The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Information and the Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria, together with the Ministry of Culture organized Thai Cultural Roadshow in South Africa during 26 May – 8 June 2014. Thai Dance troupe from Bunditpatanasilpa Institute and handicraft demonstrators showcased Thai cultural under the theme “Dances of the Kingdom” to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Freedom and Democracy of the Republic of South Africa 2014.  The Roadshow took place at the following venues:

1. The Aula Theatre at University of Pretoria, 30 May 2014: Approximately 700 people from the diplomatic corps, public and private sectors, students and the general public attended the event. On this occasion, Dr. Anil Sooklal, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa, Dr. Gerard De Kamper, Acting Director Faculty of Arts, University of Pretoria, and M.R. Ebrahim Ebrahim, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined the event as guests of honors. 

2. H.B. Thom Theatre at University of Stellenbosch, 4 June 2014: This event was attended by more than 200 professors, students and the general public. Joining the event as guests of honors were Mr. Martin Smuts, Deputy Mayor of Stellenbosch, and Professor Marie Kruger, Dean, Faculty of Drama.

3. The Little Theatre at University of Cape Town, 6 June 2014: Around 250 people from the diplomatic corps, public and private sectors, professors, students participated in this event.  In his speech for this occasion, Mr Voradet Viravakin, Thai Ambassador to South Africa, called for people-to-people understanding especially at the youth level which would strengthen the long-term bilateral relations between the two countries. The Ambassador also touched on the current political situation in Thailand, emphasizing the country’s efforts in promoting reconciliation and reform as a foundation for sustainable peace and development, which South Africa has successfully achieved.        
                 
Apart from the above-mentioned Cultural Roadshow, the performers also showcased their art in various activities including the Thai Kitchen to the World in Johannesburg in collaboration with Thai Trade Center Pretoria, Thai Crafts and Culture Coffee Morning for Spouses of diplomatic corps in Pretoria and Charity Bazaar and Family Fun Day organized by the association of Spouses of Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pretoria.
The aim of this project is to help enhance Thailand’s image and promote Thailand among South Africans and attract more South African tourists to Thailand as well.