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Welcoming Remarks
“An Evening with the Suanplu Chorus”
By H.E. Mr. Theerakun Niyom, Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
At Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
13th July 2011, 18.30 hrs.
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Excellencies,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening. I would like to extend to all of you a warm welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for “An Evening with Suanplu Chorus.” Thank you all for coming.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs attaches particular importance to the promotion of cultural cooperation and exchanges among nations. We believe that culture plays a very important role in fostering deeper understanding among people. Through culture, we can construct a living bridge linking Thai people with people in other parts of the world. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs therefore encourages the holding of cultural events, such as this one, so that our friends and partners can learn more about Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. In the past, the Ministry has promoted cultural diplomacy through various activities, including the organizations of cultural performances and the exhibitions of Thai handicrafts and films abroad as well as here at the Ministry which now also serves as a venue for cultural exchange and promotion.
Tonight, Ladies and Gentlemen, we are proud to present one of the most beautiful forms of culture—music, which is the best international language of communication and one that is appreciated the world over. I take great pleasure in introducing to you a true jewel of Thai choir music, the Thai Suanplu Chorus
(สวนพลู คอรัส).
Since its establishment in the year 2000, the Suanplu Chorus (สวนพลู คอรัส) has spread the extraordinary beauty of Thai culture and music via Western choral techniques. It has garnered many awards from international competitions and Choir Games around the world. Most recently, it represented Thailand in the International Cultural Festival of Diversity at the UNESCO Headquarter in Paris in May 2010.
With Mrs. Dusdi Banomyong (ดุษฎี พนมยงค์) as the Executive Director, the Suanplu Chorus’s reputation has grown and is always in great demand. They have travelled far and wide throughout all continents. And tonight, not only will they share their musical and artistic talents with us, but they will also bring a bit of sunshine and warmth from the friendly people of Thailand to our friends and partners who are here with us.
Before we begin this evening’s performance, may I thank you all once again for joining us tonight. I would also like to thank the Suanplu Chorus for making this evening a special and memorable one.
Have a pleasant evening.
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