Speech by Jan van Zanen at the opening of the Thailand Grand Festival, 12 July 2025

Ambassador Mamanee,

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

The world is at home in The Hague.

Something that was recently confirmed again when the NATO summit was held here.

But at other moments too, we can clearly see the open, international character of The Hague.

Such as today, at the Thailand Grand Festival.

A festival that presents Thai culture in all its wealth and diversity.

For those who have seen it before it or perhaps even grew up with it, this festival will be a familiar celebration.

For others, the Thailand Grand Festival may be a revelation.

An experience that leaves you wanting to know more and might even lead you to visit Thailand.

I have a close personal connection with Thailand and the Thai culture.

While I was studying at Cornell Law School, in the United States, more than forty years ago, I got to know my lifelong friends Kobchai and Buppa Kingchatchaval-Dhamabutra.

Despite the physical distance between us, we see each other every now and then and also keep in contact by phone and by e-mail.

In my thoughts they are here with us today, and I will certainly tell them about this magnificent festival.

In these times of rising nationalism and growing concerns about the state of the world, let us celebrate this festival of friendship.

Friendship through culture.

Therefore, I would like to thank the Embassy of Thailand for organising this festival.

May it bring people of different nationalities together and be a source of inspiration to many.