Royal Thai Consulate-General in Karachi Celebrates National Day and Honours King Bhumibol Adulyadej

By: Aziz Khatri

KARACHI: The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Karachi held a distinguished reception to celebrate Thailand’s National Day, Father’s Day, and the Birthday Anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. The event was attended by an esteemed gathering of dignitaries, reflecting the strong diplomatic ties between Thailand and Pakistan.

Notable attendees included Mr. Kamran Khan Tessori, Governor of Sindh; Excellency Mr. Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh; members of the diplomatic corps; officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; business leaders; and members of the Thai community, all coming together to commemorate the legacy of Thailand’s beloved monarch. In his welcome speech, the Consul General paid a heartfelt tribute to the late King Bhumibol, highlighting his relentless efforts to improve the lives of remote and underdeveloped communities across Thailand. He also expressed deep sorrow over the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who died peacefully on 24 October at the age of 93. “Her legacy of public service will be cherished in the hearts of the Thai people,” he remarked.

Reflecting on the historical ties between Thailand and Pakistan, the Consul General recounted the memorable visit of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit to Pakistan in 1962, alongside the visit of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 2005, both of which served as pivotal moments in strengthening diplomatic relations. The evening also highlighted the expanding economic cooperation between the two nations. The Consul General noted that Thai investments, such as the CP Group and Thai Union Feed Mill Group—responsible for Pakistan’s first aqua-feed manufacturing facility—illustrate growing partnerships in various sectors. He mentioned ongoing collaborations with Heavy Industries Taxila on armored vehicle development, emphasizing the importance of economic ties. Moreover, he celebrated the affinity both countries share for food, culture, and tourism—pointing out that Pakistanis frequently visit Bangkok and Pattaya, while Thai tourists are increasingly drawn to Pakistan’s breathtaking scenic valleys such as Skardu, Gilgit, and Hunza. As part of the evening's festivities, the Consulate adopted a “Pakistan First Policy,” featuring a delectable array of authentic Thai dishes prepared by notable establishments such as Avari Hotel and Fuchsia, along with contributions from the Thai community and the Consul General’s personal chef. The event also introduced the newly opened Thai restaurant, Sukhumvit, to the audience. Guests were invited to explore premium Thai products on display and enjoyed special giveaways, including return air tickets to Bangkok, complete with five-star accommodations sponsored by various partners.

In closing, the Consul General expressed his gratitude to all supporting organizations, including Thai Airways International and the Pak-Thai Friendship Association, acknowledging the efforts of his staff and his wife, Madame Jing. He conveyed his hope that the longstanding friendship between Thailand and Pakistan will continue to thrive, fostering peace and prosperity for both nations.