A reception on the Occasion of the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, and Thailand’s[...]

Ms. Prangtip Kanchanahattakij, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim (CDA) of the Royal Thai Embassy, led a reception at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, marking the auspicious occasions of His Majesty's Birthday Anniversary, Thailand's National Day, and Father's Day.

H.E. Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, is the Guest of Honour for the said reception. The event was also graced by the esteemed presence of, for example, H.E. Mr. KONO Taro, Minister for Digital Transformation; H.E. Mr. AISAWA Ichiro, Chairman of Japan-Thailand Parliamentarians' Friendship League; H.E. Mr. YAMAGUCHI Natsuo, Chief Representative of New Komeito Party and Member of the House of Councillors; Mr. KITAYAMA Teisuke, President of Japan-Thailand Association, Chairman of Japan-Thailand Business Forum and Senior Advisor to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC); H.E. Mr. SHIONOYA Ryu, Member of the House of Representatives; H.E. Mr. MIYAZAKI Masahisa, Member of the House of Representatives; Mr. SHIKIDA Hiroaki, Chairman of the Kanagawa Prefectural Assembly Japan-Thailand Friendship League; and Mr. ARAI Isao, Royal Thai Honorary Consul in Sapporo . The event was attended by over 700 distinguished guests, including diplomats and representatives from Japanese government and business sectors related to Thailand.

The vibrant celebration showcased the rich of Thai culture through captivating traditional dance performances, including Ornsorn Bangfai and Nora dance by the Thai dance troupe "Baan Rabam." Attendees were treated to an array of delicious Thai cuisine and diverse Thai products, generously supported by Thai entrepreneurs in Japan. The Bangkok Glee Club choir, who are Japanese once working in Thailand, added a harmonious touch by singing both the Thai royal anthem and the Japanese national anthem during the opening ceremony.

In her opening remarks, CDA Prangtip underscored the significance of December 5, the elevation of the relation between Thailand and Japan to be Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the importance of economic ties as well as people-to-people relationship between the two countries. She also emphasized the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation this year. She described the Thailand-Japan relations using the term "Joui-tougou" and "Ishin-denshin" conveying the essence of trust and heart-to-heart connection.

Addressing the gathering, H.E. Mr. HORII highlighted the enduring bonds between Thailand and Japan across all levels. He acknowledged the deep historical connections between the royal families of both nations and referenced the recent visit of H.E. Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, to Bangkok in October 2023. During this visit, H.E. Ms. KAMIKAWA met with H.E. Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

The evening concluded with H.E. Mr. HORII proposing a toast to Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand, while CDA Prangtip raised a toast to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

This celebratory event not only commemorated the special occasions but also reinforced the enduring friendship and collaboration between Thailand and Japan.