Thai Asean News (TAN) Network Meet and Greet

by Regin Reyno

One of my favorite pastimes is watching cable TV. I especially love to watch sports, news, and documentaries. And I really hate ABS-CBN, the local TV station in the Philippines owned by oligarchies-due to bias news reporting and degrading, nonsense TV programs. I am fortunate to have a free cable in my apartment.

One of my favorite channels in this cable is the Thai-ASEAN News Network, or TAN Network. It is an English TV station in Thailand. So being in Thailand, it’s great to have this local TV station in English. They have lots of educational programs. The news are fresh and their correspondents speak good English. My favorite show is The Travel Show hosted by Dale Lawrence. As what the title implies, it talks about travelling, which is the reason why it is my favorite. 

TAN Network correspondent Susan Chutinaton interviews Fay Durongdej

              As an appreciation for their viewers, the station organized an event which is called Meet and Greet, in which selected viewers will be able to meet the TV personalities of their network. They advertized it during commercial breaks. Viewers will just email TAN Network and state why they love watching TAN Network and what is their favorite program. Then, TAN Network will select those who can come to the said event. They even stated in their advertisement that prizes can be won if you write. First prize is two nights stay for two at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, 2^nd prize is a round-trip ticket for two to Samui Island, Thailand via Bangkok Airways, and then 3^rd prize is a two night stay at Centara Anda Dhevi Hotel, Resort and Spa in Krabi, Thailand.

                Krabi is a province in Thailand with world-class beaches and islands. Wanting to meet those TV personalities and wanting to travel, I wrote immediately, and prayed to God that I be one of the chosen viewers. 

                The next day, lo and behold, I was chosen to be part of the meet and greet dinner party. I emailed them stating that I will bring my girlfriend to that event, in which they agreed. But still, I am wondering how they will choose the winners for their travel prizes. I haven’t been to Singapore so I wanted the first prize which is Marina Bay Sands, but anyways, any prize will do.

From  L-R :Dale Lawrence, Fay Durongdej, Kristie Kelly

                The meet and greet was held at Serenade Restaurant and Wine Bar at grass Thonglor, Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok. The party was so elegant. They had lots of visitors. Finally I was able to meet the TV personalities, most especially Dale Lawrence of The Travel Show. Lots of interviews took place and I know it was shown live on TV. Except for the TAN Network TV personalities, many notable persons were there. One of them is Kristie Kelly, the US Ambassador to Thailand and the former US Ambassador to the Philippines. The 2009 Miss Thailand Universe, Chutima Durongdej was also there together with her sister, Fay Durongdej. 

There was free-flowing supply of beverages. Daddy Dough donuts were unlimited, and all you can eat bread, croissants, pastries, French cheese from Au Bon Pain, a famous French restaurant. We really enjoyed every moment of it.  Os, my co-Klement/batchmate was also there, as he also was invited. 

with US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kelly and my friend Os

There did I learn that the travel prizes is to be drawn through a raffle. So the raffle draw started. First prizes, Marina Bay Sands goes to ………. one of the viewers. 2^nd prize, round trip tickets for two to Samui Island goes to…….one of the viewers, and the 3^rd prize, two-nights stay inclusive of breakfast to Centara Anda Dhevi Hotel, Resort and Spa in Krabi, Thailand goes to……. Regin Reyno! Yes! Thank God, another blessing. My friend Osias also won a Five-Star Hotel buffet dinner for two at Orchard Hotel. 

with 2009 Miss Thailand Universe Chutima Durongdej

Our Prize. God's blessing

It was a day with the stars. We were dancing with the stars, so to say. Endless supplies of Au Bon Pain, Daddy Dough, beverages, and two-night stay inclusive breakfast at a five star hotel in Krabi, what more can we ask for.  When God pours out His blessings, it really overflows and it comes in unexpected ways. 

Before we left, we got our free TAN Network jackets and free Daddy Dough membership card, discount slips, and voucher. Thank you Lord for the blessings. Thank you TAN Network. “The best things in life are free.” 

Thai Asean News (TAN) Network Meet and Greet Video Clip



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