Austria: Austria and Thailand have launched a special occasion to celebrate 150 years of diplomatic relations next year with a prelude of the country's most refined epic masked khon performance, presenting deeply strengthened relations through culture exchange to pave the way for more cooperation.
Songsak Saicheua, the Thai ambassador to Austria, said it is a special event to mark diplomatic relations between the two countries and the performance of khon, which is regarded as the country's the most refined performance in the royal court, has been selected to celebrate the milestone.
He told audiences during the opening ceremony that the two countries started diplomatic relations in 1869 when Thailand signed the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation, and further development cooperation has been done since then. He said a series of cooperative events are expected to be staged next year to strengthen relations.
The one and a half hour performance was held Sunday at Schlosstheater Schonbrunn in Vienna under close cooperation with the Royal Thai Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. About 300 participants from Thai people, diplomats and the business sector joined the event.
The Ministry of Culture has sent more than 30 artists to present the classical Thai performance, especially Khon to present the country's culture to European members. Austria is one part of the cultural road show to the European countries, which began early this month and is expected to end the show in Belgium over the next two weeks.
Teresa Indejein, director-general for cultural policy, said there are many things to prepare for next year to present the future for the two countries. Cultural performance is one part of the Austrian core policy on exchange, adding that culture has inspired people to learn more about several topics.
Meanwhile, Ulrike Sych, rector of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, said the university has great friendship with Thailand, which was begun by the late King who was renowned as a great musician.