EIGHT OF THAILAND’S leading celebrities have joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in launching “Namjai for Refugees”, the first campaign here to create art works and raise funds for refugees in Thailand.

UNHCR has divided the celebrities into four teams, charging each with an important mission. Actress Praya “Pu” Lundberg Suandokmai and eminent designer Jirat “Sanchai” Subpisankul are busy designing a limited edition T-shirt to highlight the situation of refugee women.

Musician and singer Saharat “Kong” Sangkapricha is working with best-selling songwriter Jakrawut “Van” Sawangpol to compose a special song for refugees. Actor Sunny Suwanmethanon has joined with renowned sit-com director Piyakarn “Mook” Budprasert to produce a short video on how to pay namjai forward, while editor and writer Wongthanong “Nong” Chainarongsingha is collaborating with talented illustrator Pattarida “Pang” Prasarnthong to create a special book about refugees.

“I will use my talent as a singer to work with Van to compose a song for refugees. I hope that this song will inspire Thai people to extend their namjai to fellow human beings. And most importantly, I’d like UNHCR to play this special song to the refugees to let them know that there are people who care about them and are encouraging them to stay strong with the hope of a new life,” said Kong, during the recent launch at Mega Bangna.