KARACHI: The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Karachi hosted “Thai Night” at the Marriott Hotel to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Pakistan, bringing together diplomats, business representatives, cultural figures and members of Karachi’s culinary community.
The event was attended by Director General of Protocol Irfan Soomro, representatives of the diplomatic corps, honorary consuls, President of the Arts Council Karachi, members of the Pak-Thai Friendship Association and Business Forum, representatives of Thai Airways, media personalities, influencers and prominent chefs from Karachi.
The evening opened with a retrospective highlighting seven decades of relations between Thailand and Pakistan, followed by cultural performances representing both countries.
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Young artists from the Arts Council Karachi presented a Punjabi dance, while performers showcased a traditional Thai dance. A live Thai khim instrumental performance continued throughout the evening, adding to the cultural atmosphere as guests enjoyed dinner.
A major highlight of the celebration was a special menu prepared by two renowned Thai chefs who travelled from Bangkok for the occasion. Chef Bo, Duangporn Songvisava, recognised as Asia’s Best Female Chef and known for her appearance on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, joined Chef Dylan Jones, her partner at Michelin-starred restaurant Bo.lan.
The chefs, who are known for their efforts to preserve and reinterpret traditional Thai cuisine, created a menu combining Thai and Pakistani culinary influences. The collaboration brought flavours and ingredients from both countries together as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Speaking about the significance of the occasion, Thai Consul General in Karachi H.E. Mr. Surashete Boontinand recalled an anecdote from the 1951 state visit of the late King Bhumibol to Karachi.
He recalled how the Thai monarch accepted a chapati offered by a textile factory worker during an afternoon tea and ate it with a smile. Pakistani newspapers subsequently reported the moment under the headline, “Thai King relished Chapati.”
“That moment has stayed with me,” Boontinand said. He explained that the memory inspired his own enjoyment of combining Thai and Pakistani flavours, including Thai green curry with Pakistani chapati and Pakistani mangoes with Thai sticky rice.
“These simple combinations capture, in their own way, the warmth and harmony between our two nations – and it is that same spirit we brought to the table tonight,” he said.
The celebrations continued the following day with a Thai cooking masterclass led by Chef Bo and Chef Dylan. Pakistani chefs from culinary schools, hotels and Thai restaurants across Karachi participated in the session.
The programme also featured a Thai street-food buffet that combined elements of Thai and Pakistani cuisine at the hotel.
The 75th anniversary of Thailand-Pakistan diplomatic relations highlights a longstanding relationship shaped by cultural exchange, trade and people-to-people connections. The Karachi celebrations brought those ties into focus through food, music and cultural performances.
