Thailand Week is set to ignite Taipei with a burst of Thai culture and flavors, as announced by Narong Boonsatheanwong, the executive director of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office in Taiwan. Starting next Wednesday and running until the end of the month, this vibrant celebration follows the renowned Songkran festival, marking Thailand’s traditional New Year. Boonsatheanwong shared that this year’s event promises to be bigger than ever, signaling a growing cultural exchange between the two nations.
Kicking off the festivities is a mesmerizing concert at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, featuring the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Youth Orchestra from Bangkok. Scheduled on Wednesday evening, the performance will commemorate the 72nd birthday of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. With a repertoire including songs by former Thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej alongside other Thai and Taiwanese compositions, it’s sure to be a memorable evening of musical fusion.
Following the concert, the Mandarin Oriental Taipei will host a delectable Thai food festival, running from Friday next week until April 28. Simultaneously, on the fourth floor of Taipei Far Eastern Department Store Xinyi A13, visitors can immerse themselves in a Thai festival featuring daily musical and dance performances, Thai massage sessions, and cooking demonstrations. Boonsatheanwong emphasized that these events aim to foster closer ties between the people of Thailand and Taiwan.
In addition to the cultural extravaganza, discussions about Thailand’s visa exemption program for Taiwanese passport holders have sparked interest. Boonsatheanwong hinted at forthcoming announcements, suggesting the possibility of an extension beyond the current expiration date of May 10. With Thailand being a favored destination for Taiwanese travelers, such measures could further enhance tourism and strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
