Grand Diwali reception brings together diplomats, Thai officials, business leaders and community representatives ahead of the 80th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2027
The Indian diaspora in Thailand celebrated Diwali with a gathering of diplomats, government officials, spiritual leaders and business representatives in Bangkok, highlighting the role of cultural exchanges in strengthening relations between India and Thailand.
The Grand Diwali Celebration and Welcome Reception 2026 was held on October 31 at the Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit under the theme ‘Collective Strength, Shared Vision’. The event brought together members of the Indian community and representatives from several countries to mark the festival of lights.
Among the prominent attendees were Thailand’s Director General of Religious Affairs, Jetsada Cheewachawankul; Assistant Permanent Secretary for Culture, Urusaya Intrasuksri; India’s Ambassador to Thailand, Puneet Agrawal; and Maldives Ambassador Fuwad Thowfeek.
Swami Abhirama Acharya Ji Maharaj, president of the Shree Tirthraj Adhyatmapeeth Trust, and business leader Juling Patra Chirathivat, president and chief executive of Trend Marble & Design Co. Ltd. and shareholder of Central Group, also attended the celebration.
Diplomatic representatives from Sweden, Russia, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Sri Lanka, Laos and Kenya participated in the programme
The celebration featured a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, cultural performances and a live musical presentation by artist Payal Vakharia. The gathering also provided a platform for interaction among diplomats, business leaders and community organisations.
The event underscored the Indian diaspora’s contribution to preserving cultural traditions while fostering closer engagement with Thai society and institutions. Organisers also acknowledged the contributions of community associations, sponsors, partners and volunteers.
The celebration comes ahead of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand in 2027. The two countries share longstanding historical, cultural and spiritual connections, with bilateral cooperation spanning trade, investment, tourism, education and technology.
The gathering highlighted how community-led cultural initiatives continue to contribute to friendship, mutual understanding and stronger people-to-people ties between the two nations.
