Thai National Day reception in Budapest highlights expanding Thai–Hungarian cooperation
On Wednesday, 3 December 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Budapest hosted a Reception on the Occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, The Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Thailand’s Father’s Day, 5 December 2025.
The event took place at the historic Queen Elizabeth Ballroom of Gundel Restaurant, Budapest, where His Majesty King Rama V of the Kingdom of Thailand (formerly known as the Kingdom of Siam) dined during His Majesty’s visit to Hungary in 1897. That historic visit laid one of the earliest foundations of Thai–Hungarian relations, which continue to flourish today.
On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Phrommes Bhaholpolbhayuhasena, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Hungary, presided over the opening ceremony. In his remarks, he invited guests to observe a moment of silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, who passed away peacefully on 24 October 2025. He then delivered a brief obituary, highlighting Her Majesty’s enduring legacy in the promotion of Thai arts and crafts.
In the second part of his address, the Ambassador reflected on key events in Thai–Hungarian relations in 2025, including the official visit to Hungary of H.E. Mr. Wanmuhamadnoor Matha, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand, the annual Thai Festival in Budapest, and exchanges of Thai–Hungarian business delegations. He concluded by reaffirming the Kingdom of Thailand’s commitment to peace.
The Guest of Honour, Mr. István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, also addressed the gathering. He highlighted recent milestones in bilateral relations, including the official visit of H.E. Mr. Wanmuhamadnoor Matha in 2025 and the meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation in Budapest in 2024. Looking ahead, he encouraged both sides to explore new joint projects in water management, medical technology, agricultural innovation, tourism, hospitality, education, and culture.
During the Reception, guests enjoyed a violin performance of royal compositions by a Thai music student at the University of Szeged, alongside a selection of Thai cuisine, including Tom Yum Kung, Pad Thai, Mama noodle salad, and an array of traditional Thai desserts. The Director of the Thai Trade Office in Budapest also participated in the reception, presenting a stand that showcased Thai products available in Hungary, such as rice, herbs, and spices.
The reception was graced by Ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from government, business, academia, media, and civic organisations in Hungary, together with Team Thailand and the vibrant Thai community in Hungary.
