On 19 January 2019, from 7 pm to 1 am, Calcutta Club, a prestigious 112-year-old social club of the City of Joy, invited its members and dignitaries to the ‘International Evening 2019’ in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The mid-winter event was highlighted by international food stalls and shows from various countries. Approximately 5,000 persons attended this fancy evening of cultural exchange.

           Miss Sweeya Santipitaks, Consul-General of Thailand, along with Consul-General of Nepal, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh, and Deputy Consul-General of Russia, inaugurated this event in the capacity of Guest of Honour. Mr. Tathagata Roy, Honorable Governor of the state of Meghalaya and former member of Calcutta Club, graced this event as the Chief Guest.

           Among the many international food stalls, the Thai stall was sponsored by the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Kolkata. Various vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections Thai cuisine were offered; ranging from ‘Pad Thai’ to ‘Green Curry Fried Rice’, as well as ‘Bael Fruit Tea’, Thailand’s home-made infusion; all prepared by the personal chef of the Consul-General of Thailand.

           According to the Thai Consul-General, the Thai cuisine stall was not only a testimony of collective efforts of the members of the Thai diplomatic mission, but also another opportunity to bring Thailand closer to Kolkatan people, and a reminder of the close Thai-Indian people-to-people ties. During her interview with local media, Miss Santipitaks also mentioned a few of renowned places to have authentic Thai food in Kolkata; for example, Baan Thai restaurant at the Oberoi Grand Hotel (Chef Klae Somsuay), Zen restaurant at the Park Kolkata (Chef Ananchai Suttison), and Pan Asian restaurant at ITC Sonar Kolkata (Chef Ratree Pirom). In this connection, the Consul-General of Thailand invited fans of Thailand and Thai food to visit Thailand, especially during this special period of visa on arrival fee exemption which will be applicable until the end of April 2019.