On 3 December 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Copenhagen hosted a reception at the Vesterhavet Hall, Copenhagen Marriott Hotel, to celebrate the auspicious 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. There were around 230 guests attended the reception, consisting of diplomatic corps, representatives from Danish public and private sectors, Friends of Thailand from various circles, and representatives of the Thai community in Denmark.
H.E. Mrs. Sirilak Niyom, Ambassador of Thailand to Denmark, delivered a speech in recognition of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great’s lifelong dedication for the improvement of the country and the better living of the Thai people by initiating more than 4,000 sustainable development projects. She also highlighted the friendship between Thailand and Denmark which has lasted long for more than 400 years since the first contact and 166 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, marking Denmark as Thailand’s oldest friend in Northern Europe. Both countries enjoyed the close relations at all levels from the ties between two Royal families to the close connectivity between peoples.
The Ambassador emphasised on bilateral cooperation which expanded to cover a wide range of areas. There are also plenty of opportunities for Thailand and Denmark to further enhance collaboration by taking advantage of Thailand’s proactive economic policy to boost the country's competitiveness and its OECD accession process to upgrade the country to become an advanced economy.
She highlighted Thailand's reputation in tourism and culture, emphasizing that Bangkok has been featured in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 and Thailand has also been declared “2025 Destination of the Year” by US travel magazine Travel + Leisure. The number of Danish tourists visiting Thailand in 2024 is expected to reach 140,000 by the end of the year, making Thailand the top choice for winter getaways of the Danes.
The Ambassador also introduced the Thai delicacies served at the event, which are popular and world-famous, namely Chicken Curry Noodles (Khao Soi), Stir fried duck with Thai basil (Phat Kaphrao), Steamed salmon in red curry custard (Hormok), Beef in Massaman Curry, and Chicken with Cashew nuts including Thai Jasmine rice (Hommli) as well as various Thai appetizers prepared by chefs from the Thai Ambassador’s Residence. Wide array of Thai desserts were also provided in the reception with support of members of the Thai community in Copenhagen.
Her Excellency also took this opportunity to bid farewell to all the guests on the occasion of her completion of duty and expressed gratitude for their cooperation with the Royal Thai Embassy. She also thanked Thai community for being good representatives of Thailand which has helped promoted close relations between Thailand and Denmark.
At the end of her speech, the Ambassador invited all to join in a toast for the good health and happiness of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark.
The reception also featured Thai traditional music performance of solo Ranat Ek (Thai xylophone), together with Taphon (Thai traditional drum) by young artists from the Moradok Mai Theatre Group, along with the playing of Ching (cymbals) by Thai musician from the Thai community. In addition, Thai traditional dances were performed during the reception by young students from the Rak Thai School in Copenhagen.