Pres. Soekarno Wax Statue at Madame Tussauds Bangkok

Bangkok (Thailand) – September 24, 2012 – One of Asia’s most important national and international leaders and politicians, Indonesian founding father President Soekarno, will become a key attraction at Madame Tussauds in Bangkok, the world’s leading wax attraction featuring wax figures of famous people from around the world.

The historically important wax work will be unveiled at an event on September 24 in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Jakarta office which will be graced by the presence of the fifth President of Indonesia and the revered leader’s daughter, Megawati Soekarnoputri, and other family members. On this exclusive occasion, Madame Megawati will also donate her father’s traditional songkok cap to outfit the life-size figure, helping to create a sense of authenticity.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Jakarta Office initiated the approach to President Soekarno’s family because they believed that Celebrity Marketing idea could support tourism promoting in Indonesia Market and the involvement of the close family members would further cement ties between the two countries, increase number of Indonesian Tourist and would also elevate the unveiling to become an international event.

President Soekarno, who was born in 1901 in Surabaya, Indonesia, proclaimed his country’s independence on August 17, 1945, and served as its first president until 1966. He died in 1970, leaving an enormous legacy of supporting global peace and also sowing the seeds of modern Indonesia’s success.

In a celebrated speech entitled “To Build the World Anew” to the United Nations 15th General Assembly on September 30, 1960, President Soekarno said: “We seek to build a world where everyone can live in peace. We seek to build a world where there is justice and prosperity for all people. We seek to build a world in which humanity can achieve its full glory.”

Mr. Bret Pidgeon, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Bangkok, said the timing of the Soekarno unveiling was significant because all eyes are on ASEAN in the run up to the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

“We are greatly honoured to be hosts to the new statue of President Soekarno, who is one of the most important regional and international leaders who had a profound influence on the development of not only Indonesia but the region as a whole,” Mr. Pidgeon said.

He added the History and Leaders section of Madame Tussauds Bangkok was one of the most popular for all ages because it records the history of the region and its relationship to the world and helped young and old to appreciate the importance of the various historical figures included in the ever-expanding exhibit.

“By bringing together world leaders, celebrities, newsmakers and other famous people in our wax exhibits, Madame Tussauds Bangkok has become a pivotal tourism attraction which combines entertainment with education and provides a valuable, and value for money, experience for the whole family,” Mr. Pidgeon said.

Enjoy the fantastic fun at Madame Tussauds Bangkok, the 6th floor of Siam Discovery Centre. Adult tickets are available at 450 baht and tickets for children aged 5-12 are priced at 350 baht. For more information, please contact 02-658-0060 or visit www.madametussauds.com/Bangkok.

For more information, please contact:
Pim-On Panomvan Na Ayutthaya
PR and External Relations Manager
Madame Tussauds Bangkok
Tel: 0 2658 0060 Fax: 0 2658 0056
Email: pim-on.p@madame-tussauds.com
Website: www.madametussauds.com/bangkok

Madame Tussauds is a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, with wax attractions in London, Hollywood, Las Vegas, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Washington DC, Berlin, Bangkok, Vienna, Sydney, and Blackpool, United Kingdom.

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 90 attractions, seven hotels/two holiday villages in 21 countries and across four continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 46 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 20,000 employees. Among Merlin’s attractions are – SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND®, The EDF Energy London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Blackpool Tower, Heide Park, WILD LIFE Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye and SKYWALK, Siam Ocean World and Busan Aquarium. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.