Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes engages in a discussion about future collaborative plans with H.E. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Culture (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Culture)
BANGKOK, 05 AUGUST 2024 – Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes had a cordial and productive courtesy call with H.E. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Thailand's Minister of Culture on 01 August 2024. The meeting focused on strengthening cultural ties and organizing collaborative events as the Philippines and Thailand celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Several key initiatives were discussed during the meeting including updates on the proposed Executive Program for Cultural Cooperation for 2024-2029, with the zero draft being prepared by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Joint activities to celebrate the shared maritime heritage of the Philippines and Thailand are being planned for October or November 2024. The other possible areas of collaboration that were discussed include exchange of publications, sharing of best practices, and participation in key cultural activities hosted by both countries.
The Ambassador also informed the Minister that plans with the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) are also underway for a tree-planting activity and a concert at Benjakitti Park later this year, in celebration of the flourishing cultural relationship between the two nations.
In addition to these initiatives, Ambassador Paredes highlighted the diplomatic reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy on 12 June 2024, celebrating both the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Thailand diplomatic relations and the Philippines’ 126th National Day. The Ambassador expressed gratitude for the presence of Vice Minister Lalivan of the Ministry of Culture at the event.
Ambassador Paredes expressed appreciation for the recent high-level visits, including the official visit of Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa to the Philippines on 4 July 2024, and the working visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to the Philippines from 24-26 July 2024, where she engaged with Philippine schools under her royal patronage.
The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok remains committed to working closely with Thailand's Ministry of Culture on these initiatives and looks forward to facilitating other high-level visits and cultural engagements throughout the year. This ongoing collaboration highlights the enduring friendship and mutual respect between the Philippines and Thailand. END
(Left to right) Vice Consul Susan Phoebe R. Sabado, Consul Beatriz Ines L. Herrera-Davila, H.E. Millicent Cruz Paredes, H.E. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Vice Minister Lalivan Karnchanachari, and Deputy Permanent Secretary Yuthika Isarangkura
Ambassador Paredes presenting a painting by Filipino artist Ms. Hannah Castalone to Minister Sudawan
Minister Sudawan presenting a 25-book series on Thai Culture to Ambassador Paredes (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Culture)
