In the occasion of Norwegian Constitution Day on May 17 this year 2006, Norwegian expatriates in Thailand started the day by having breakfast with friends and raising the Norwegian flag in the garden of the Scandinavian Church in Bangkok.
Later, they moved to celebrate this important day at the Ambassador’s residence. Starting program at 11 AM, Norwegians with their families and friends, about 300 altogether, were gathering in a parade in traditional costumes with Norwegian flags in their hands moving and singing along the road near the residence. The parade was led by marching band from the Royal Thai Army and it also made a stop at a kindergarten opposite door of the Ambassador’s residence.
During the celebration, everyone sang the Norwegian National Anthem, along with other marches with lyrics about king and the celebration of the National Day. There was also a speech in Norwegian by the Norwegian Ambassador to Thailand, Merete Fjeld Brattested, in this special important occasion.
After having lunch – waffle, hot dogs – and especially cold soft drinks and ice cream for everyone throughout the hot day, people moved to a garden inside the Ambassador’s residence to play games and did many activities together, adults enjoyed companion and friends while children had fun and discover the world through games and activities such as sack race, potato race and darts with little gifts as prize for winners.
“I really like this game. You know what? I won the second place at that sack race and I have got pencils from that,” one Thai-Norwegian girl said with proudly smile on her face.
In the evening, the 17 May Committee organized a 17 May Dinner at the Sheraton Grande Hotel on Sukhumvit Road. Furthermore, the Royal Norwegian Embassy also held a Cocktail Reception for Diplomats and affiliates to Norway in Bangkok in the conjunction with the 17 May Norway National Day. The glory night took place at Conrad Hotel from 6 – 8 PM and drew numerous participants internationally. The Norwegian Ambassador to Thailand gave a speech at the event and also praised honor regard to mark the 60th anniversary accession to the throne of Thai King Bhumibol’s.
