James Kon
Thai dishes, products and fruit carvings, along with information on products and services from leading Thai hospitals are some of the attractions at the Thailand Bazaar currently taking place at OneCity Shopping Centre.
Organised by the Royal Thai Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, the three-day bazaar was officially launched by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Brunei Darussalam Wanthanee Viputwongsakul yesterday.
Viputwongsakul said in her welcoming remarks, “The Royal Thai Embassy annually organises a trade fair to promote economic and tourism cooperation, as well as enhancing people-to-people relations between Thailand and Brunei Darussalam. However, this year, we are facing a huge challenge, as the world is swept by a pandemic which caused cancellations and postponements of events.
“In Brunei Darussalam, we are very fortunate that the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, is effective and efficient in controlling the outbreak.
“The easing of social distancing measures, which include allowing for bazaars and expos at commercial buildings, presents a good opportunity for the embassy to organise our annual fair.”
She said, “The embassy has been working closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and Ministry of Health (MoH), as well as OneCity Management, to ensure that social distancing measures are strictly complied with during this event. We believe that this is a way to move forward during this difficult time, and we must adapt to conquer the challenges, as part of the new normal.”
Viputwongsakul ended her remarks by expressing the hope of bringing Thailand closer to the people of Brunei Darussalam through the bazaar, and that Thailand would be among the destinations of choice after the lifting of travel restrictions.
The minister toured the bazaar, together with several invited guests.
Twenty-four vendors and exhibition booths are featured in the bazaar, where visitors will be given the opportunity to take part in mini-quizzes to win products and souvenirs
from Thailand.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the MPRT Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps and prominent figures in the local business community were also present.