New Delhi— The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi marked the National Day of Thailand, the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, and Thailand’s Father’s Day with a grand reception attended by over 500 guests from the diplomatic, governmental, cultural, and media sectors.
The event, hosted by H.E. Ms Chavanart Thangsumphant, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of India, underscored the deepening partnership between Thailand and India. In her remarks, the Ambassador celebrated the recent milestone in bilateral relations: the elevation of ties to a Thailand–India Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister H.E. Shri Narendra Modi’s official visit to Thailand for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok earlier this year.
The chief guest, Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, spoke warmly of the enduring friendship between the two nations — a bond rooted in shared civilisational, cultural, religious, and linguistic heritage.
This year’s celebration was imbued with a tone of respect and remembrance as Thailand observes a national mourning period following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. Attendees joined in watching a short documentary on Her Majesty’s lifelong dedication to preserving Thai cultural heritage, followed by a solemn minute of silence.
Among the most admired features of the evening was a special exhibit at the reception entrance showcasing portraits of Queen Sirikit dressed in the eight types of traditional Thai attire, Chud Thai Phra Rajaniyom— a national cultural hallmark introduced by the Queen. Guests also enjoyed a unique AI-powered photo booth that allowed them to visualise themselves wearing these elegant traditional garments.
The royal initiative to promote Thailand’s traditional dress continues to resonate internationally, with efforts spearheaded by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya aiming for recognition on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2026.
No Thai celebration would be complete without its famed culinary traditions, and guests were treated to an extensive buffet of Thai favourites, including live stations serving Pad Thai, Som Tum, Tom Yum, Isaan-style sausages, and Pad Krapao — dishes that provided a flavorful taste of Thailand’s rich gastronomic heritage.
The evening in New Delhi was not only a commemoration of Thailand’s National Day but also a reflection of the long-standing warmth between Thailand and India, promising deeper cultural and diplomatic engagement in the years ahead.
