The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo organized the reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Birthday Anniversary of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, and the Father’s Day of Thailand on 4 December 2019 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo during 19.00-21.00 hrs. Among the 250 people who joined the reception include the Sri Lankan government officials, diplomatic corps, members of the private sector and the Thai community in Sri Lanka. The Chief Guest who delivered the speech on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government was Hon Mrs. Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi, Minister of Women & Child Affairs, Social Security, Healthcare and Indigenous Medical Services.

During the reception, Mrs. Chulamanee Chartsuwan, Ambassador of Thailand, gave a speech on the significance of the 5th December to the Thai people, as it is not only the Thai National Day, but also the Birthday of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, and the “Father’s Day” in Thailand. The date is kept as the Thai National Day as the Thai people continue to regard His Majesty King Bhumibol as “Father of the Nation,” who worked tirelessly throughout 70 year reign to promote sustainable development of the country and to raise standard of living of people in Thailand. In addition, this day is recognized as the World Soil Day. The Ambassador also highlighted the different activities organized by the Embassy throughout the year to promote bilateral relations between the two countries in all areas.  The Ambassador also expressed Thailand’s sympathy and solidarity with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of terrorist acts on 21 April.

The reception also displayed an Exhibition on the biography H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the coronation ceremony which was held in May 2019. There were also lucky draws, of which the winners got round-trip tickets to Thailand, vouchers from Royal Thai restaurant at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, and a voucher for a stay at the Shangri-La Hotel. The event ended around 21.00 hrs.