Couples invited to diving event

Couples invited to diving event

JAKARTA (JP): The Thai beach city of Trang, which is famous
for its underwater beauty, will host an underwater wedding
ceremony on Feb. 14 to coincide with St. Valentine's Day.

Thirty couples from various countries, including Indonesia,
were invited to take part in the ceremony, according to Agkarajit
Panomwon na Ayutthaya, General Manager of Thai Airways
International of Indonesia, said.

"Accommodations and airfares for participants would be
provided and paid for by Thai Airways. Each pair is required only
to have an open water diving certificate," he said in a press
release which was made available to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

He said that the ceremony would be registered in the Guinness
Book of Records as the world's largest underwater marriage
ceremony ever held. Similar ceremonies so far have included only
one or two couples.

The participants are expected to come largely from Europe --
England, France and Germany -- as well as the Asia Pacific
countries like Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, China, the Philippines,
Singapore, India, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and the host
country, Thailand, he said.

"Married pairs wishing to renew their vows in spectacular and
memorable fashion could also take part provided they meet the
qualifications," Agkarajit said.

He said that eligible couples would be selected at the leading
dive clubs in association with Thai Airways offices in each
country. "The selection process starts on January 15," he added.

He said that the underwater wedding concept came forward
because the Thai Government wanted to promote Trang for its
underwater beauty.

"So far, foreign tourists have been interested only in Phuket
or Pattaya. We want them to visit Trang as well when spending
their vacations in our country," Agkarajit said, adding that his
company has made available travel packages with special prices to
those planning to visit Trang to see the underwater ceremony.
(ivy)