Australia Day: Celebrating the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties
The Australian Embassy recently hosted a reception to celebrate Australia Day at “The Residence”, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. More than 700 guests, representing the full spectrum of the Australia-Thailand bilateral relationship, attended the function.
In welcoming the guests, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. James Wise, said 2012 marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Thailand. The strong relationship would continue to flourish in the future.
“The foundation of Australian-Thai relations has rested on how well Thais and Australians understand each other. The most important investment in the future of Australian-Thai relations is the continuous nurturing of knowledge and contacts among the people of both countries,” said the Ambassador.
A highlight of the evening was the creative and distinctly Australian cuisine, prepared under the masterful guidance of the Grand Hyatt Erawan’s Australian Executive Chef, Mark Hagenbach. The fresh foods and drinks were sourced from all over Australia, including: South Australian Kingfish; Pacific Yellowfin Tuna; Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon; Queensland avocados; Pacific Oysters “Kilpatrick”; Australian beef; vegemite and cheddar scrolls; a selection of Australian flavored ice creams; assorted lamingtons; and a wide range of fine Australian wine and cheese, and fresh tropical fruits.
All guests received chocolates with the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations logo, together with a special publication highlighting the breadth and depth of the Australia-Thailand bilateral relationship.
The Australia Day 2012 celebration was proudly hosted by the Australian Embassy Bangkok and sponsored by PTT Exploration and Production PLC, Akara Mining Limited, Banpu Public Company Limited, Mitr Phol Sugar Corp. Ltd, Ratchburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL, BlueScope Steel (Thailand) Limited, ANCA Manufacturing (Thailand) Ltd., The Sukhothai Bangkok, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd., Loxley Public Company Limited, Blackmores Ltd., Baker Tilly Thailand Limited, Visy Packaging (Thailand) Limited, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, IDP Education Services Co., Ltd., Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Property Care Services (Thailand) Ltd., Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Meinhardt (Thailand) Ltd., BNH Medical Centre Ltd., Tourism Australia, Seaside Properties (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the Australia – Thailand Institute, and Virgin Australia.
(Photo from left) Ms Teresa Wise, wife of the Australian Ambassador; General Songkitti Jaggabatara AM, Former Chief of Defence Forces, Royal Thai Armed Forces; Mr James Wise, Australian Ambassador to Thailand; Dr Narongchai Akrasanee, President of Seranee Holdings Co., Ltd; Mr Chaturon Chaisaeng, Former Deputy Prime Minister.
Australian Ambassador to Thailand Mr James Wise and his wife Mrs Teresa Wise welcomed Former Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces General Saiyud Kerdphol AO, and Ms Eva Maria Marquise Degli Albizi.
Australian Ambassador to Thailand Mr James Wise and his wife Mrs Teresa Wise welcomed Mr Chavarat Charnvirakul, Former Minister of Interior.
Australian Ambassador to Thailand Mr James Wise and his wife Mrs Teresa Wise welcomed Mr Pracha Hetrakul, Chairman of Si Phya Publishing Co. Ltd.