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VOInews, Jakarta: The Indonesian Embassy Bangkok held a Diplomatic Reception in celebration of the 78th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Grand Centara Hotel Bangkok, Tuesday (29/8/2023). The reception was attended by the President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand, Y.M. Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha as the guest of honor.

"The Indonesian Diplomatic Reception this time is the first diplomatic reception attended by Y.M. Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha," the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok wrote in an official statement received by Indonesia Window here on Wednesday (30/8/2023).

The event, which was attended by 800 guests, was also attended by a number of important officials of the UN agencies and the Royal Thai Government such as the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Y.M. Mrs. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Chairman of the Election Commission of Thailand, Y.M. Mr. Ittiporn Bonpracong, Chairman of the Ombudsman of Thailand, Y.M. Mr. Somsak Suwansujarit, as well as Ambassadors of friendly countries, members of the diplomatic corps, business people, academics, journalists, and other invited guests.

"Another thing that makes this diplomatic reception special is the aspect of cultural exchange between the young generation of Indonesia and Thailand where the Royal Thai Anthem was sung by the Choir from Pathumwan Demonstration School and the Indonesia Raya song was sung by the Bangkok Indonesian School Choir. Both songs were accompanied by Angklung and Kolintang music played by students of the Indonesian School Bangkok," the Indonesian Embassy wrote.

Ambassador Rachmat Budiman warmly welcomed and appreciated the invited guests who had taken the time to attend the Diplomatic Reception. In his remarks, he mentioned that good relations between Indonesia and Thailand have been going on since the royal era before Indonesia's independence, including three visits by King Rama V of Thailand to Java in the 19th and 20th centuries, and followed by visits by King Rama VII, King Rama IX and King Rama X when they were still crown prince.

"These visits were also followed by visits by high-ranking Thai officials to Indonesia, visits by several Indonesian Presidents and high-ranking Indonesian officials to Thailand are clear evidence of the good relations between the two countries," he said.

He added that the good relations between the two countries continue to develop in all fields and all walks of life. Ambassador Rachmat also said that Thailand and Indonesia as the largest economies in ASEAN and fellow founders of regional organizations such as ASEAN and APEC continue to partner and support each other not only bilaterally, but also in regional and multilateral forums.

"The year 2023 will be special for Indonesia and Thailand as Indonesia becomes the chair of ASEAN and Thailand holds general elections to elect members of parliament," he said.

Ambassador Rachmat also explained the theme of Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023, namely ASEAN Matters: Epicenter of Growth and some of Indonesia's main priorities during its chairmanship of ASEAN under the ASEAN Matters pillar, Epicenter of growth and implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

He also congratulated Thailand's new Prime Minister Y.M. Srettha Thavisin, before toasting to the health, prosperity and peace of King Vajilalongkorn and the entire royal family and people of Thailand.

Meanwhile, the guest of honor, Y.M. Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha said that Indonesia and Thailand need to increase the great potential in the ASEAN region such as in the fields of industry, fisheries, culture, public health, and digital economy.

He also said that his brief visit to attend the 44th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in Jakarta recently was utilized to meet with President Joko Widodo in an effort to strengthen good relations between the two countries that will benefit the people of Indonesia and Thailand.

"The speech ended with a toast to President Joko Widodo's health and prosperity and peace for all the people and country of Indonesia," the Indonesian Embassy wrote.

On the occasion, the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok also promoted various interesting tourist attractions in Indonesia through the installation of banners and the screening of various wonderful Indonesia promotional videos.

"Guests were also spoiled for choice with a variety of Indonesian culinary specialties such as Soto Ayam, Padang Rice, Rendang Meat, Chicken Satay, Maranggi Satay, Balado Shrimp, Egg Fried Rice, Bika Ambon, Chicken Pastel, Bakwan Jagung, Lumpia, Vegetable Croquettes, and various other Indonesian snacks," the Embassy said.

The invited guests also enjoyed the music of Gamelan Ayodya Swara assisted by the Indonesian Embassy which was played live since the guests began to enter the venue and when the guests began to enjoy the meal.

"The Ratoh Jaroe Dance from Nangroe Aceh Darussalam Province was named the main performer at the diplomatic reception which received special attention from all visitors," wrote the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok. (VOI/Andy)