BANGKOK, 17 SEPTEMBER 2024. In commemoration of the 75^th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Thailand, a special academic presentation was organized and hosted by Thammasat University on Monday, 16 September 2024, at Tha Prachan Campus.

Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the Filipiniana Collection at Thammasat University’s Pridi Banomyong Library, one of the largest collections of Philippine-related materials in Thailand.

Following the inauguration, Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes delivered the keynote address underscoring the historical ties between the Philippines and Thammasat University including HRH King Bhumibol Adulyadej conferment of an honorary degree from the University on then Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos during the latter’s state visit to Thailand in 1968. She acknowledged the University for the implementation of the Philippine Studies Program Grant awarded under the congressional initiative of Senator Loren Legarda, which has facilitated research, academic exchanges, and the expansion of the Filipiniana collection. She also offered attendees a virtual tour of the Philippines, showcasing its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse traditions.

The event also featured a series of presentations of the academic research by students and faculty under the Philippine Studies grant. A Philippine Quiz Competition was also conducted and attendees were treated to a traditional Filipino merienda of pancit, lumpiang shanghai, cassava bibingka and sago’t gulaman.

As a token of appreciation for Thammasat University’s partnership, Ambassador Paredes presented a piece of artwork by Filipino artist Lawton Ladao.

This celebration of academic and cultural exchange serves to strengthen the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and Thailand as they mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. END

 The students were very eager to answer the questions during the Philippine Quiz Competition