Activities

2013.02.05-12 Thailand participated in the 64th Sapporo Snow Festival and the 40th International Snow Sculpture Contest

15/02/2013

Thailand was chosen to be the theme country for the grand snow sculpture in the 64th Sapporo Snow festival, held during 5 - 12 February 2013 in Hokkaido Prefecture. The snow sculpture of Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple) with the size of H15 x D21 x W28 meters was created from the cooperation of HBC or Hokkaido Broadcasting Corporation and presented at “The Kingdom of Thailand’s Square”. Tourism Authority of Thailand worked in collaboration with the related organizations in holding the campaign to promote Thailand to Japanese and foreigners through various kinds of activities throughout the festival, such as Thai massage, OTOP products, Thai traditional dance and the other form of Thai culture.

On this occasion, H.E.Mr. Thanatip Upatising, Thai Ambassador to Japan, and his spouse, together with Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand and President of Thai Airways International PCL., attended the completion ceremony of the Marble Temple sculpture, which was made by the Ground Self Defense Force of Japan, and the opening ceremony of the Sapporo Snow Festival with the presence of Ms. Harumi Takahashi, Governor of Hokkaido Prefecture. The Ambassador and his delegations also participated in the “Amazing Thai Night” at Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo, the event attended by more than 200 Japanese guests including many press members and general public.

Taking this opportunity, they also visited and encouraged the ice carving team from Thailand, who participated in the 40th International Snow Sculpture Contest. The result of the contest announced on 8 February 2013, in which Thailand’s team won the 1st prize for their piece “The Artist from the Wild”, the statue of 4 elephants drawing a picture. This is the 4th time that Thailand won the prize from this Contest.

Thailand was selected to be the theme country for the Sapporo Snow Festival for the 4th time. Last time was in 2007 when the two countries celebrated the 120th anniversary of Japan - Thailand diplomatic relationship. This year is the celebration of the 125th anniversary of Japan - Thailand diplomatic relationship as well as the 50th anniversary of the royal visit to Japan by King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit and the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Japanese Association in Thailand, which is one of the oldest Japanese association in overseas.