Bangkok (27.01.2024): Embassy of India in Bangkok hosted a reception to celebrate of 75th Republic Day of India on January 26, 2024. In a special gesture and extremely rare appearance for the Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin who graced the occasion.
India and Thailand are civilizational neighbours with shared interests in strengthening the bilateral ties in all its dimensions. A rare appearance by the Thai PM at a National Day event is a reflection of Thailand’s keen interest to further intensify engagement with India and to take this relationship to a higher trajectory.
The event was attended by over a 1000 guests from Royal Thai Government, businesses, media, academia, the diplomatic corps, and members of Indian community in Thailand. Minister of Culture of Thailand Sermsak Pongpanit was the Chief Guest. In his remarks, he greeted the Government and the people of India on this important occasion and spoke about strong linguistic, religious and cultural connect between India and Thailand which forms the foundation for deeper bilateral ties in contemporary times.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Nagesh Singh (IFS: 1995) underlined the deep connection between Buddhism and democracy in ancient India and India’s phenomenal progress as a democracy navigating multiple challenges. He highlighted the opportunities and the imperatives to intensify bilateral ties between India and Thailand in areas including political exchanges, economy and trade, defence and security, education and culture, for the benefit of the peoples of both the countries.
Another highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing performance of Ramayana, known as Ramakien in Thailand, in a fusion between Bharatnatyam and Khon style from Thailand. This dance recital was presented by Ekkalak Nu-Ngoen along with a group of students from the Faculty of Music and Drama, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute in Bangkok. The retelling of the timeless epic depicting the glory of Lord Ram in seamless harmony blending traditional dance forms of both countries received wide appreciation.
The timeless epic of Ramayana holds a very special place both in India and Thailand. It has been adapted as Ramakien in Thailand. It is a story of Lord Rama, the Prince of Ayodhya or Ayutthaya. In the Thai adaptation, Lord Rama becomes Phra Ram. Both versions, however, extol the same virtues of sacrifice, duty, devotion, and triumph of good over evil. This epic is an exemplar of shared cultural conscious of India and Thailand as similar values are cherished in both cultures.
