Apirak on Wednesday signed a cooperation agreement with representatives from women's organizations including the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women, the Friends of Woman Foundation to promote Bangkok as a safe city for women.

The BMA and women's-related organizations would also jointly fight against all type of violence towards women and children, Apirak was quoted by the Thai News Agency as saying.

The governor said the BMA has already initiated a"help line" to tackle problems of violence against women and children.

Wednesday the Bangkok municipality also observed International Women's Day by recognizing outstanding women who take leading roles in varied aspects of city development, including the environment, community funding, cultural conservation, social welfare and narcotic suppression.

Meanwhile, Thailand's Ministry of Social Development and Human Security Wednesday awarded seven outstanding women, a foundation and the media to recognize their hard work, which has brought changes to society. Enditem