On 28 April 2018, Mrs. Nantana Sivakua, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, together with Mrs. Amanda Giannopoulos, Honorary Consul of Thailand to South Australia with jurisdiction over Northern Territory (NT), and Miss Mintira Pupatharapong, Counsellor, attended the Songkran Festival 2018 or Thailand Grand Festival at Darwin Waterfront.  The Ambassador and Ms. Vicki O’Halloran, Administrator of NT, gave remarks during the opening ceremony.  Thailand Grand Festival was organized by NT Thai Association. It was aimed to promote closer links between people of Thailand and Australia through a better knowledge and appreciation of each respective culture.   

          Various activities were organized: namely water pouring to the dignitaries and elders, cultural performances, the parade and beauty pageant of Thai community in Darwin as well as Thai foods and desserts. There were approximately 7,000 people attending.

          This year’s Festival had received tremendous support from the NT Government in term of venue and promotion.  On 26 April 2018, Mr. Michael Gunner, Chief Minister of NT, also hosted the reception for the Ambassador and the organizing committee at the Parliament House.

          During the visit, the Ambassador also met with Kate Worden, Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs of NT, and visited Menzies School of Health Research as well as the Mango farm of Tou’s Garden owned by Ms. Saramat Ruchkaew, President of NT Thai Association and the Thai temples in Darwin.