Today, 17 May 2025, marks a special day for all Norwegians — Norwegian Constitution Day. On this occasion, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, in collaboration with the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, is proud to highlight the unique tradition of celebrating the day, commemorating the signing of the Constitution 211 years ago in 1814.
Constitution Day, or the 17th of May, is a widely celebrated occasion in Norway and among Norwegians living abroad. This momentous day stands as a symbol of Norwegian unity and independence, celebrating democracy and gender equality, which have contributed to social stability and economic growth in modern Norwegian society.
On this joyous day, Norwegian families and friends gather to celebrate and honour their proud national heritage and culture throughout the country. The day is a celebration for everyone, especially children. Men and women, adults and youngsters alike, dress in their finest traditional clothing called the Bunad. Children and teenagers march through local streets, accompanied by school bands, with crowds cheering and waving the national flag.
Norwegians take part in many joyful activities to mark Constitution Day, starting with a hearty breakfast with friends, family, and neighbours — often a potluck featuring freshly baked bread, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and soft drinks or champagne. Throughout the day, children's parades take place across the country, and communities are filled with live music and speeches. Ice cream and hot dogs are especially popular, while children enjoy games at gatherings or local schools.
Source: National Archives of Norway and Thailand
This year holds special significance as it marks the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdoms of Norway and Thailand — a milestone that underscores the enduring strength of the partnership between the two nations since King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) arrived in Norway on 5 July 1907. He was the fifth monarch of Siam from the House of Chakri and is considered one of the greatest kings of Siam (now Thailand).
The King was warmly received by Their Majesties King Haakon VII and Queen Maud of Norway. Although the visit was primarily for diplomatic and political purposes, it helped pave the way for strong and lasting relations between the two kingdoms. King Chulalongkorn spent 28 days in Norway, travelling from Nordkapp in the north to Flekkefjord in the south. During his journey, he expressed a keen interest in the Norwegian people, modern industry, and the country’s natural beauty. A photograph of the King, taken in front of Yara’s facility at Notodden, even appears on the reverse of the 100 Baht banknote. Throughout his visit, King Rama V wrote letters to Her Royal Highness Princess Nibha Nobhadol, his daughter and personal secretary. This collection of correspondence was later published as the book Klai Ban, or in English, Far From Home.
Norway’s economy has shown promising development in recent times. Inflation slowed markedly last year, and overall GDP growth was largely driven by increased activity in the general government, as well as in health and care services. Additionally, the production and distribution of electric power grew significantly. High levels of activity on the Norwegian continental shelf also contributed to added value in manufacturing and service industries that supply goods and services to the petroleum sector.
Leading Norwegian-related business corporations such as Jotun, the Norwegian Seafood Council, Aibel, Yara, Bangchak, Norway Connect, and Telenor Asia — all operating in Thailand — continue to achieve outstanding success, reflecting a strong and growing trade partnership between the two countries. Key exports from Norway to Thailand include seafood, fertilisers, and various industrial products. From Thailand, major exports include engineering products such as offshore platforms and electrical transformer stations destined for the UK’s offshore wind farms.
Source: VisitNorway/Fredrik Ahlsen/Maverix
More importantly, trade between Norway and Thailand has increased steadily in recent years, particularly following the historic free trade agreement signed on 23 January 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, between Thailand and the EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). Norwegian seafood exports have grown significantly in recent years, contributing to the steady expansion of bilateral trade. In 2024, trade between Norway and Thailand reached approximately 12 billion Norwegian kroner.
Under the new free trade agreement, 83 percent of trade will be duty-free from the date of entry into force. After 15 years, 99.8% of Norwegian exports to Thailand will enjoy duty-free access. Beyond economic benefits, the agreement reflects shared commitments to advancing sustainability and addressing global challenges — values that have shaped the relationship between the two nations over the past century.
Finally, to all of you, we are delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate the 17th of May together. The 120th anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of this partnership. It is a moment to honour the past and to look ahead with optimism to continued collaboration in the years to come.
Let’s celebrate this day like a Norwegian — “Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah! Gratulerer med Dagen!”
For further information, please visit www.norcham.com