BANGKOK, 01 February 2024 – The celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Philippines - Thailand Diplomatic Relations commenced with a kick-off event held at the Ballroom of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel on Friday, 26 January 2024.

Adopting the theme “Moving Forward to A New Era of Closer Friendship and Common Prosperity,” the year-long commemoration of the milestone anniversary includes a series of festivities, cultural presentations, business collaborations, and activities that give new energy to the already solid friendship between the Philippines and Thailand.

In her remarks, Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes emphasized the enduring friendship between Filipinos and Thais that began as far back as pre-modern history, between the seafaring and maritime trading peoples of the two countries. She highlighted the vibrant collaboration and interaction across various sectors, including government, business, migrants, students, and tourists. She underscored the significance of the Philippines and Thailand being members of the ASEAN family, a relationship that originated in Bangkok in 1967.

“This year’s celebration of 75 years of Philippines-Thailand relations is an ode to two life-long friends,” stated Ambassador Paredes as she invited everyone to anticipate a line-up of activities and events throughout 2024, including high-level visits, business-to-business cooperation, cultural collaboration, and community events.

Representing Director General Chatchai Virivejakul of the Department of East Asian Affairs of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Director-General Vorapun Srivoranart stated that the relationship between Thailand and the Philippines had always been marked by warm friendship, goodwill and sincerity. He expressed that the theme for this milestone year reflected the forward-looking partnership between the two countries, the possibility to be even closer on all fronts, and fully utilize the potentials of closer cooperation.

Gracing the launch with their presence were officials of the Thai Government, members of the Thailand-Philippines Business Council, representatives of Philippine businesses in Thailand, key partners of the Philippine Embassy and members of the press.

Cultural performances of Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild captivated the audience, who were also treated to a raffle draw for vouchers from Filipino restaurants in Bangkok namely, Kalamansi Kafe, Lola’s Kitchen, and Toto Inasal, as well as roundtrip tickets to the Philippines courtesy of Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. END.