It is a great pleasure for me, on behalf of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, to welcome all those taking part in the 17th Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes and its junior cricket protege the 5th Sixes Sawasdee Cup. We are proud and happy that so many of you return each year to the home of what has become one of the world's most popular club cricket events. It reflects not only success for the tournament itself , but also it is a fine compliment to the warm and generous hospitality of the people of Chiang Mai.

The TAT Northern Region 1 office is one of the longest standing sponsors of the Chiang Mai Sixes, and I am very pleased that we have been able to contibute towards the success of what has become a regular and significant event in our tourist calendar. I hope we will continue to support you for as long as you need our help.

Cricket, as you know, was never a Thai sport in the past. However it has been very good for the city of Chiang Mai and we warmly applaud your efforts now to "Build a Future for Cricket in Thailand". Already with the help of Sixes participants and sponsors, many children in Chiang Mai are enjoying Sawasdee Cricket at their schools. This has brought us more international recognition with the award to the Sawasdee Cricket program of the International Cricket Council's "Best Junior Development Initiative in Asia". Cricket certainly brings good fortune to Chiang Mai.

May I wish you all a superb week of sport and holiday at the 17th Chiang Mai Sixes. May you stay healthy, have fun, and relax. Tell your friends at home about Chiang Mai and hurry back again yourself, next year!

Chalermsak Suranant
Director
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Northern Office, Region 1.