On 13 January 2013, H.E. Mr. Anuson Chinvanno, Ambassador of Thailand to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, together with Mr. Nguyen Huu Hong, Chairman of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association of Hanoi, presided over “Friendship Melodies”, a music and dance festival jointly organized by the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association of Hanoi, Au Co Art Center and the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi to commemorate the 85th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the King of Thailand and the upcoming 2013 Tet, or traditional Vietnam New Year. The event showcase the friendly relations between Vietnam and Thailand, especially the people-to-people contact, which would contribute to the “Strategic Partnership” between the two countries in the future.

The show featured “Falling Rain” which was composed by His Majesty the King of Thailand, “Somtum”, a composition of H.R.H. Princess Sirindhorn, Sri Chai Sing Dance and Krida Piniharn Dance by a dance troupe from Bunditpatanasilpa Institute of the Ministry of Culture of Thailand, Lotus Dance from a group of Thai students in Hanoi as well as songs and dances by Vietnam’s famous artists. The event was attended by an audience of more than 700, including members of the diplomatic corps, Vietnamese public and members of the press. The event was broadcast live on Vietnam television.