Showcasing Thainess through its rich cultural heritage and reinforcing ICONSIAM and Siam Paragon as ‘World Destinations’ for tourism
The Global Summit of Women 2022, the world’s major international forum for women leaders, now in its 32nd year, officially took place from 23-25 June 2022 in Bangkok. The international forum put Thailand in the limelight as more than 600 participants from over 51 countries attended. Following the country’s reopening to welcome tourists from across the globe, it was an excellent opportunity to showcase Thailand’s readiness and capabilities to host international-standard fora, reinforcing the country’s status as a ‘World Destination’ for international conventions and tourism.
Siam Piwat Co., Ltd, a leading property and retail developer, the owner and operator of global retail destinations Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint venture partner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, is honoured to co-host and serve as venues to welcome the world’s women leaders attending the Global Summit of Women 2022. ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the banks of Chao Phraya River, and Siam Paragon, a world-class shopping destination, welcomed the delegates with majestic Thainess and rich cultural heritage of each region to showcase Thailand to the eyes of the world. Warmly welcoming the participants were Ms Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chair of the Thai Host Committee and former Minister of Tourism and Sports, together with Mrs Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat and one of the Thai Host Committee.
ICONSIAM welcomed women leaders from around the world in the “PRE-SUMMIT TOUR” showcasing the grandeur of Thainess to the world
ICONSIAM, the iconic global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, welcomed the women leaders from across the globe attending the Global Summit of Women 2022 by hosting PRE-SUMMIT TOUR on 22 June 2022 at ICONSIAM. The grand welcome featured Thai four-region cultural performances and “ICONIC Multimedia Water Features” at River Park, featuring the longest water performance in Southeast Asia. A splendid combination of light and sound and cutting-edge multimedia technology highlighted Thailand’s culture and identity and reinforced ICONSIAM as a global destination.
The women leaders visited SookSiam, town of Thai-style happiness and fun. The venue presented Thai ways of living and the rich cultural heritage of the four main geographical regions through foods, arts and handicrafts, set in the captivating local atmospheres of each region. Next stop was ICONCRAFT, on the 4th-5th floors, an inspirational platform and the largest centre of Thai craftsmanship featuring local artisans from across the country, promoting Thai artisanal excellence and glorifying the creativity and local wisdom featured in handicrafts. The delegates also participated in Thai fragrance and potpourri sachet workshops. Various craft demonstrations were featured, including floral embroidery on silk, Benjarong-ware painting, miniatures sculpting, and the making of silver accessories on natural wood using the ancient Japanese metalworking mokumegane technique that adorned Samurai swords in the late Meji era.
Siam Paragon presented the grandeur of “Global Summit of Women 2022 Welcome Dinner” magnificent world-class cultural performance
On the special night of 23 June 2022, Siam Paragon, the world-class shopping destination, hosted the “Global Summit of Women 2022 Welcome Dinner” for over 600 participating leading women from more than 51 countries. Themed “Magical Thai Living”, the welcome dinner promoted the magnificence of Thainess to the eyes of the world.
From the Siam Paragon entrance on G floor to the dinner venue at Royal Paragon Hall on the 5th Floor, Thai identity was showcased through decorations including sculptures, images of tourist attractions and Thai cultural performances from all regions of Thailand. Meanwhile, Suanplu Chorus performed for the female leaders and distinguished guests as did the traditional Thai puppets of the Joe Louis Theatre. Featured also were four regions handicraft demonstrations, including Bo Sang umbrellas from the North, basketry from the Northeast, carving and floral garlands from the Central Region, and shadow-puppets from the South. Impressive souvenirs presented to the women leaders included Bo Sang umbrellas, woven carp-shaped wind hangings, and miniature flower garlands.
The welcome dinner featured Thai cuisine crafted from premium ingredients accompanied with spectacular performances, including Ramayana Khon: the Sattayanaree (Sida Lui Faai) episode performance. UNESCO has listed Thai khon masked dance as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Featured also were traditional cultural performances of four regions themed Welcome to Thailand. These comprised Fon Tee dance from the North, Rabam Ton Worachet dance from the Central region, Nora dance from the South, and Pong Lang dance from the Northeast. Yet another highlight was theatrical Tumrub Tubjak, a Thai boxing exhibition set in a fun temple fair atmosphere.