On 4 December 2023, 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.

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 highlighted cordial and amiable relations between Thailand and Denmark which has lasted long for more than 400 years since the first contact. This year also marks the 165th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in which a series of activities were organized throughout the year by the Embassy together with Danish counterparts in many cities in Denmark to celebrate such occasion. She also mentioned on the success of the 6th Thai-Danish Political Consultation held in Bangkok in last October where both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas. The Ambassador further highlighted the Thai government’s economic policy which aims to support green industry, digital economy, logistics infrastructure and sustainable tourism to serve as the new economic engines and that provides ample opportunities between Thailand and Denmark to expand trade and investment and diversify cooperation in the areas of mutual interests to achieve sustainability in all aspects.

The Ambassador also informed the audience that this year, Thailand was rewarded the “Best travel country outside Europe” at Danish Travel Awards 2023 and congratulated the Scandinavian Airlines for resumption of direct flights between Copenhagen and Bangkok which complements Thai Airways daily direct flights and will help boost connectivity, trade and tourism between Thailand and Denmark and people to people contact between Thais and Danes.

Her Excellency took this opportunity to thank the Thai community for cooperating and supporting the activities of the Embassy which has greatly helped promote relations between Thailand and Denmark throughout the year. In addition, she also delivered a royal message from His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand on the occasion of granting an audience to Thai Ambassadors and Consuls General around the world on 24 November 2023 blessing the Thai communities abroad with love and well wishes and that His Majesty is proud of them for preserving the Thai identity and being a good representative of the country and the Thai society.

In the end of the speech, Her Excellency the Ambassador invited all the guests to join in a toast for the good health and happiness of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and Her Majesty Queen Margrethe the Second of Denmark.

The Ambassador’s remark was followed by the performance of royal compositions of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great by Asst. Prof. Krit Buranavitayawut, a saxophonist, and Mr. Darin Pantoomkomol, a jazz pianist from the College of Music, Mahidol University together with Mr. Jakob Dinesen, a renown Danish saxophonist and Mrs. Yasmin Kierkegaard, a vocalist. In addition, Thai traditional “Kinnaree” dance was also performed during the reception by Thai performers from the Thai community in Copenhagen.

There were around 200 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. All the guests were entertained by a selection of Thai food namely Tom Yum Soup with Shrimp (Tom Yum Goong) and a set of Thai curries, including Beef in Panang Curry, Pork in Massaman Curry, and Chicken in Green Curry served with Thai Hom-Mali rice (premium Thai jasmine rice) as well as food such as Isaan sausage, fish cakes, fried shrimp rolls and fried vegetable spring rolls. There was also a demonstration of Thai Steamed Chicken Dumpling (Khao Griab Pak Moh) and Steamed Tapioca Balls with Chicken Filling by the Ambassador’s Head Chef. Wide array of Thai desserts was also prepared and provided in the reception with support of members of the Thai community in Copenhagen.