November 2015: Historic links between Thailand and Belgium and particularly their royal families are celebrated many activities, some of which are being patronised by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, HRH Princess Somsawali and HRH Princess Esmeralda of Belgium with her husband Sir Salvador Moncada.
Events include a photographic exhibition, the unveiling of commemorative brooches created by Bangkok jewellery designers, an economic forum and a showcase of Belgium’s much-loved chocolate. “For this event, we decided to just celebrate what matters the most – the friendship that links Thailand and Belgium,” uttered Count Gerald van Der Straten Ponthoz, chairman of the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation, which is organising the celebrations.
“Our two countries have always enjoyed good relations, and the friendship between the Belgian and Thai Royal families has never faded. Friendship is what this year’s event is about, and there is also an important charity aspect to it, which is aimed at raising funds for the construction of Border Patrol Police schools in remote areas of Thailand.”
The exhibition itself was opened on 3 November by HRH Princess Sirindhorn who is fluent in French, and most recently visited Belgium in December 2014 to attend the obsequies of Queen Dowager Fabiola of Belgium. Her last visit to The Netherlands was to attend the investiture of HM King Willem-Alexander together with her brother the Crown Prince.
The same day, HRH Princess Esmeralda of Belgium, Lady Moncada, arrived in Thailand to preside together with HRH Princess Soamsawali the “Thai-Belgian Commemorative Brooches Gala Dinner” at the Plaza Athénée Hotel at Bangkok.
The trip to Thailand for Princess Esmeralda and her husband Sir Salvador Moncada came at the invitation of the Chao Phya Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation created by the Belgian Gustave Rolin-Jaequemyns, who served as adviser to King Rama V between 1892 and 1901.
For more information:
Thai-Belgian Friendship Year 2015: www.facebook.com/thaibelgianfriendship2015
Thai mission to the EU, Royal Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg, H.E. Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool: www2.thaiembassy.be
Royal Thai Embassy to The Netherlands, Mission to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong: www.thaiembassy.org/hague
