On Sunday, 6th September 2015, the Royal Thai Embassy, in cooperation with the commune of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, organized the “10th Essence of Thailand” during 10.00-20.00 hrs. at Place Dumon.  The tenth consecutive edition of “Essence of Thailand” was well-attended by more than 10,000 people despite slight rain shower that morning. 

 

            In order to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Essence of Thailand, the Royal Thai Embassy placed importance on promoting a comprehensive experience about all aspects of Thailand for participants, including Thai food, cultural performances, traditional Thai massage and handicrafts from all over Thailand. 

 

            Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool and Mr. Benoît Cerexhe, Mayor  of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, delivered opening remarks and welcomed everyone to the event. Ambassador Nopadol expressed his appreciation to Mayor Cerexhe and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre for their continued support to the festival over the past 10 years. Mr. Cerexhe congratulated on the 10th Anniversary of Essence of Thailand and noted that “Essence of Thailand” helped promote people-to-people relations between Belgium and Thailand. 

 

            Participants were entertained throughout the day by on-stage performances such as, classical Thai music performed by the “Rao Rak Muangthai” musical group of Thai youths who grew up in Belgium and recently participated in a week-long Thai music and culture camp organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in August, Thai traditional dances by the Thai Dance Academy from London, dance groups from Thaivlac and Ram Thai and Dance Group; and a “Muay Thai” kick-boxing demonstration and work-shop presented by Olimpboxe Muay Thai.

 

            Place Dumon and Baron d’Huart were lined with more than 70 tents showcasing Thai food, desserts, fruits and vegetables, handicrafts, tour operators, traditional Thai massage on offer. The Office of Agricultural Affairs in Brussels prepared healthy herbal drinks for visitors to taste while the Office of Customs Counsellor in Brussels also provided information on Thailand’s customs regulations for visitors. 

 

            Lucky winners of the “Essence of Thailand in the memory” photo competition on Essence of Thailand’s facebook fanpage (www.facebook.com/essenceofthailand) were Ms. Suwanna Limsakulpairoge who won first prize, and, Mr. Mario Dours won the second prize. Also, this year’s lucky winner of the Tombola with the grand prize of one Thai Airways roundtrip ticket between Brussels and Bangkok was Mr. Roland GEERINCKX (ticket number 2792). 

 

            See you again at the 11th Essence of Thailand next year in 2016!