The Royal Thai Embassy, Singapore, organized the “Thai Festival 2014” on 26-29 June 2014 at the Royal Thai Embassy, Orchard Road. The official opening ceremony was launched in the evening of 26 June 2014, with H.E. Mr. Marut Jitpatima, Ambassador of Thailand to Singapore, as the Chairman, and Mr. Seah Kian Peng, Deputy Speaker of Parliament and MP for Marine Parade GRC, who is also the CEO of NTUC FairPrice, as the Guest-of-Honour.

            On this occasion, Ambassador Marut welcomed all guests to the Thai Festival, which has been held for the 12^th time. He emphasized the importance of Thai products in Singapore nowadays, as they have become a part of life of Singaporeans, whereas products sold at the Thai Festival are quality local and SME products, which presents alternatives to those already presented in the market. He also said that Thai culture, such as films and music, have now become increasingly popular amongst Singaporean youths, and that performances and activities at the Thai Festival has been specifically selected to suit Singaporean taste. Mr. Seah Kian Peng, on the other hand, said that the event allowed sampling of the best of everything “Thai”, and that Thailand always has a special place in the heart of Singaporeans, whether it be the food or favorite destination. Lastly, he concluded that Singapore and Thailand enjoys close ties at all levels, including government, business and most importantly, people-to-people, and this Festival proved so.

            The Thai Festival 2014 was participated by approximately 60 exhibitors from Thailand with a variety of products, including ready-made food, Thai desserts and snacks, curry paste, fresh and dried Thai fruits, rice, spa products, textile and garment, jewelry and leather wear. It was also joined by Thai restaurants, Thai cultural performances supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Singapore) and Bangkok Mini Groovy Band, with a mixture of Thai Klui and Western musical instruments. A variety of activities was also held during the Thai Festival 2014, Singapore, including Thai rice cooking demonstration, free photo souvenir printouts for online photos with hashtag #ThaiFestSG, and of course, lucky draw for every S$20 spending, with Thai Airways return tickets from Singapore - Bangkok as the top prize.