BANGKOK, Thailand – The Milo Award made its international debut in Bangkok in October 2026, promoting animal welfare, diversity, and compassion through cultural and educational activities connecting Thailand and Italy. Organized by the Italian Cultural Institute Bangkok and its partners to celebrate the 26th Week of the Italian Language in the World, the event featured the Thai translation of “Milo, the Cat Who Couldn’t Jump” by Italian author and journalist Costanza Rizzacasa d’Orsogna.
Established in Italy by Rizzacasa d’Orsogna, the Italian Animal Protection Agency, and Corriere della Sera’s Corriere Animali, the award honors Milo, a kitten born with a neurological condition affecting his movement and balance who died in 2024. His story encourages acceptance of differences and compassion for animals with disabilities. The Bangkok edition involved several cultural, educational, and animal welfare organizations, including the Neilson Hays Library, Reading Italy, Soi Dog Foundation, and Bangkok Community Help Foundation.
Around 30 children ages 7 to 12 from communities including Khlong Toei and Rom Klao, along with children from international families, participated in workshops exploring empathy, resilience, and animal rescue. They created illustrated posters that portrayed physical challenges as unique abilities and displayed them at the historic Neilson Hays Library. Other activities included literary discussions, a podcast appearance, and a session with students at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Arts.
The program concluded with a panel discussion at Asok Pethouse on animal adoption and responsible pet ownership. Moderated by Kittiporn Rodvanich of the Italian Cultural Institute Bangkok, the discussion featured Rizzacasa d’Orsogna and representatives from animal rescue groups, veterinary institutions, and community organizations. (NNT)
