On 5 December 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane hosted a reception on the occasion of the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, and Thailand’s Father’s Day 5 December 2024. The reception was attended by H.E. Prof. Dr. Boviengkham Vongdara, Minister of Technology and Communication of the Lao PDR, and H.E. Mr. Thongphane Savanphet, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, as Guests of Honour. The event was attended by more than 800 guests, including the Head of the President’s Office, Minister of Education and Sports, President of the Lao Red Cross, President of Lao Women’s Union, high-level representatives of the Lao public sector, Governors of Thailand-Lao PDR border provinces, the Lao and Thai public and private sectors, diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations, as well as members of the Thai community in the Lao PDR.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Ms. Morakot Sriswasdi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Lao PDR, welcomed distinguished guests and highlighted the close and special relations between Thailand and the Lao PDR, which encompasses various dimensions at all levels. H.E. Ambassador also noted the upcoming celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the Lao PDR in 2025. H.E. Ambassador congratulated and commended the government of the Lao PDR for their role as the Chair of ASEAN and the success of the Visit Laos Year in 2024. H.E. Ambassador also reiterated Thailand’s unwavering support and commitment to foster cooperation with the Lao PDR across all sectors. On this occasion, H.E. Ambassador and the Guests of Honour gave a toast to the good health of H.E. Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao PDR, and His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, the King of Thailand, as well as to the enduring friendship between Thailand and the Lao PDR.

The reception showcased the culinary heritage of Thailand, Tomyum Kung, which was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 3 December 2024. The reception also featured musical performances of Thai and Lao songs by Miss Nattawadee Puangsuwan, a Friends from Thailand volunteer, the Royal Thai Air Force Band, Dr. Ratrisriwilai Bongsittiporn, Thai National Artist 2022 in performing arts, and Sun Der Band. With the strong support of the Thai public and private sectors, Lao private sector, and the Thai community in the Lao PDR, guests enjoyed varieties of Thai food and drinks as well as services from leading Thai hospitals.