The Ambassador presided over the Buddhist ceremony and took part in alms offering.

At the beginning of the opening ceremony, attendants joined in observing 47 seconds

of silence in remembrance of the late Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita.

Then in her opening remarks, the Ambassador paid tribute to Her Royal Highness, highlighting her dedication, achievements and tireless works for the benefits of the people. Ambassador also commended the Thai-Australian Association of Queensland Inc., Thai community members as well as Thai volunteers from Brisbane and nearby areas for their efforts and spirits in promoting Thai culture and contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of Brisbane. Such contribution helps enrich the City’s multicultural society as well as deepen the people-to-people ties between Thailand and Australia. In this regard, the Ambassador expressed her appreciation to the City of Brisbane for the continued support extended to the Thai community

This year’s festival showcased a variety of Thai culture, including Thai music, Thai traditional dances, Muay Thai (Thai boxing), and Thai cooking. The highlight was Miss Brisbane Pageant, in which the contestants presented Royal Thai Traditional Dress (Chud Thai Phra Rajniyom) with its background, uniqueness and the style of their respective choice (one of the eight styles). This program corresponds to Thailand’s nomination of ‘Chud Thai: Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume’ for UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Distinguished representatives from the Australian side included the Right Honourable Councillor Adrian Schrinner, Lord Mayor of Brisbane, and Councillor Vicki Howard, Councillor for Central Ward. The festival attracted visitors who are Thais, Australians and many others in Brisbane and the vicinity.