On 25 June 2016, Ambassador Vijavat Isarabhakdi, accompanied by Mrs. Wannipa Isarabhakdi, was invited to attend and give some remarks at the opening ceremony of the 14th annual TD Taste of Asia Festival, which was held during 25-26 June 2016, in Markham, Ontario. The ceremony was attended by many distinguished guests including Hon. John McCallum, MP and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Mr. Arnold Chan, MP, Hon. Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP and Ontario Minister of Community and Social Services, Hon. Michael Chan, MPP and Ontario Minister of International Trade, Ms. Andrea Horwath, Ontario NDP Leader, Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr., Senator Thanh Hai Ngo, His Worship Mr. Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham, and members of the diplomatic corps.

             The Royal Thai Embassy, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (New York), the Toronto Thai Dramatic Arts Troupe (Tdot Tdat), and the Thai Society of Ontario (TSO), has continued its strong support of the festival and taken the opportunity to showcase Thai culture, Thai cuisine and desserts at Canada’s largest Asian festival.

            Taste of Asia, organized by the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham (FCCM) and the Association of Progressive Muslims of Ontario (APMO), draws over 150,000 visitors each year. This highly anticipated summer festival features various exotic street foods, non-stop live entertainment, and numerous activities for people of all ages. The festival not only highlights the vibrancy of Asian heritage but also its valuable contribution to the community, which is an integral part of Canada’s diverse fabric.