The
Vietnam - Thailand Friendship Association of Dong Nai province (the Association) recently
held a people-to-people exchange program at Tran Bien Cultural Center in Bien
Hoa City. The event is part of the Loy Krathong cultural festival in Thailand.
Attending the program were Mrs. Wiraka Moodhitaporn, the Consul General of
Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City, and 200 delegates including leaders from departments,
Thai businesses investing in Dong Nai, leaders of the Vietnam-Thailand
Friendship Associations of Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong province, and Laotian
and Cambodian youth and students studying in Dong Nai, as well as members of
the association.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Thang, Chairman of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship
Association of Dong Nai, the program was organized to coincide with the Loy
Krathong festival in Thailand, one of the largest and oldest festivals in the
country. The association aims to become a messenger connecting the people of
Vietnam, Dong Nai, and those of Thailand to spread the cultural values of
Vietnam. It also serves as an opportunity for members to enhance meetings and
connections with the Thai Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and Thai
businesses investing in Dong Nai.
On this occasion,
the Consulate General of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnam - Thailand
Friendship Association of Dong Nai province combined to showcase a
Vietnam - Thailand cultural performance, an exhibition of beautiful photos of
Vietnam and Thailand, enjoy traditional dishes from both countries, and guide
the making of Loy Krathong lanterns - one of Thailand's cultural heritages.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Wiraka Moodhitaporn, the Consul General of Thailand
in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed her appreciation to the Vietnam-Thailand
Friendship Association of Dong Nai province for organizing the people-to-people
exchange program between Vietnam and Thailand coinciding with the Loy Krathong
festival in 2024. This is a practical activity aimed at enhancing the good
understanding between the people of the two countries. She also mentioned that
Loy Krathong is an ancient traditional festival that has become a cultural
heritage of Thailand and Southeast Asia. The festival is celebrated in the 12th
lunar month each year (according to the Thai calendar) with the meaning of
expressing respect and gratitude to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha - who
has provided abundant water resources and preserved water sources to sustain
life for humans.
Delegates
attending the program
Delegates
visiting the culinary exchange program
Musical
and dance performance by the Vietnam - Thailand Friendship Association at the
program