On 10 March 2023, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, together with Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Phnombootra Chadrajoti, Director General of the Fine Arts Department of Thailand, led members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations on a special tour of the National Museum Bangkok, to experience a "Night at the Museum" activity which has the inspiring theme "East Meets West: A Journey through Time."
This exhibition shares uncommon insights into the rich narratives and history of the relations between Thailand and foreign countries. The evening was also an opportunity for the Thai government agencies to expand their networks with international partners towards the promotion and expansion of cultural cooperation. The Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation and assistance rendered by foreign governments, which allowed Thailand to receive back many of the valuable artifacts now on display at the museum. These exchanges are considered a sign of mutual respect and welcome advancements in socio-cultural cooperation between Thailand and foreign countries.
The museum tour also allowed participants the opportunity to learn more about the multi-cultural aspects of Thai history, which are rooted in the extensive contacts the country had with foreigners ("East Meets West") through, for instance, trade and the work of religious missionaries, as well as the exchange of art and technology, in different eras. As a result, Thailand became a culturally rich country with a unique identity, which was a foundation for the country's development in later periods.
There were over 120 participants at the event, including high-ranking officials and officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Fine Arts Department, ambassadors, chargés d'affaires ad interim, consuls-general, and their spouses from 27 countries, as well as a representative from UNESCO in Thailand and the Association of Spouses of Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (ASOMFA). H.E. Mr. Waldemar Dubaniowski, Ambassador of Poland to Thailand and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Thailand, was also present. Many participants joined the event dressed in national costume, traditional Thai or “East Meets West” themed attire. The event was also joined by curators from the Office of National Museums, as well as foreign and Thai volunteers from the "National Museum Volunteers," who guided the different tour groups.
The evening was part of the "Night @ the Museum" program run by the National Museum Bangkok, an event open to all interested visitors. Apart from what was showcased this evening, the museum hosts many more exhibitions and artifacts for visitors to explore. Members of the Diplomatic Corps are welcome to revisit the Museum as well to explore with the Fine Arts Department ways to promote further cooperation in the near future.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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