On 19 March 2013, H.E. Mr. Chalit Manityakul, Ambassador of Thailand to the Arab Republic of Egypt, inaugurated the 10^th Mini Soccer Cup Tournament, organized by the Thai Students’ Association in Cairo during 18 – 27 March 2013, at the Markas Shabab Madina Nasr Hayy Zadiz. The event is sponsored by the Royal Thai Embassy in Cairo, and 34 Thai student clubs have sent 40 teams to compete in the tournament.  The event attracts around 600 – 700 spectators per day.

     In his opening remarks, the Ambassador points out the significance of sport in enhancing harmony, strengthening community spirit, and promoting good health among Thai students who will play an important role in the Thai society in the future. The Royal Thai Embassy will continue to support activities that are benefitial for students’capacity building in this manner. In addition, as Egypt still faces political and economic challenges, affecting lives and safety of Thai students, the Ambassador asked the students to take extra caution in their daily living and confirmed the Embassy’s readiness in providing support to students in all aspects.

     The Mini Soccer Tournament is one of several projects that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and Royal Thai Embassy in Cairo have been supporting Thai students in Egypt, which now accounted around 2,500 and coming from all parts of Thailand, with the majority are from the South.  Asides from sponsoring sport and recreational activities, The Ministry and the Embassy also support students in academic and professional development as well as providing health and dental examination and treatment.