Miss Universe first runner-up Anntonia Porsild will spearhead a stroll down the catwalk by international tennis stars attired in world-famous Thai silk dresses ahead of this year's Thailand Open in Hua Hin.
The event organisers have invited Anntonia to join the participating players in the Jan 29-Feb 4 tournament in various promotional activities, including giving alms to Buddhist monks.
Former deputy prime minister and honorary chairman of Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) Suwat Liptapanlop said on Tuesday that the organisers plan to use the event to promote the country's soft power.
"The Proud Group and Arena Hua Hin as the venue sponsor of the tournament want to promote Hua Hin as a tourism destination besides developing the sport of tennis," said Suwat.
"We have coordinated with the WTA in arranging some special events involving the 32 main draw players to help promote tourism in Hua Hin with activities that reflect the Thai culture and also promote the country's soft power.
"The organising committee has invited the players to don Thai silk dresses and stride down the catwalk with 2023 Miss Universe first runner-up Anntonia Porsild joining them in the activity. This is to showcase the beauty of Thai silk.
"Once again, there will be a cooking class for the players in which they will learn to make traditional Thai dishes like tom yam kung, pad Thai, and massaman and fried basil leaves curries."
The top players taking part in the tournament include defending champion Zhu Lin of China, Poland's 24th-ranked Magda Linette and former world No.2 Paula Badosa of Spain.
The event will be televised live by TrueSports 2 and 5 HD channels.
The full VIP package for the entire tournament is priced at 10,000 baht, the weekend package is 2,000 baht, final day 1,200 baht and daily tickets will cost 500 baht.
For more information, please visit event's official website at arenahuahin.com or follow it on Line app @truearenahuahin.
Miss Universe first runner-up Anntonia Porsild will join promotional activities for the Thailand Open. PR