Edited by Anna Popper

The Royal Thai Embassy in Budapest organised a ceremonial reception to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary. The event was hosted by H.E. Mr. Phrommes Bhaholpolbhayuhasena, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Hungary, and Mrs. Vanida Bhaholpolbhayuhasena at the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel on 25 June 2024.

The historical Red Salon, set in the opulent architecture of the iconic New York Café, which is part of the Hotel, served as the venue for the celebration. It was decorated with special attention, focusing on the Royal Emblem, featuring particular elements released by the Prime Minister’s Office of Thailand on this auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 28 July 2024 (B.E. 2567). The emblematic yellow colour dominated both the decor and the participants’ garments, symbolizing loyalty to His Majesty the King in tribute to his 72nd birthday this year.

The music performance by Maestro Vilmos Oláh, an Emmy Award-winning violinist from Hungary, a trusted friend and supporter of Thailand, added an extra touch of refinement to the event by playing the Royal Thai Anthem composed by King Rama IX.

In his remarks Ambassador Bhaholpolbhayuhasena welcomed the invitees, and the State Secretary Mr. Tristan Azbej, and the Guest of Honour, Mr. Ádám Stifter, Deputy State Secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and addressed the audience:

“It is an immense honour and privilege to be here with you today to celebrate a momentous occasion of the 6th cycle or 72nd Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand. On this auspicious occasion, we gather to honour His Majesty the King and reflect on his remarkable achievements and enduring dedication to the Kingdom of Thailand and its people.

Upon his accession to the throne in 2016, His Majesty’s First Royal Command was: he will pursue, preserve and extend the royal legacy, and reign with righteousness for the benefit of the people forever. This declaration expressed His Majesty’s commitment to carry on the legacy of his father, King Rama IX and improve the livelihoods of all Thais.

As we celebrate His Majesty’s 72nd Birthday Anniversary, we are reminded of his profound impact on our lives and the immense progress we have achieved under his reign. Today, we express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt wishes to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn. May His Majesty be blessed with continued good health, happiness and strength to lead our nation into an even more prosperous and harmonious future.”

The Ambassador’s remarks were followed by a speech from Deputy State Secretary Mr. Ádám Stifter, who conveyed the Hungarian government’s heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on His Majesty’s birthday.

The attendees of the solemn event, including officers and staff of the Royal Thai Embassy, members of Team Thailand, representatives of the Hungarian government, the private sector, and the Thai Student Association, as well as Thai nationals in Hungary and Friends of Thailand, paid homage to His Majesty the King and signed a well-wishes book.

The celebration concluded with a reception featuring Thai specialties created by the acclaimed New York Palace Hotel, which belongs to the Thai-owned hotel brand Anantara. The event was enhanced by a local folk orchestra performing both international and Hungarian music.

Solemn Commemoration of His Majesty King Rama X’s Birthday Anniversary at the Hungarian Parliament

The celebration commenced with a distinguished ceremony organised by the Hungarian National Assembly and the Royal Thai Embassy in Budapest to honour the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Rama X’s Sixth Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 28 July 2024. The event took place at the iconic Hungarian Parliament building, a historic landmark inaugurated 120 years ago on the banks of the Danube river.

During the ceremony, Dr. István Simicskó, Chair of the Hungary-Thailand Friendship Group, and Ambassador Phrommes Bhaholpolbhayuhasena delivered heartfelt speeches. They invited all attendees – including officers of the Royal Thai Embassy, members of Team Thailand, Mr. István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, and representatives of the Hungary-Thailand Friendship Group – to sign a well-wishes book. This gesture symbolizes the enduring bonds of friendship and partnership between the two nations that has been flourishing for over 150 years.

Source: Royal Thai Embassy Budapest

Photos by the Royal Thai Embassy Budapest, and DPA