Thailand's National Day celebrations are held in number of countries

Thailand's National Day is celebrated annually on 5 December. On this date, residents of the kingdom celebrate Father's Day and honour the memory of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX), who was born on December 5, 1927.

On the occasion of the public holiday, a ceremony accompanied by recitation of Buddhist mantras and other religious rituals was held in the morning at Sanam Luang Square in front of the Royal Palace in Bangkok. It was attended by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Celebrations to mark the kingdom's National Day are taking place around the world. On 2 December, a gala reception was held at the M. I. Rudomino All-Russian State Library of Foreign Literature in Moscow. Thai Ambassador to Russia Sasiwat Wongsinsawat and Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko addressed the reception. The guests attended a concert by a Thai orchestra from the country's Ministry of Culture and tasted a variety of traditional dishes.

The Thai diplomat congratulated Russia on its successful BRICS chairmanship in 2024. Earlier in an interview with TV BRICS, he had already expressed the country's interest in the group's activities.

"Thailand's participation in BRICS will further strengthen bilateral relations and reaffirm our common endeavour to build a more open, inclusive and efficient international economic architecture through multilateral fora"

Sasivat Wongsinsawat Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Russian Federation

For his part, Rudenko noted the growing interest of companies from the two states in expanding trade, economic and investment ties. He also announced the intention to deepen co-operation in the field of culture and education. The deputy head of the Russian Foreign Ministry recalled that Thailand and Russia have declared 2024 as the Cross Year of Cultural Exchanges and Tourism, in connection with which the Bolshoi Theatre ballet troupe toured Bangkok for the first time in history.

"We are pleased that more and more Russians are discovering a distinctive and hospitable country with a unique Asian flavour, rich cultural and historical heritage and, of course, its cuisine. It is expected that about 2 million Russian tourists may visit Thailand at the end of this year. This will be a record in our relations"

Andrey Rudenko Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia

Thailand's National Day celebrations were also held in other countries. In particular, a reception in Abu Dhabi showcased the kingdom's cultural heritage and traditional Thai music, reports Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of the TV BRICS. Thai embassies have organised similar gatherings in China, Saudi Arabia and other nations. 

King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great ruled the country for 70 years, until 2016. During that time, Thailand became one of Southeast Asia's leading nations, and the legacy of a monarch revered as the father of the nation continues to shape the trajectory of the kingdom.

Since the king's death in 2016, Thais have celebrated Father's Day every year on 5 December. They wear yellow-coloured clothes to symbolise Monday, the day Rama IX was born. In addition, the country's citizens clean their homes and streets, help the needy and do other good deeds.

Photo: press service of the Thai Embassy in Russia