dinner on September 15, 2017, at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Hotel.
Honorable guests included Mr. John Abbott, member of the Executive Committee, Royal Dutch Shell; Mr. Asada Harinsuit, Country Chairman and Vice President of Retail Business East, Shell Company of Thailand Limited; General Surasak Srisak, Vice Minister for Energy; Mr. Pasu Loharjun, Director General of the Department of Industrial Promotion and Incoming Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry; Mr. Brian John Davidson, Ambassador of the United Kingdom; and Mr. Thomas van Leeuwen, Chargés d’Affaires of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Mr. Abbott’s welcome speech recognized an important milestone: “Exactly 125 years ago today, the SS Murex journeyed up the eastern coast to Thailand, making history as the first bulk oil carrier to navigate this country. That was the start of Shell’s involvement with energy, with technology, and supplying oil products to greater parts of Asia.
This great success was founded upon a can-do attitude, creativity, and innovation, qualities that continue in Shell’s operations in Thailand today. There’s a strong feeling of confidence in the future of Shell Thailand. I believe we are exceptionally well-placed in the three key areas of innovation, investment, and partnership.”
“Our history in Thailand was recognized by the late King Rama IX, who granted Shell the distinction of being the first international oil company to receive the royal insignia. Shell will always be proud of this honour from a monarch who did so much for his country and whose vision for Thailand lives on. His sufficiency economy philosophy has resulted in huge advances for the country, realizing a vision for a sustainable future. Shell will contribute to this effort by bringing innovation, investment, and partnership to Thailand’s future success,” added Mr. Abbott.
General Surasak Srisak, Vice Minister for Energy, shared his vision of promoting Thailand 4.0’s energy policy: “Shell Thailand’s business is highly relevant to Thailand’s 20-year National Strategy and to strengthen the energy sector’s fundamentals. Thailand’s Power Development Plan (PDP) aims to improve energy security, the environment, and the country’s long-term economic competitiveness.
It’s one of five Integration Master Plans developed by the Ministry of Energy, along with the Energy Efficiency Plan (EEP), Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP), Gas Plan (GAS), and Oil Plan (OIL), all of which support Thailand 4.0. We appreciate Shell Thailand’s tremendous efforts to support Thailand’s energy development and hope for greater collaboration towards a future that will drive sustainable development.”
Shell also shared how it worked in collaboration with the Mechai Viravaidya Foundation since July 2015 under its Fuel the Happiness programme. Shell donated 27 million baht to schools under the Foundation to support students with disabilities to develop their vocational and life skills. This effort is in line with Shell’s goal of generating sustainable happiness for Thais.
“Throughout our 125 years in Thailand, we are proud to have helped develop the country’s energy sector. Our success today is due to the continued confidence and support of the Thai government and Thai people; the vision, courage and dedication of Shell employees; the trust and loyalty of our customers and business partners; and our strong commitment to local communities. Five years ago, at the 120-year Anniversary event, I said how Shell Thailand needed to change in three key areas: innovation, partnerships, and our people, adopting new ways of working, a new mindset, and having a meaningful purpose in our mission and what we want to accomplish.
This is why we support the Mechai Foundation and use our service stations as part of an ecosystem to help develop communities and to make positive and lasting impact on Thailand. Our next phase of growth is just beginning. We fully intend to ‘Make Life’s Journey Better’ for Thais and Thailand,” said Mr. Asada Harinsuit, Country Chairman and Vice President of Retail Business East, Shell Company of Thailand Limited.
For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
Sudarat Peetakanont, External Relations Advisor
Sudarat.peetakanont@shell.com
Phone: 0-2262-7839
ABM
Tulyada Metachuchok
Tel: +662-252-9871
E-mail: tulyada.m@abm.co.th
Fax: +662-254-8353
A performance by students from Mechai School celebrating Shell’s 125th Anniversary
Photo shows from left: Ath Hemvijitraphan-Duputy Country Chairman, Shell Company of Thailand Limited, Richard Porter-Director of Trade and Investment at British Embassy, Thailand, Brian John Davidson-British Ambassador to Thailand, John Abbott- Executive Committee and Downstream Director Royal Dutch Shell plc, General. Surasak Srisak-Vice Minister for Energy, Thomas Van Leeuwen- Chargé d’Affaires of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Thailand, Asada Harinsuit - Country Chairman and Vice President of Retail Business East, Shell Company of Thailand Limited.
Photo of distinguished guests celebrating Shell’s 125th Anniversary