A Royal Birthday

Through the years, the National Day of Thailand has always been celebrated in the grand manner, marking as it does the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, beloved monarch of the Thais. This month, the auspicious occasion was held at the ballroom of the Dusit Hotel with all the amenities befitting royalty.

Ambassador Busba Bunnag welcomed the guests and in her message alluded to the two visits of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to Thailand, and the second visit of Thai Prime Minister Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra to the Philippines–visits which attest to the warm, cordial relations between the two countries, boosted further by the increase of trade.

In what seemed to be the last public appearance of DFA Secretary Blas F. Ople before his untimely demise abroad, he likewise referred to the thriving bilateral relations between Thailand and the Philippines.

After the exchange of toasts in which Archibishop Antonio Franco, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, participated, attractive young Thai women performed classic dances, with slow, measured, exotic grace.

The sumptuous buffet prepared by the Dusit chef offered a wide variety of native entrees and desserts. Seen enjoying them were Ambassadors Terry Baker, Mario Schuff, Claudio Lyra, Consuls Vince Carlos, Fortune Ledesma, Helen Ong, Evie Costa and Tony Rufino, Babes Romualdez, Precious Soliven, Agnes Huibonhua and many others.

The royal celebration went beyond the specified hour while the gracious hostess Ambassador Bunnag did the rounds, chatting with the guests and enjoining them to relish the delicacies.