The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, hosted the National Day Reception at the emblematic and historic Hotel Des Indes in The Hague. The event was very well attended by members of the Dutch business community, representatives of the Thai diaspora, and the diplomatic corps.
This year’s celebration carried a tone of solemnity and respect. The ambassador and Thai diplomats welcomed guests in elegant black attire, honouring the passing of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit, who died at the age of 93 in October 2025. Before the start of the evening, a minute of silence was observed in her memory. Queen Mother Sirikit was the widow of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and mother of the current monarch, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mamanee highlighted the complexity of today’s geopolitical environment shaped by emerging technologies, the rise of the digital economy, and non-traditional security challenges such as climate change and pandemics. These developments, he noted, underscore the urgency of global cooperation, the need to establish shared norms, and the importance of ensuring that technological transformation remains inclusive.
Thailand, he emphasized, seeks to broaden and deepen its partnerships across all regions, supporting environmental protection, global stability, and the role of international law as an essential foundation for peace and sustainable development.
The ambassador recalled that the Netherlands is one of Thailand’s oldest friends. Last year, the two countries celebrated 420 years of diplomatic relations—an extraordinary history that continues to provide a solid basis for cooperation at the bilateral level and in international forums. Thailand is committed to elevating this partnership into the next century, with strengthened exchanges in trade and investment, technical collaboration, and people-to-people connectivity.
Economic ties were highlighted as a demonstration of the closeness between both nations. Thai businesses are more numerous in the Netherlands than in any other EU member state. A significant milestone was recently achieved with the signing of the Convention on the Elimination of Double Taxation by the two foreign ministers, a development that promises substantial benefits for both business communities and will further encourage investment flows.
The past year has also seen active high-level engagement, including several meetings between the Thai and Dutch foreign ministers in New York and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as successful political consultations held at Hotel Des Indes in October. These developments, Ambassador Mamanee said, reflect a dynamic and constructive relationship that continues to move toward concrete and mutually beneficial outcomes. Future cooperation will prioritize areas such as water management, clean energy, and high-technology industries.
People-to-people connections remain at the heart of bilateral relations. The ambassador highlighted the success of the Thailand Grand Festival 2025 held in July at Lange Voorhout, which brought the culture, cuisine, and warm hospitality of Thailand to more than 20,000 visitors.
He reaffirmed his commitment to continued engagement with the diplomatic community and international institutions in the Netherlands, before inviting guests to raise a toast to the good health and happiness of His Majesty the King of Thailand and His Majesty the King of the Netherlands.
The reception showcased an exquisite culinary experience prepared by the Embassy’s chef in collaboration with the Des Indes team. Over three hours, guests enjoyed a colourful programme featuring artistic performances, refined Thai dishes, and lively conversations among VIPs, diplomats, politicians, and guests—including an appearance by Miss Universe Netherlands.
Warm, generous, and rich in cultural expression, the celebration was a faithful reflection of Thailand’s renowned tradition of hospitality.
