On 12 January 2005, Mr.Ricky Martin, the world-famous Latin singer and the President of the Ricky Martin Foundation, called on Dr.Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of his visit to Thailand to learn about the effects of Tsunami, especially its impact on children. After the meeting, a joint press conference was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The gist of the meeting as well as of the joint press conference is as follows:

Dr.Surakiart welcomed and expressed appreciation to Mr.Martin for his decision to visit Thailand at this moment as well as for his work in support of humanitarian causes. Dr.Surakiart briefed Mr.Martin on the current situation, especially the aftermath of the disaster and the impact on the lives and livelihood of the Thai people as well as foreigners, particularly tourists who were affected by the Tsunami.

Dr. Surakiart expressed admiration for Mr.Martin's concern with the plight of children around the world and his role as Unicef goodwill ambassador. He also noted the Ricky Martin Foundation's project called 'People for Children' which seeks to promote the welfare of children. He also noted that Thailand was touched by the concerns shown by the international community, not only by government but also by individuals, like Mr. Martin.

Dr.Surakiart briefed Mr.Martin on how people, especially children, have been affected by the disaster, stressing that at least three hundreds of children have lost either one of their parents or both. He said that extending assistance to the victims was the top priority of the Thai Government. Dr.Surakiart believed this visit of Mr.Martin would be a good opportunity for him to help bring warmth and comfort to the affected children to enable them to return to their normal lives.

Mr.Martin briefed Dr.Surakiart on what his foundation did to assist many parts of the world, especially his determination to fight against child trafficking. He said that he deemed Thailand as a home in that he had been involved with Thailand ever since his first visit to Thailand in 1996. He stressed that when he heard that Thailand was struck by the disaster, he felt that he needed to do something to help out.

During the joint press conference, Dr. Surakiart said that this morning, Mr.Martin met the Prime Minister of Thailand and himself and that they had a very fruitful discussion. Dr.Surakiart hoped that after his visit to Phuket and Phang-nga, Mr.Martin would see how his foundation could be of assistance.

Mr.Martin expressed, on behalf of the Ricky Martin foundation as well as of the entire Latin American continent, condolences to the victims of Tsunami, especially children in the entire region. He said that after looking at the images on the television at home, it was impossible for him to stay home. The mission of his foundation is to abolish child trafficking. He noted that such a problem has the potential to become more acute whenever society becomes more vulnerable in such times as the disaster.

He said he was here hopefully to create awareness of the issue and to be spokesmen of those children affected. He thanked the Thai Government for opening the door for him to come here. He said that with his first hand view of everything and information gained, he would be able to focus on what exactly his foundation could do to help children. He added that he was here to talk, to learn and to add value to what the Thai Government did to help the victims. He commended those who were doing reconstruction for doing noble jobs.

After the meeting, he is scheduled to fly to Phuket to see the victims and survey damage caused by the Tsunami disaster. The day after tomorrow, he will visit the orphanage in Phang-nga to cheer up the orphans.