MoFA Union Minister participates in Songkran Festival marking 75th Anniversary of Myanmar-Thailand Diplomatic Ties

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Myanmar-Thailand diplomatic relations, the Thai traditional Thingyan Festival (Songkran) was held at the residence of the Thai ambassador on Pyay Road in Dagon Township, Yangon, yesterday morning.
Monks led by the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Khayma Rama Monastery in Mayangon Township, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe, Deputy Minister Daw Nu Mra Zan of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar Mr Mongkol Visitstump and wife, the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Myanmar and the ambassador of Cambodia to Myanmar, MoFA high-ranking officials, diplomats from the embassies of ASEAN countries in Myanmar, the president and officials of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, officials from business and commercial organizations in Yangon, Thai nationals in Myanmar and invitees were present on the occasion.
At first, MoFA Union Minister U Than Swe, the Ambassador of Thailand and attendees took the Five Precepts from the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw and listened to the recitation of Paritta. After that, Union Minister U Than Swe and officials donated offerings to the Sayadaw and monks.
The MoFA Union minister, the MoRAC deputy minister, the Thai ambassador and officials offered the day meal to members of Sangha and shared the merits received.
Next, the Union minister and officials poured water on the Buddha statue and offered coins and observed Thai traditional food stalls, the Sand Pagoda and the demonstration of Sepak Takraw.
Afterwards, the Songkran was held, and the Thai ambassador to Myanmar gave a welcoming speech.
Then, the MoFA Union minister, the MoRAC deputy minister, the Thai ambassador, the Chinese ambassador, the Cambodian ambassador, officials and Thai nationals in Myanmar splashed each other with the cool water.
Following that, the Thai ambassador sang the “Myananda” song along with the performance of the Thai traditional cultural dance troupe, followed by the performances of a singer from Thailand and the students majoring in the Thai Language at the Yangon University of Foreign Languages. The Union minister and the audience enjoyed the performances and presented the performers with a bouquet.
Finally, the Thai ambassador and his wife served the Union minister and party with lunch.
As the Thai traditional Thingyan Festival (Songkran) shows the friendship between Myanmar and Thailand and can promote cooperation in the socioeconomic and cultural sectors. — MNA/CT