Remarks by Mr. Anothai HOMJIT,

Charge d'Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Dakar,

upon receipt of the launch of the 2 ^nd edition of the Festival of Gastronomy and Thai Culture in Dakar

Thursday, May 22, 2014, from 18:30 to 20:30,

in the gardens of the Hotel Radisson Blu.

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Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

            It is a pleasure and honor to welcome you at the reception to launch the 2 ^nd edition of the Festival of Gastronomy and Culture Thai in Dakar. The Royal Embassy of Thailand is organizing in partnership with the Radisson Blu for the second consecutive year the Festival to raise awareness of the Thai gastronomy and culture of the Senegalese public and the international community in Dakar.

This Festival magnifies the good relations between Thailand and Senegal. Through this event, the Kingdom of Thailand wishes to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two peoples, promote the development of cultural exchanges and promote understanding and mutual appreciation between people of our two nations using gastronomy and culture as a unifying instruments.

This year we have invited an exceptional team specifically from Thailand to recreate the flavor and charm of fine dining and Thai music here in Dakar. I ask you to join me to invite the Thai team to join me on the stage. First we have the Head and the Head Teerawat Wongvoratat Somkuan Chanthana. Both participated in the first edition of the Festival last year and returned again in Dakar. Let me remind you their references. Head Teerawat is in charge of "Shell Chuan Chim", which is the equivalent of the Michelin Guide Restaurants classification in Thailand. Head Somkuan won the national championship "Som Tam" or Green Papaya Salad, a renowned Thai dish. The public can see it in action during demonstrations and taste its Som Tam throughout the Festival at the Restaurant Avenue.

New members of the team are Mr. Boonsong Thai Boonthongnium, specialist fruit sculpture, which is a delicate art that beautifies the visual presentation of Thai dishes. Mr. Boonthongnium will also give a demonstration of making desserts and snacks of Thailand during the Festival. Another member of the Thai team, Mr. Amorn Puttanu, will perform traditional Thai music with various musical instruments. His music will enrich your experience of the taste of Thailand.

I want to express my warm thanks to management of the Radisson Blu for its efforts made for the success of this cultural and culinary event.

Finally, thank you for being with us tonight. I invite you to honor the appetizers prepared by our chefs and taste the fruit and juice products from Thailand, while enjoying Thai music after the award to the winner of the contest logo creation by the Minister's representative Culture.

I wish you a very pleasant evening.

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