Ambassador attended Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival at Nittaiji Temple and presented “KOCHABUA” elephant statue on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of Thailand-Japan diplomatic relations.

03/10/2022

On 1 October 2022, H.E. Mr.Singtong LAPISATEPUN, Ambassador of Thailand to Japan, attended Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival atNittaijiTemple in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, organised by KakuozanNittaiji Temple to promote Japan-Thailand relations.

Ambassador Singtong was honoured to deliver the Opening Remarks, together with VenerableMURAKAMI Enryu,Head Sangha of KakuozanNittaiji Temple and Head of the Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival Committee; Mr. MIWA Yoshihiro, Royal Thai Honorary Consul-General in Nagoya and Honorary Chairman of the Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival Committee; Mr.MATSUI Keisuke, Deputy Governor of Aichi Prefecture; and Mr. KAWAMURA Takashi, Mayor of Nagoya City.

Ambassador Singtong also presented the “KOCHABUA” Chiang-Rai elephant statue to KakuozanNittaiji Temple during the opening ceremony of the Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival to commemoratethe 135^thanniversary of Thailand-Japan diplomatic relations on 26 September 2022.

90 centimeters tallmade of fiberglass, “KOCHABUA” elephant is one of 90 elephant statues created under the Chiang-Rai Elephant Project. The projectaims topromote Chiang-Rai as the city of Thai elephants and Thai artists.

The project was initiated byDr. KobchaiJitsakul,President of the Française-ThaiAssociation. Mr. WorawitSangtong, a Thai artist who painted this “KOCHABUA” elephant, was inspired to use “lotus”, which isregarded as sacred flower in Buddhism,to representThainess.

Nittaiji Temple was chosen to host “KOCHABUA” elephant as the temple has continued to be a symbol of close and friendly ties between Thailand and Japan. Historical ties of close diplomatic relations and cooperation on Buddhism can be found at the temple over a course of centuries.

The Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival in Niitaiji was held between 1 - 2 October 2022. Visitors enjoyed both Thailand Japanese food, products and culture at the event. Approximately 22,500 people participated in the said event.