Thailand National Day 2015

On the picture H. E. Mr Ittiporn Boonpracong, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

By Joe Ray.

Diplomats, dignitaries, and distinguished individuals from The Hague’s international community gathered at the Worldhotel Bel Air on 4 December to celebrate Thailand National Day.
The delightful evening of sumptuous cuisine and exquisite traditional music was arranged by the Thai Embassy in The Hague to mark the 88th birthday of His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand and figurehead of the Thai nation for some 65 years.

For a photo album on Thailand National Day, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/with/72157660303927574

H. E. Mr Ittiporn Boonpracong, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, began his remarks by thanking the hundreds of guests for their attendance, and commenting on the good fortune of a mild and dry evening for the occasion after some ten days of rain.

He continued:
“We are here this evening to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His Majesty’s name means ‘Saint of the Land’ in Thai, and he has certainly lived up to the title. His life-long devotion to improving the quality of life of the Thai people has been widely recognised and welcomed, both in Thailand and around the world.”
“His Majesty has initiated more than 4000 developmental projects in the country, including economic projects, the alleviation of drought and floods, and the protection of the environment. In 2006, he was presented with an award by the UN Development Programme, and was described by Kofi Annan as the ‘world’s development king’.”

Ambassador Boonpracong also noted the outstanding ties between his country and the Netherlands: “I would like to extend my appreciation of the strong, stable, and growing ties between Thailand and the Netherlands, which have now existed for four hundred and eleven years – yes, four hundred and eleven.”
“Our countries have developed very close links diplomatically, economically, and between our two royal families. I look forward to these strong relations flourishing even further in the years to come.”

At the conclusion of his remarks, the Ambassador was joined by guests in toasting the friendship and cooperation between Thailand and the Netherlands, and the good health and happiness of Their Majesties, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.

For information: http://www.thaiembassy.org/hague