By Roy Lie Atjam
On 2 December 2022, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand H.E. Mr Chatri Archjananun and his spouse Mrs Nataya Archjananun invited fellow Ambassadors, government representatives, the business community, friends of Thailand and many others to celebrate the 2022 Thai National Day. Many responded positively and joined the festive reception.
The evening was animated by the “Thai Music Circle in the Netherlands” with their sweet-sounding music. The ensemble also gave renditions of the anthem of Thailand and the Netherlands. An authentic Thai buffet followed. The welcome remarks were delivered by H.E. Mr. Chatri Archjananun, Ambassador.
“It is the National Day of Thailand, and Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, whom we regard as “the Father of the Nation”. With over 70 year of the late King’s devotion to the development of Thailand and well-being of the people of Thailand, therefore the day also marks as the Father’s Day. His lifelong work of sustainable development earn international recognition. The United Nations General Assembly marked the 5th of December to be designated as the World Soil Day.
The Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have long span of cordial diplomatic relation since early 17th century when the first Siam envoy was sent to the Netherlands. It is founded on strong bonds between the two Royal Families till today. Thailand and the Netherlands have long shared common values. Both countries govern under constitutional monarchy with vibrant and open society. We enjoy geographical similarities. We both are leading food exporters, and are hybrid nations of being in the mainland with maritime connectivity. Despite the physical distancing in the past years, Thailand and the Netherlands cooperation continue unabated. Many people-to-people activities were held. Just to name a few.
First, Thailand’s participation in Floriade Expo. Monthly festivities promoting Thailand’s agriculture products from plant based food to design based on circular economy were held there.
Second, the Political Consultations were held in-person first time last month where both sides agreed 2 As of 1 December 2022 to advance cooperation in all dimensions including people to people.
Thirdly, the Water Mission of the Netherlands, which will visit Thailand next year to enhance the cooperation in water resource management. (I am pleased to note that a representative from Deltares is also here with us today).
As one of the founding members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN, we welcome the Netherlands’ accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in August this year. This demonstrates the Netherlands’ commitment in forging common principles of regional peace and stability. (I thank Director Karin of Department of Asia and Oceania for her contributions and continued support towards the Netherlands and ASEAN relation).
This year marks a special year for Thai’s regional diplomacy as Thailand successfully hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC Summit last month. Amidst the geopolitical tension and divergences among member economies, the APEC Ministers and Leaders at the end, came to adopt not one, but three outcome documents by consensus, including the Bangkok Goals on Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, the first APEC roadmap on sustainability.
With development cooperation, Thailand strives to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and will be ready to work together with other countries for tomorrow. Excellencies, In closing, I am honoured that the Mayor of The Hague will also join us today reception as I know that he is fond of Thai food. We have varieties of popular Thai dishes for you, please enjoy. As we will soon have more festivities to celebrate, my wife and I together with all our staff wish you a happy new year and enjoyable holidays.
Now, I would like to invite you to join me to toast for the good health and happiness of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of Thailand and His Majesty King Willem- Alexander of the Netherlands.”
An authentic Thai buffet concluded the 2022 edition of the Thai National Day.
