© AFP

The second leg of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola continued its global journey in Asia in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday.

More than 100 members of the media as well as football fans witnessed the moment yesterday afternoon when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva received it in a ceremony at Don Mueang Airport. This is the second time that the FIFA World Cup Trophy has visited Bangkok.  

"I am happy to touch the Trophy," said a smiling Abhisit. “The arrival of the FIFA World Cup Trophy helps to promote the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa later this year and I hope it will also encourage Thai players to try harder to help the national side secure the country's first-ever FIFA World Cup berth.”

The 18-carat, solid gold Trophy was in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for three days when more than 5,000 visitors came to visit the Trophy before it arrived in Thailand. 

Joining yesterday's welcoming ceremony were Mr. Worawi Makudi, President of Thailand FA and member of FIFA’s executive Committee and Mr. Jorge Garduno, General Manager of Coca-Cola Thailand.

“Bangkok has been chosen to be the host of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour again is because it has the most supportive football fans in Asia,” said Mr. Jorge Garduno, General Manager of Coca-Cola Thailand. “Coca-Cola is proud to invite everyone to benefit from this unique occasion to get up close to this coveted trophy and share the passion that fans have with football around the world.”

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola will travel to 83 countries in 225 days covering 138,902 kilometers before it arrives in South Africa before the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.