A Reception in Commemorating the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, the National Day, and Father’s Day of the Kingdom of Thailand in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

On 5 December 2024, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai hosted a commemorative reception marking the auspicious occasions of the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, the National Day, and Father’s Day of the Kingdom of Thailand. The reception took place at Mirage Ballroom, Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel. Her Excellency Miss Nipa Nirannoot, Consul-General of Thailand to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, presided over the ceremony, along with His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Khalid Al Qasimi of the royal family of Ras al Khaimah and Mr. Khalid Al Kaabi, Head of Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai Office. About 250 esteemed guests attended the reception, including heads of the Team Thailand offices in the UAE, distinguished representatives from both the public and private sectors of the UAE, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, and members of Thai communities.

In her remarks, the Consul-General of Thailand mentioned Thai people’s utmost love and respect for His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, and commended the warm and enduring diplomatic relations between Thailand and the UAE, which are approaching their 50th anniversary in 2025. Highlighting the UAE as Thailand's top trading partner in the Middle East, she noted a flourishing two-way trade volume that last year reached 20 billion USD with an increase of non-oil trade by 9%. Additionally, she emphasized Thailand's status as one of the favourite destinations for Emiratis, with an estimated 170,000 individuals anticipated to visit the country in 2024 for leisure and medical purposes, thanks to strong aviation connectivity between two countries with over 110 direct flights per week.

Closing her remarks, the Consul-General invited all guests to extend best wishes for happiness and good health to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of the Kingdom of Thailand, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, as well as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The entertainment program featured a captivating singing performance by Miss Racha Rugkapun, an Thai air crew of Emirates airline and the first runner-up Miss Thai World 2013, of the song “Magic Beams,” a musical composition by His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, and the song “Gift of the Soil,” a tribute from the Thai people to their cherished King. The reception further included four magnificent cultural performances supported by Hotel Anantara The Palm Resort.

Inside the ballroom, Thailand's vibrant culture was on display. The exhibition encompassed a diverse array of cultural activities and showcases, ranging from umbrella painting (supported by Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dubai office), Demonstration of Crafting Krathong (handcrafted floating vessel) and Bai Sri (intricate ceremonial offerings made from banana leaves, adorned with flowers) (supported by SIAM restaurant), Nuad Thai services (supported by Taiy Pradit Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center L.L.C.), demonstration of fruits and vegetables carving by staffs of the Consulate-General, and showcase of Thai Benjarong porcelain.

Additionally, the Consulate-General featured Tomyum Kung on the reception menu to celebrate its recent inscription as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO on 3 December 2024. Guests also enjoyed Coco Thumb, a refreshing fresh coconut water generously supported by Berry Mount. Souvenirs were also provided to departing guests, courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dubai Office, and Haleemah Group.

The Consulate-General would like to extend its gratitude to all supporters and participants of the event. Looking ahead, we look forward to collaborating with all sectors, as well as the government of the United Arab Emirates and all emirates, in organizing activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the UAE in 2025.