On 16 February 2023, the Department of Information organised a special visit for members of diplomatic corps to the Moradokmai Theatre Community and Homeschool in Pathum Thani. The purpose of the visit was to promote cultural exchanges between Thailand and foreign countries, particularly in the areas of modern art performances. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Poland to Thailand (Dean of Diplomatic Corps) and representatives from the Embassy of Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Sweden and Japan. Mr. Nathapol Khantahiran, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Director-General, Department of Information as well as representatives from the Department of European Affairs and the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture also took part in the visit.
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Moradokmai Theatre Community and Homeschool is a Theatre Community and Homeschool in 2005 by Kru Chang - Janaprakal Chandruang, a dramatist and Thai National Artist. The school encourages its students to cultivate the legacy of the traditional trainings, while finding the balance with the modern pedagogy. It consists of 35 students and offers trainings of Thai classical dance, Thai classical music, jazz, blues, raps, hip-hop, as well as Thai and contemporary theatre. Through the concept of Ashram, the young artists meditate on Thai roots and Buddhism in parallel with other musical and theatrical trainings. Since 2007, the school has taken its students abroad for cultural exchanges in several European countries. In 2022, the Department of Information provided assistance in coordinating with Thai Embassies in different countries to find performing spaces and create linkages with European local artists. This year, this group of young talented artists will be travelling to Europe again between August and December.

The participants enjoyed learning about the students’ drill and daily activities, interacted with performers during the short musical play of “The Adventure of the Boy from the Golden Conch” (performed during their trips to Europe in 2022).

The participants enjoyed and were impressed by the performances. Moreover, there were some discussions about the possibilities to further support students’ cultural exchanges at the international level in order to improve their skills and capacities.

This event was organised to promote relations between Thai local artists and foreign countries as well as enable young Thai artists to improve their talents and increase their international exposures. This is one of the activities under the initiative of the Department of Information to create concrete impacts for local communities in Thailand under the aegis of cultural diplomacy.