Thai Festival 2015 to be held in Tokyo

The “Thai Festival 2015” will be held on May 16-17 in Tokyo to honour His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 88th birthday anniversary.
The “Thai Festival 2015” will be held on May 16-17 in Tokyo to honourHis Majesty the King on the occasion of his 88th birthday anniversary.

This year the festival comes in the theme of "Have a RICEDay”. The word “rice” coincides with the meaning of a Kanji alphabetcontained in the Japanese word “Beiju” which is used for calling the88th birthday anniversary. Therefore, it is an auspicious occasion forthe Thai government to celebrate the King’s birthday with activities topublicise royal contributions to the development of agriculture and Thairice.

The Thai Festival 2015, which is the 16th of itskind, features various exhibitions focusing on the importance of ricefarming, its relevance to the Thai way of life and local wisdoms, Thairice market in Japan and worldwide.

There will be cookingdemonstrations of Thai desserts made from rice as well as handicraftsfrom the Foundation of the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations andRelated Techniques of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

Thai Festivals have been held in Japan consecutively with a highsuccess. During the last three-four years, around 300 - 400 thousandpeople visited the event each year.-VNA

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