11/05/2024
On May 11, 2024, H.E. Mr. Witchu Vejjajiva, the Ambassador of Thailand to Japan, delivered the opening remarks at the opening ceremony of the 24th Thai Festival Tokyo, jointly organized by the Royal Thai Embassy and the Japanese private partners - TSP, Kyodo Osaka and On the Line. The opening event at Yoyogi Park, Shibuya, Tokyo, was attended by more than 270 people, including diplomatic corps, representatives from public and private sectors, and Friends of Thailand. H.E. Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand; H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand; H.E. Mr. Kobura Masahiro, Vice Parliamentary Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan; and Mr. Chot Trachu, Chairman of the Board of Tourism Authority of Thailand, were graciously present as the honorary guests at the opening ceremony.
This year, the Royal Thai Embassy set the main theme of the Thai Festival in Tokyo to be "Thai Entertainment" which is the country’s rising industry that has gained international popularity, including in Japan. The Thai Festival featured various forms of Thai entertainment, including dramas, movies, music, and Thai artists’ live performances, which is in line with the Thai government's soft power policy. Over 20 renowned Thai artist groups were invited to participate and perform in the festival. The Embassy’s pavilion entitled “Thai Entertainment Land” displayed the exhibitions on Thai dramas, films, songs, artists, and costumes from the high grossing film “Mansuaung,” as well as the up-and-coming trend of “Elephant-pattern clothing” whereby Thai pants decorated by elephant motives from 28 provinces were put on show, highlighting the fun and creative designs with vernacular flavors of each Thai province.
Another highlight in this year Thai Festival was the booth showcasing the "Fun wearing Thai Fashion” project initiated by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Narirattana Rajakanya. The project aims to introduce Thai fabrics and related products in light of modern use and creative designs; and hence, adding value to the craftmanship of women and rural communities while contributing to their greater well-being. In addition, "ablankpage," a Thai designer brand based in Japan, launched a runway show of outfits using the fabrics from the "Fun wearing Thai Fashion” project to feature a special collection for the Thai Festival. The show was accompanied by an awe-inspiring performances by Keng Tachaya, a Thai artist, and Maria Seiren, a Japanese Opera singer, with Sea-Keen from GMMTV as one of many distinguished models on the runway, adding an impressive touch to the event.
Since 2000, the Thai Festival Tokyo has been held annually to promote Thailand and Thainess. This year, it hosted over 130 pavilions of Thai and Japanese entrepreneurs showcasing their quality Thai food, beverages, fruits and other products, as well as the presentation of Thai tourism and various cultural activities.