On 5 December 2023, the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka hosted a reception on the National Day, the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Thailand’s Father’s Day at the Royal Thai Residence. The Chief Guest was His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, MP, Honourable Minister of Agriculture. Approximately 300 distinguished guests, including diplomats, government officials, business sector and the Thai community in Bangladesh were present.

 

In her remarks, Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor highlighted the late King’s devotion throughout his reign of 70 years to uplift the well-being of the Thai people through more than 4,000 projects. The achievements in soil management led to the UN’s resolution to declare 5 December as World Soil Day to raise awareness on the importance of soil resources.

 

She also underlined the progress of bilateral cooperation in 2023 such as the 3rd Bilateral Consultations in Dhaka that the Thai delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the visit to Bangkok of the Honourable Foreign Minister of Bangladesh to attend the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat. With regard to the private sector, the Embassy worked with Thai Trade Center in Dhaka and the Bangladesh – Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in bringing a delegation to Thailand to expand business opportunities. Moreover, a Thai company took part in the construction of the first elevated expressway and metro rail in Dhaka. Ambassador Makawadee reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to promote cooperation in areas of mutual benefits such as climate change, blue economy and modern agriculture using innovation.

 

The Minister of Agriculture of Bangladesh extended his felicitations and reiterated Bangladesh’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Thailand, particularly in trade, investment and connectivity. He commended the contribution of the Thai private sector in infrastructure projects of Bangladesh, namely the Dhaka metro rail and elevated expressway. He requested Thailand to provide assistance to the displaced persons and support Bangladesh’s application to become ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.

 

The programme included cultural performances by Ang Thong College of Dramatic Arts and Azampur Government Primary School as well as fruit and vegetable carving demonstration.