On 2 December 2022, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata hosted a reception on the occasion of the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, and Thailand's Father's Day on 5 December 2022 at The Park, Kolkata. The reception was graced by Dr. Saumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of West Bengal, as the Chief Guest and well attended by members of Consular Corps, public and private sectors, Friends of Thailand, and Thai Nationals residing in Kolkata.

On this occasion, Ms. Acharapan Yavaprapas, Consul-General of Thailand delivered a speech underlining the importance of three auspicious occasions, especially in remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. The Consul-General cited His Majesty’s legacy and dedication to Thailand’s national development through various Royal Projects based on the notion of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) aiming to achieve a sustainable and better quality of life for Thai people.

The Consul-General also highlighted the long-standing, friendly, and comprehensive relations between Thailand and India, especially as this special year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. There have been activities to celebrate this auspicious occasion in both countries including exchange of high-ranking visits and series of commemorative events throughout the year.

In celebrating this auspicious year, the Consulate-General have carried out various projects; namely the inauguration of Thai Gallery at Rabindra Bharati University, textile exhibition and seminar under the theme “Thailand & India: A Journey of Friendship through Textile at Rabindranath Tagore Center, the inauguration of Thai Book Corner at Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC), and the handover of medical
equipment as a contribution to hospitals in Darjeeling and Bodhgaya. Subsequent to her speech, Dr. Saumitra Mohan gave his remarks by commending the longstanding relations between Thailand and India including the Buddhism propagation that has demonstrated itself through various Buddhist temples in Kolkata.

Last but not least, the guests enjoyed Thai cultural performance by Thai students in Kolkata and video presentation about the Consulate-General’s activities throughout the year, tourism promotion by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thai fruit carving as well as a wide variety of Thai food such as Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), Tom Yum Gung (Hot and sour prawn soup), Tod Mun Pla (Thai fish cake) and Thai green curry.