On 5 September 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Oslo organized the event “Thai Night in Iceland” at Harpa Conference Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland,to celebrate the close and cordial relations between Thailand and Iceland despite the geographical distance, and to promote and raise awareness of Thailand among Icelanders and foreigners residing in Iceland.

 

The event was attended by His Excellency Mr. Martin Eyjólfsson, Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, as a guest of honour; Mrs. Andrea Sompit Siengboon, Honorary Consul of Thailand in Reykjavik; Miss Nichaporn Wannapruek, Director of the Office of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in Copenhagen; senior officials from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, the diplomatic corps, and honorary consuls in Iceland; as well as members of the Thai community in Iceland—totalling around 50 participants.

 

The event was presided over by Her Excellency Miss Nitivadee Manitkul, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Reykjavik. In her remarks, Ambassador Nitivadee highlighted (1) Celebration of 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and Iceland, which have enjoyed strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The Ambassador also expressed appreciation for Iceland’s assistance during the 2004 tsunami in Thailand. (2) Economic Cooperation, including the recent signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Thailand and EFTA in January 2025, which is expected to enter into force next year. This agreement will help enhance trade and investment and promote cooperation in sectors where Iceland has expertise, such as fisheries, sustainable development, and renewable energy. (3) People-to-People Ties, particularly through tourism. The Ambassador expressed hope that mutual tourism exchanges will continue to grow. (4) Cultural Exchange, where the Ambassador introduced “Chud Thai” (Royal Thai Costume) currently being nominated for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2026.

 

On this occasion, the Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland expressed his appreciation to the Ambassador and the Royal Thai Embassy for organizing the event and reaffirmed the close and growing relations between Thailand and Iceland, especially through the recent FTA signing, which will strengthen future economic collaboration.

 

The event also featured live demonstrations of Thai cuisine by Ms. Khanittha Srisuk and Ms. Saisuree Chalad, chefs from the Thai Ambassador’s residence, who prepared Papaya Salad (Som Tam) and Spicy Salmon Salad (Pla Salmon). Members of the Thai community in Iceland showcased traditional Thai performances, including Bai Sri Su Kwan dance, Muay Thai, Thai music, and fruit carving, while the Office of International Trade Promotion in Copenhagen exhibited high-potential Thai products.

 

The Royal Thai Embassy extends its sincere appreciation to the Honorary Consul of Thailand in Iceland, the Office of International Trade Promotion in Copenhagen, Thailand Office of Agricultural Affairs to the European Union, the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Stockholm, and the Thai community in Iceland for their strong support and cooperation, which contributed to the successful celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thailand-Iceland diplomatic relations.