The Royal Thai Embassy, Yangon in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Myanmar organized the “Melodies of Friendship” by Suanplu Chorus on 21 September 2013 at the National Theatre, Yangon. The event was part of a series of activities to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the Establishment of Thailand-Myanmar Diplomatic Relations in 2013. Apart from more than 1,000 Thai, Myanmar and expatriate attendees, H.E. U Nyan Tun, Vice President of Myanmar, H.E. U Aye Myint Kyu, Union Minister for Culture, H.E. U Myint Swe, Chief Minister of Yangon Region, H.E. U Tin Oo Lwin, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. U Pike Htwe, Deputy Minister for Information, and U Nyunt Swe, Chairman of the Myanmar-Thailand Association of Friendship were also present to grace this performance. 

     During the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Pisanu Suvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar highlighted the 65th years of relations of both countries with the evening’s show that “I see the chorus as a meaningful analogy of Thailand and Myanmar. Each country has its unique characteristics. But they share the same values and common goal. We together are like members of the same family. We work together for mutual benefits and prosperity. The close and cordial ties between our two countries, gradually built up and strengthened over the past 65 years, are the testimony of our true friendship.” 

     H.E. U Aye Myint Kyu, Union Minister for Culture has also elaborated that Thailand and Myanmar has been close friends for a long time, not only the close distance but the similarity in culture and traditions that has built a true friendship between both countries.

The choir’s spectacular performance of a mixture of renowned Thai, Myanmar, Broadway, and ASEAN songs has made the audiences filled with joy and impression. The show was also viewed throughout Myanmar through the live broadcasting on MRTV-4 and Sky Net channels. 

     Suanplu Chorus, consisting of 43 choirs with their international awarding experiences, led by Mrs. Dusdi Banomyong, Director, and Mr. Ramon Molina Lijauco Jr., Conductor, has not only lit up the National Theatre by showing the harmony of friendship between the two countries on that night, but also opened a new chapter of musical performance in Myanmar. 

     Special thanks to all the following sponsors:  SCG, Muang Thai Life Assurance, Bangkok Airways, Chatrium Hotel, Index Creative Village, Myanmar Index Creative Village, Graphic Solutions, and Thai Bev.