The Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra congratulates the Thai–Australian Association of Queensland (TAAQ) and the Royal Thai Honorary Consulate General in Brisbane for their success in organizing the 6th Brisbane Thai Festival at Roma Street, Parkland on September 16. The event was well attended by dignitaries including Her Excellency Miss Chutima Bunyapraphasara, Deputy Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Councillor Adrian Schrinner, Deputy Mayor of Brisbane, and Councillor Norm Wyndham, Councillor for McDowall.  The opening ceremony was held in a Thai traditional way: a Buddhist chant and prayer in front of Buddha image, led by Buddhist monks from Wat Thai Buddharam.    Ambassador Nantana Sivakua then presided over the opening ceremony by striking three times at the gong, the Thai style of a ritual beginning.   All VIP guests were invited to do the same.

          The event was packed with cultural performances, kids’ activities, raffle prizes, live music, demonstration of Thai boxing and a variety of Thai authentic food, drinks and desserts and prizes from the Thai restaurants and vendors around Brisbane city.