Diplomatic Events

 

A showcase displaying exquisite and ornate Thai sculptures and ornaments was exhibited.

 

A photo booth showing "Chut Thai:Dressing the Nation in Heritage" of Thai national costumes developed under Queen Sikit's vision to promote cultural identity and foster national pride through eight distinct styles of traditional dress being on Unesco's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

 

Part of the buffet included sculptures of watermelons, sweet melons and pumpkin sculptures making an impression on everyone present.

 

A Thai Street Food station serving a vegetarian dish was also impressively decorated.   

 

Guests were invited to enter a hall where the official ceremony took place.

 

A stage with traditional Thai classical instruments and a booth displaying portraits of the Royal Thai family was ubiquitously decorated by white and yellow flowers.  

 

The evening's Master of Ceremonies and the Representative of Thai Tourism in Israel, Mr. Imri Kalmann said that the evening not only marked the Kingdom's national day but was a tribute honouring the warm, longstanding friendship between the people of Thailand and Israel. A minute's silence was observed commemorating Her Majesty Queen Sirkit, the Queen Mother's demise followed by a short video in remembrance of Her Majesty and her lifelong.dedication to strengthen Thailand's foreign relations. 

 

A brief video presentation introducing Thai cuisine and the "Thai Select" certification - a mark of authenticity awarded by Thailand's Ministry of Commerce. "Thai Select" certificates were awarded to restaurants recognized this year namely Nam Restaurant, Chatuchak Restaurant and Thai Street Food restaurant. A lucky draw was sponsored by Bangkok Airways and a video celebrating the growing people - to - people connections between Thailand and Israel as we anticipate the digital era in the future was shown. 

 

Certificates of Appreciation were awarded by the Ambassador to outstanding individuals and groups who have made meaningful contributions to the welfare and mutual benefit of relations between Thailand and Israel. One of the recipients, Mr. Dov Kalmann, the Master of Ceremonies father, has been the Royal Thai Embassy's Marketing Manager for many years. 

 

The Ambassador started his speech saying that Thai national day is celebrated on the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, who is widely revered for his lifelong dedication as a working Monarch. The impact of His Majesty's work has been felt beyond our borders. In recognition of his global legacy, the United Nations annually designated the 5th of December as World Soil Day to honour his contribution to sustainable soil management laying the foundation for agricultural prosperity in Thailand. Under the vision of King Rama ix, the foundations of agricultural cooperation between Thailand and Israel were laid by the establishment of the Hoob Krapong Learning Centre in 1955 by the Government of Israel based on the MASHAV model thus becoming the first concrete partnership between our two nations. Thousands of young Thai farmers have participated in internship programmes in Israel under the auspices of MASHAV. Today, of the 60 000 Thai workers in Israel, 45 000 work in agriculture, nearly double the number before the 7th of October 2023. 

 

In our hearts we have not forgotten the 46 Thai farm workers who lost their lives nor the 31 that were brutally taken hostage by Hamas. Yesterday, our Thai compatriot, Mr. Sudhisak Rinthalak's body was returned. We also await the return of the last remaining dead Israeli hostage. Let this be a moment to serve as a turning point - one where Thailand and Israel can move forward and renew our focus on advancing cooperation in science, technology and innovation. 

 

Recent Holocaust research has revealed that between 1940 and 1941 the Consul of Siam in Marseilles issued hundreds of visas and travel documents to Jewish individuals. As we enter the 72nd year of diplomatic relations our cooperation continues to flourish. This enduring friendship is also reflected by the four elephants donated in 1994 by the Royal Thai government at the request of the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. 

 

Our Embassy continues to advance cultural ties as demonstrated by the initiative of book diplomacy featuring works of His Majesty King Rama vi which was donated to the National Library of Israel. and the provision of special equipment to Keren Or Jerusalem Centre for Blind Children. This year, we expect to welcome 400 000 Israeli visitors to Thailand, a 41% increase from last year. The Thai Tourism Authority's reputation for being open and inclusive, commits to promote tourism for the LGBT community, as in our country everyone is welcome.

 

In 2024, bilateral trade surpassed $1.33 billion and we are confident that this upward trajectory will continue. We are committed in our support for Thai food producers in accessing the kosher market. Thailand is one of south east Asia's leading industrial economies. and we warmly invite Israeli investors to join us as we advance into the digital era. Thailand stands ready to support new ventures in trade, investment, startups, science, technology and innovation due to our strategic geographic location, skilled workforce, pro - investment policies, generous tax incentives and investor friendly environment.     

 

We are honoured to host a high profile delegation from Naresuan University, present this evening, to advance in the commercialization of science and technology. Later this week we will welcome a delegation from Thailand' Space Agency.

 

Lastly, allow me to extend my heartfelt wishes for the health and happiness of King Rama the 10th as well as for the President of the State of Israel and for the continued prosperity and enduring friendship between our nations. 

 

Guests were invited to raise their glasses in a toast.

 

Mr. Israel Raif, Honorary Consul of Thailand in Israel and Chairman of Afcon Holdings and Shlomo Real Estate gave a brief address stating his commitment to building stronger ties between Israel and Thailand. He also said that he was thankful for the return of all the hostages and eagerly awaiting the return of the last dead hostage.  

 

The national anthems of both countries were sung followed by a performance of classical Thai music by a duo.            

 

The George's Food and Beverage Manager, Mr. Michael Barsky supervised the service. An array of Thai food including chicken in mild coconut curry with potatoes and peanuts, crispy rice served with tofu with lime, ginger and peanuts, tender grilled chicken accompanied by a mild curry sauce, crispy rolls filled with mixed vegetables and glass noodles, fresh pomelo with herbs, nuts and lime dressing and for dessert sticky rice and mango ice cream was offered. 

 

 

Among the many guests which included Ambassadors, State Officials, Diplomats was, H.E. Mr. Gil Haskel - Chief of State Protocol, Mr. Shlomo Eshed - President of Israel's Precious Stones and Diamond Exchange, H.E. Mr. Michael Ronen - a retired diplomat having previously worked in the Foreign Ministry's Asian Division, Mr. Gideon Thaler - President of Tal Aviation, Prof. Yossi Beilin - former Minister of Justice, Mr. Ran Rahav - Honorary Consul of the Marshall Islands in Israel and Chairman of Ran Rahav Communications, Mr. Avi Nakash - a businessman, Ms. Sabine Segal - The Israel Export Institute's CEO for International Business, Lt. Col (Res) Tiran Attia - CEO of an NGO "Special in Uniform", Ms. Nili Block - Self Defence Workshop Motivational Speaker, Rabbi Yanki Hoffman - Carrefour's Head of Kosher Regulation in Israel, Mr. Ron Doron - Vice President of Israel - Asia Chamber of Commerce, Mr. and Mrs. Moris Reyna - Mrg Group and Honorary Chairman of the Israel - Turkey Business Forum, Assoc. Prof. Sarintip Tantanee - Acting President of Naresuan University, Dr. Charatdao Kongmuang - Naresuan University's Vice President for Student, Alumni and Art - Culture Development and last but not least Asst. Prof. Kumpon Subsomboon - Naresuan University's  Dean of Engineering. 

 

Diplomacy.co.il  wishes His Majesty King Rama 10th a long and good life, prosperity and peace for Thailand and our best wishes to the Ambassador and Embassy staff for having hosted a national day with inimitable flavour and ambiance.