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Posted on 10/01/2002 2:17:31 PM PDT by Tancred
World-famous violinist Vanessa-Mae will in future carry a Thai passport when on tour.
Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Tej Bunnag yesterday presented a Thai passport to the violinist under the name Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn, whose biological father is Thai.
Ms Vanessa-Mae, who turns 24 on Oct 27, said she was excited to have a Thai passport along with her British one.
She normally goes by the name Vanessa-Mae Nicholson, the family name of her British step-father.
``It is fantastic to be out there half-Thai, and now carrying a Thai passport,'' said the musician during a classic repertoire at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre yesterday.
The violinist said she might in future move to Thailand, as she liked the country, especially Koh Samui.
The passport was issued on Sept 29 and valid until Sept 28, 2004. Vanessa-Mae was one of 5,000 people (national athletes and King's scholarship students) who received a passport free of charge.
A senior ministry official helped facilitate her application and the ministry approved the no-fee because she is a celebrity with Thai blood and brought fame to Thailand.
Race car driver:
Sex goddess:
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