On 6 February 2024 H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, together with Mr. Phasit Chudabuddhi, Consul-General in Kota Bharu, led the delegation from Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kota Bharu to meet with 50 members of Siamese Community, at Phikulthong Vararam Temple, Tumpat district, Kota Bharu in Kelantan.

 

Associate Professor Pim Utraphan, Chairman of Kelantan Siamese Association, led the briefing and discussion on historical background and way of life of the Siamese community, the Malaysian with Thai descent, who still communicate in Thai and practice Buddhism, and also continue to celebrate and cultural events at the Temple. In the multicultural society, the Siamese community has lived harmoniously with the Muslims who make up the majority of population in Kelantan, and the State of Kelantan also renders support to the Siamese community through the maintenance of 25 Thai temples in Kota Bharu. The Prime Minister of Malaysia also provided assurances that the welfare as well as identity of various ethnic groups, including the Siamese, will be preserved, including the teaching of Thai language managed by Thai temples.

 

The Ambassador expressed her appreciation to the Siamese community who has long played an instrumental role in preserving the Siamese culture, with its Thai root, while expressing hope that they will continue to maintain close ties with Thailand through close coordination with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kota Bharu.

 

On this occasion, the Ambassador shared information on the progress of important connectivity project along the Thai-Malaysian border, including the parallel bridge project linking Su-ngai Kolok border and Rantau Panjang checkpoints which will further facilitate border crossing for those residing in the area.

 

The Kelantan Siamese Association expressed their appreciation to the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kota Bharu for the meeting, and also for the continuous supports for the community such as the facilitation provided for the distribution of Thai language textbooks, etc.

 

This cordial session helped strengthen the relations between the Embassy, the Consulate-General, and the Siamese Association in Kelantan, who play an important role in promoting relations between Thailand and Malaysia.