On 28 June 2024, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, President of the ASEAN Ladies' Circle (ALC) in Kuala Lumpur (KL) for the term 2024 - 2025 and Patron of ALC Thailand, hosted the “The Taste of Thailand” event at Malai Thai Cuisine whereby more than 60 ALC members participated. YM Tengku Sofia Dora Tengku Mohamad was invited by the Ambassador as a special guest, along with ALC Malaysia led by Datin Paduka Azizan Siti Hajjar Adnin, Deputy Secretary General (Management Services), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.

 

In her opening remarks, the Ambassador underlined the objectives of the activity to fostering ASEAN unity and deeper cultural understanding among ASEAN member states, as well as promoting popularity of Thai cuisine in Malaysia. According to a survey by Oppotus on Malaysian consumers' satisfaction with eating out, Thai food is second in popularity only after Malaysian food, as reflected by the presence of over one thousand Thai restaurants across Malaysia.

 

The event showcased a cooking demonstration of 3 well-known Thai dishes: Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (green chicken curry), Som Tum (papaya salad), and Tub Tim Grob (red ruby dessert). The demonstration was led by Mrs. Puangpaka Tonginkaew, spouse of Defence & Army Attaché, Mrs. Panawan Krasaetanont, spouse of Air Attaché, and Ms.Nirunchala Puntong, owner of Malai Thai Cuisine. ALC Patrons in attendance included Datin Soraya Dato Hamid from Brunei, Datin Kiki Hermono from Indonesia, and Madam Do Thi Huong Lan from Vietnam, along with the honourable guest and ALC representatives from Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Singapore. Throughout the event, the participants learned the art and techniques of Thai cooking in an informative, joyful and amicable atmosphere, while having the opportunity to taste authentic Thai food from the Michelin Guide and Thai Select Premium awards’ restaurant.

 

On this occasion, Mr. Worawan Wanwil, Director of the Office of Commercial Affairs (DITP Malaysia), gave an introductory of the Thai SELECT project and DITP’s initiative to contribute to ALC fund raising project through the offering of the Thai SELECT Privilege Card. The Royal Thai Embassy also prepared the recipes of the 3 dishes for participants to take home to try their hands on Thai cooking. The Tourism Authority of Thailand Kuala Lumpur Office supported the event with goody bags of Thai souvenirs, and Malai Thai Cuisine provided the venue for the event.

 

The success of the “Taste of Thai” can be attributed to the joint efforts and moral supports from ALC members, reflecting the strength and unity of ASEAN community in Kuala Lumpur.