07 Mar Abracadabra! It’s a win For Hanky Panky

THE NATION | By editorial

THAILAND-BASED MAGIC box maker Hanky Panky Toys has been recognised with a prestigious Merlin Award, the first time a non-magician has ever won and a significant milestone for the family-run 55-year old firm originally from The Netherlands.

The award, considered the equivalent of an Oscar, of was originally scheduled to be presented to Jack Monshouwer Hanky Panky Toys at the annual Thailand International Magic Extravaganza 2016, but the event was postponed following the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Instead, the award was presented to the company by the International Magician’s Society in a private ceremony on January 13. “We have always felt a part of the global magic family,” says founder Monshouwer, who first set up shop in The Netherlands back in 1961 before relocating to Thailand in 1998, “but this certainly secures our position in Thailand. We couldn’t be more pleased! “Parents understand the power of our magic boxes. As well as giving children their first taste of magic, they provide the ultimate platform to develop their eye and hand coordination and confidence through role play.”