IN conjunction with the National Day of Thailand and the birthday anniversary of its late King Bhumibol Adulyadej which falls on December 5, a reception was held at the Evergreen Laurel Hotel this evening which was attended by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The late King Bhumibol’s birthday was also marked as Father’s Day in Thailand as he was seen by many as the symbolic father of the Thais.
“Penang enjoys long-standing warm relations with the Kingdom of Thailand no doubt rooted in
our shared historical links, the present community of Penangites with Siamese ancestry and of course, the active involvement by the Royal Thai Consulate-General here in organising many activities.
“We have also had the honour of hosting Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Princess Royal of Thailand several times in recent years.
“I certainly look forward to more opportunities in strengthening the bonds of friendship between Thailand and Penang as well as the continuous progress for both in the fields of economy and culture,”
“May I now invite all of you to join me in a toast for the good health of His majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, members of the House of Chakri and for the prosperity of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand and her people,” said Chow at the reception before joining the dignitaries present for a toast of honour.
Also present were the consul-general of Thailand in Penang Raschada Jiwalai, members of the Penang state Executive Council, consul-general of the People’s Republic of China Lu Shiwei, consul-general of the Republic of Indonesia Iwanshah Wibisono, consul-general of Japan Shinichiro Kanoya, and members of the diplomatic corps in Penang.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting