Opening Remarks by Mr. Nopadol Gunavibool,
Ambassador of Thailand to Belgium and Luxembourg,
At “10th Essence of Thailand”, 6 September 2015, Place Dumon, Wouluwe-Saint-Pierre
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Mr. Benoit Cerexhe, Bourgmestre of Wouluwe-Saint-Pierre,
Excellencies,
Friends and Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Swasdee krub, good morning, bon jour and goedemorgen !
It is always a pleasure to be here in Place Dumon and welcome you all to “Essence of Thailand.” This is the tenth consecutive year that the Royal Thai Embassy has held this event here in Stockel, with the continued support and cooperation of the commune of Woluwe Saint Pierre. I am honoured that Mr. Cerexhe, Mayor of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, is here with us to join this important milestone event.
This year is the special occasion because it marks one decade of the Essence of Thailand. This event was first initiated in 2006 by former Ambassador Don Pramadwinai, who is currently Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs. He had initially accepted the invitation to be with us today but some important meetings in Bangkok that requires his presence tomorrow has prevented him from coming to Brussels. He has sent all of you his best wishes and the Embassy will send him report and pictures of the 10th Easence of Thailand
Monsieur Bourgmestre,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The purpose of organizing “Essense of Thailand” is to forge closer tie between Thailand and Belgium, especially the local community where the Thai Ambassador’s residence is located nearby. We happy that it has become an annual festival of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre Commune that our Belgian friends and other nationalities look forward to. It is also an opportunity to showcase the very best of Thailand to our friends.
Today we are proud to present to you all the various essences of Thailand on this place today. I wish to welcome to enjoy cuisine from over 50 Thai restaurants across Belgium with highlight of culinary delights of the four regions of Thailand. As always, we have a full programme of cultural performances line up for your entertainment on the stage, Thai cooking demonstration and a traditional fruit craving lesson.
Monsieur Bourgmestre,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It would not be possible to mark the tenth Anniversary today without the support from our Belgian and Thai friends. On behalf of the organizing committee, I wish thank you Monsieur Bourgmestre, and the Commune of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Dr. Shih and CPF Europe, Mrs. Katrien Deprau of Thai Airways International and Thai Beverage Company Limited for their support. We wish to thank the restaurants and participating shops and companies for their cooperation in complying with the rules and regulations of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre.
Finally, let me warmly welcome you to the 10th edition of “Essence of Thailand” with our Thai hospitality and friendly smiles. I would like to thank you all again for joining us today. I hope you enjoy your day with us.
Kob khun, Thank you, Merci, Dank u.
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Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool and Mr. Benoît Cerexhe, Mayor of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, delivered opening remarks and welcomed everyone to the event.
This year’s lucky winner of the Tombola with the grand prize of one Thai Airways roundtrip ticket between Brussels and Bangkok was Mr. Roland GEERINCKX (ticket number 2792).
Thai traditional dances by the Thai Dance Academy from London
Thai traditional dances by Ram Thai and Dance Group.
Thai traditional dances by the Thai Dance Academy from London
Thai traditional dances by the Thai Dance Academy from London
The tenth consecutive edition of “Essence of Thailand” was well-attended by more than 10,000 people despite slight rain shower that morning.
Classical Thai music performed by the “Rao Rak Muangthai” musical group of Thai youths who grew up in Belgium.
The tenth consecutive edition of “Essence of Thailand” was well-attended by more than 10,000 people despite slight rain shower that morning.
Thai traditional dances by dance groups from Thaivlac
“Muay Thai” kick-boxing demonstration and work-shop presented by Olimpboxe Muay Thai.
Mr. Mario Dours won the second prize of the “Essence of Thailand in the memory” photo competition on Essence of Thailand’s facebook fanpage (www.facebook.com/essenceofthailand).
Ms. Suwanna Limsakulpairoge won first prize of the “Essence of Thailand in the memory” photo competition on Essence of Thailand’s facebook fanpage (www.facebook.com/essenceofthailand).
the Office of Customs Counsellor in Brussels also provided information on Thailand’s customs regulations for visitors.
Fruits and vegetable craving lesson offered for participants free of charge.
Fruits and vegetable craving.
Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool presents souvenirs of appreciation for Mr. Benoît Cerexhe, Mayor of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Mr. Michael Rime, Chief of Cabinet of Mr. Benoît Cerexhe, Mayor of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, • Mr. Shih De-Yi, Chairman, CPF (Europe) S.A., • Ms. Katrien Depauw, District Sales Manager Belgium & Luxembourg, Thai Airways International and • Mr. Jaruwat Moleekool, Thai Channel Manager, Chang Beer UK, International Beverage Holdings (UK) Ltd. for their support of 10th Essence of Thailand.
