AN ‘Experience Thailand Fair’ is currently being organised by the Thai consulate in Penang at the BSG Sales Gallery in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Among the many visitors to the fair today was Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was shown around the various stalls by Thai consul general in Penang Raschada Jiwalai.
Chow (second from right) admiring Thai pizzas being sold at a booth. With him is Siraphob (wearing white mask, centre). Below: A close-up of the pizzas.
Chow also enjoyed sampling some of the Thai food and drinks as he went from stall to stall.
Jiwalai said: “We used to have a Thai fair in Penang every year, except for the past three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In the past, the honourable CM also came to the fair and it is an honour that he comes again.
“In Thailand, everything is back to normal, especially in the south such as Haadyai and Songkhla. We expect that the people may no longer be required to wear a mask by next month.
Khaw explaining to Chow the food being sold at one of the stalls.
“We would like to welcome Malaysians, especially Penangites, to Thailand. Not just only for tourism, but also for business and investment.
“So, we hold this event just to give an opportunity to Penangites to experience Thailand after the Covid era.
“We brought food from the southern part of Thailand, especially mango with sticky rice. The mangoes are from the northern part of Thailand.
“Besides this, we have the handicraft which was skilfully made by the Academy of Fine Arts in Thailand on display. Those who want can order the items.”
Jiwalai also thanked BSG Group of Companies for providing the grounds for the fair to be held, saying that it was part of the cooperation between the Thai consulate in Penang and the private sector.
There are stalls selling Thai coconut ice cream, durian/mango with sticky rice, mango with sweet fish sauce, Khao Klut Kapi (shrimp paste fried rice), Thai laksa, Sanbao oil, crispy tempe, crispy glutinous rice, Thai tea with milk, soft coconut waffles and many more.
One of the stalls, called Siam Scents, selling natural skin care products was operated by Penangite Richard Yong. He has has settled in Haadyai for over 20 years. Helping him was his daughter Vilin.
Another stall was operated by The Prima Food (M) Sdn Bhd, which sells frozen dim sum and Chinese tea. Also present at the stall were its director C.H. Tan and executive John Phoon.
Among those present at the fair today were Siraphob Duang Sod Sri (the adviser to Thailand Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn), Haadyai chief district officer Chawakit Suwankiri, Betong mayor Sagoon Lenlakkun, Tourism Authority of Thailand (Malaysia & Brunei) director Nongyao Jirundorn, BSG Group director Ester Lim, Thai consul general in Penang adviser Grace Khaw, Penang Chinese Town Hall deputy president cum Penang Fujian Merchants Association president Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai and Penang Fujian Merchants Association legal adviser Lim Choo Hooi.
The three-day ‘Experience Thailand Fair’, which started yesterday, ends tomorrow. It is held from 11am to 7pm.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar