Two Kingdoms, two royal families

THE LONG AND historic links between Thailand and Belgium and their royal families are being celebrated next week with many activities, some of which will be graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Somsavali and Her Royal Highness Princess Marie-Esmeralda of Belgium.
Events include a photographic exhibition, the unveiling of commemorative brooches created by Bangkok jewellery designers, an economic forum and a showcase of Belgium’s much-loved chocolate.
“For this event, we decided to just celebrate what matters the most – the friendship that links Thailand and Belgium,” says Count Gerald van Der Straten Ponthoz, chairman of the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation, which is organising the celebrations. “Our two countries have always enjoyed good relations, and the friendship between the Belgian and Thai Royal families has never faded. Friendship is what this year’s event is about, and there is also an important charity aspect to it, which is aimed at raising funds for the construction of Border Patrol Police schools in remote areas of Thailand.”
Der Straten Ponthoz explains that planning for the project started two years ago during a visit to Border Patrol Police schools in Baan Fah Tai Ngam, Phu Chi Fah, Chiang Rai.
“It is a hardship for such poor children to go to school. Education is the most precious gift for young children and we want to ensure that this continues. I’m thankful for all the help that the foundation has received,” he says.
The foundation takes its name from the Thai title bestowed on Gustave Rolin-Jacquemyns, a Belgian lawyer and politician who served as general adviser to King Rama V from 1892 to 1901. Active since September 2008, the foundation’s aims are to preserve the memory of the works and achievements of Chao Phya Abhai Raja in Siam, as well as provide assistance to underprivileged youngsters in the form of educational scholarships, knowledge and skill development projects and job creation. The foundation’s latest project is the construction of a football stadium in Chiang Rai, which now provides jobs to many disadvantaged youngsters.
Belgian Ambassador to Thailand Marc Michielsen is hoping that Thais and expatriates of all nationalities will join the activities.
“The relations Thailand and Belgium are multidimensional, covering longstanding mutual ties between both royal families, cooperation in trade, investment, education and technology, as well as cultural exchange. I believe this celebration will enhance the friendship, mutual help and support between the two nations and assist the public to better understand the relationship. I would like to invite all interested persons to visit the upcoming exhibitions and activities,” he says.
Those activities also include an exhibition of portraits of the Thai and Belgian monarchs painted by artists from Bangkok and Chiang Rai, as well as a public exhibition of photographs of the monarchs and members of both royal families during visits to Thailand and Belgium. Among these photographs, the ones depicting His Majesty King Bhumibol and His M ajesty King Baudouin symbolise the deep friendship that unites the Thai and Belgian royal families. The images have been selected from the photo archive of the Bureau of the Royal Household and the National Archives of both countries. Film clips of the visits of the members of both royal families will also be shown.
 

THAI-BELGIAN TREATS
 -“Thai-Belgian Friendship: Celebrating an Everlasting Friendship between The Kingdom of Thailand and The Kingdom of Belgium” runs from Sunday until November 9.
- An exhibition on the royal visits runs from Sunday until November 8 at Siam Paragon. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the opening.
- The Thai-Belgian Friendship Commemorative Brooches Charity Gala Dinner and fashion show by Kwankao is on November 3 at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok, in the presence of HRH Princess Marie-Esmeralda of Belgium and HRH Princess Somsavali.
- The Thai Belgian Friendship Economic Forum will be held on November at Assumption University, ending with a high tea and leaders’ dinner, presided over by Princess Marie-Esmeralda.
- The Thai-Belgian Bridge Chocolate Exhibition runs from next Thursday to November 8 at Siam Paragon. Princess Marie-Esmeralda presides over the opening.
- The Royal Portraits Cocktail Party is on November 9 at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok.