Thailand is amazing in many stupendous ways.
It is called the Land of Smiles, with cordial hospitality welcoming visitors from near and far. Its capital city Bangkok has been known as the Venice of the East, with rivers, canals, and other waterways meandering past exotic Buddhist temples and traditional Thai houses. It is also a modern city with vibrant cultures and lifestyle and a world-class shopping paradise.
Thai Ambassador Kriangsak Kittichaisaree and Madam Sarapee Kittichaisaree demonstrated how to make Tom Yum Goong and Som Tum at a luncheon at Shangrila Hotel for members of the International Cooking Demonstration Group of Welcome to Taipei International. More than 100 members and guests attended, including the spouses of the diplomatic corps in Taipei.
Before the demonstration, Ambassador made an introduction of Thailand in brief with a beautifully made film about the exotic and colorful cultures of Thailand. He specially emphasized on 'loy krathong', a Thai festival. On the date people light candles in hand-made decorated baskets and float them on the water to get away from bad luck and wish for happiness. The attendees were invited to carry the baskets which had been placed on the table to the stage and put them onto a water pool.
A traditional dance for the festival was performed. Some members joined the dancers to dance and had great fun. A lottery drawing followed. The prizes amazed all the attendees. They were Five Thai food cooking books and four round air tickets from Taipei to Bangkok. The winners were very delighted to have such luck.
In a joyful atmosphere the buffet lunch started. The members enjoyed the authentic and delicious Thai food, also had a nice chat with each other. The Thai Representative office provided a bag of souvenir for each of attendees to go. The members appreciated greatly the generosity and enthusiasm of the Ambassador and his beautiful wife.
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