Grand Gala by Thailand to mark 75 years of ties with India
Ambassador Pattarat Hongtong spoke of the rapid growth of business relations between India and Thailand (Photo: Aman Kanojiya/ MIG)
Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Indian Independence, India and Thailand are also celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with each other. On this occasion, the Embassy of Thailand organised a high-profile reception in New Delhi yesterday under the theme, The 75th Anniversary: Celebrating Indo-Thai Friendship.
Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, was present at the reception as the chief guest. In his address, Singh highlighted the recent developments in the bilateral ties and also referred to the age-old ties that the two countries have shared over several centuries. He also spoke of the similarities in the two cultures and how both the countries share numerous festivals and celebrations.
Ambassador of Thailand to India Pattarat Hongtong spoke of the rapid growth of business relations between India and Thailand. “On the political side, relations are closer and friendly at all levels. There have been regular visits from the Royal Thai family, exchanges of visits between Head of Governments, Ministers, and high-level officers from various agencies paving the opportunities for a closer cooperation in all areas such as military, security, trade and investment, culture and education. The ties between Thailand and India also extended to sub-regional, regional and multilateral levels, including Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, BIMSTEC and ASEAN-India,” Hongtong told the gathering.
The military and security relations between the two nations are also constructive with regular high-level meetings and joint training and exercises between Army, Navy, and Air Forces from both sides. This year, the 6th Thailand-India Foreign Office Consultations was convened in New Delhi in April which will be followed by the 9th Joint Commission Meeting to be held in Bangkok later this month. Both high-level meetings will help to lay down ways forward to further enhance the dynamic cooperation and joint mechanisms in all areas, says a press release by the Thai Embassy.
“Despite the great challenge posted by Covid-19 pandemic during the past two years, the friendship and cooperation between the two countries remain strong and resilient. Thailand stood by India during the second wave of Covid-19 in April last year with the delivery of the medical supplies including the oxygen cylinders and concentrators from Their Majesties the King and the Queen of Thailand. Likewise, India also supported Thailand with the same in times of crisis,” Hongtong added.
She highlighted that the economic front the relations have also progressed over the decades. “India is Thailand’s largest trading partner in South Asia and the 11th worldwide. Our trade volume in 2021 reached almost USD 15 billion, an all-time high. Currently, there are around 38 Thai companies investing in India in the fields of infrastructure, housing, agro-processing and automotive,” she said.
Along with Thai food crafted by prominent Thai chefs from Michelin starred restaurant in Bangkok, the reception also showcased a wide range of cultural performances by a renowned Thai dance troupe.
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Aside from this event, the embassy of Thailand is also organising a series of events and activities throughout this year, to commemorate both the country’s long historic bond and strong partnership. These series of event will reflect the multi-faceted cooperation between both sides including culture, tourism, economic and food.
India and Thailand have had historical and cultural roots dating back more than thousand years ago (Photo: Aman Kanojiya/ MIG)
The textile seminar and exhibition that was held in Varanasi, Kolkata, and Delhi last month is also part of the series along with the upcoming painting exhibition supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in this month, says the press release. The Embassy also plans to bring young entrepreneurs from the North Eastern Region of India to visit Thailand in September. The Thai Consulate-Generals in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai, as well as Team Thailand offices, have also initiated various activities to celebrate this special occasion.
In cooperation with the Oberoi Hotel, the Embassy of Thailand has also organised a Thai Food Week from July 30 to August 7, by the same group of chefs at the 360° restaurant. This is another chance for Thai food-lovers to try the authentic fine Thai cuisine in New Delhi.
Thailand and India have always maintained their close relations as strategic partners. “The numerous events organised throughout this year for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand-India diplomatic relations will mark another significant step in enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries,” says Hongtong.
Before the two countries established their diplomatic relations, India and Thailand have had historical and cultural roots dating back more than thousand years ago. When speaking about religion, one remarkable tie that connects Thai people to India is Buddhism. Thousands of Thais have made their pilgrimages to India every year to pay respect to the Lord Buddha’s sacred places, adds the press release.
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Thailand now remains India’s favorite travel destination taking 5 years, from 2015 to 2019, for the number of Indian tourists heading to Thailand to be doubled, from 1.03 million to nearly 2 million. Currently, India ranks first among international air travellers to Thailand during the first of half this year.
