By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

The ‘Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2025: Discover Thailand’ opened in spectacular fashion at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul on September 6, 2025. At the opening ceremony, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry adviser Dusit Manapan officially declared the festival open, and Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of Korea, delivered a welcome address.

Additionally, Kim Young-soo, First Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea; Yoo Sang-beom, Member of the National Assembly and Vice Chairman of the Korea-Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Association; and Seo Bin, Director-General of the Public Diplomacy Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the friendship and cooperation between Korea and Thailand in their congratulatory speeches. The event was attended by a large number of dignitaries from Thailand and the diplomatic corps in Korea, as well as key figures from the public and private sectors.

Opening Ceremony Shining with Thai Culture and Arts

The opening ceremony stage was richly filled with a traditional performance by the Siam Mantra troupe, a Khon performance by the National Institute of the Arts, and a demonstration match by Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek.

The 10th Thailand Festival: A Hub for Culture and Exchange

Marking its 10th anniversary this year, the festival showcased Thailand's cultural diversity, spanning both tradition and modernity. Blending art, music, food, creative products, and tourism content, the event served as a platform to promote Thailand's creative economy and soft power while further deepening exchanges and friendship between the Korean and Thai peoples.

According to organizers, the two-day event held from September 6 to 7 drew over 62,000 visitors, achieving great success.