The first annual Thai Festival in Israel was held on Friday, marking 72 years of Israeli-Thai diplomatic relations and highlighting Thailand’s culture, cuisine, traditions, and art.
“Today we are celebrating the 72-year anniversary of Thailand-Israeli diplomatic relations,” Thai Ambassador Boonyarit Vichienpuntu told attendees at the event, adding that the Thai government only holds the festival in major cities such as London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, and Mexico City.
“We’re bringing the Thailand festival here because you are special. I promise that next year we will bring it again and again. It’s going to be an annual event for Israel,” he said.
Held at the D-One Conference Hall in central Israel, the festival brought out hundreds of attendees.
Thai musical and dance performances were staged both inside and outside the venue. Muay Thai practitioners also performed demonstrations of their martial art.
The event also featured performances by Thai transgender dancers, referred to in Thailand as kathoey, as well as a station where attendees could receive Thai massages. Concession stands were also set up where event-goers could purchase authentic Thai snacks.
Festival honors Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha after passing
The festival, though, kicked off after Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati passed away at the age of 47 after spending more than three years in a coma.
In honor of the princess, the event began with a minute of silence.