The Royal Thai Embassy in Bern organized the 26 th Thai Festival on 5 th and
6 th July 2025. During the opening ceremony, H.E. Ms. Pannabha Chandraramya,
Ambassador of Thailand to Switzerland highlighted emphasized that this year’s event
focused on presenting Thai culture while also highlighting the importance of balanced
and sustainable development. The Embassy promoted the use of eco-friendly packaging
and the recycling of used cooking oil into electricity, as well as biodegradable UNIBOX
food containers with built-in spoons sponsored by Chiang Mai University, which were
used throughout the festival.

Mr. Heinrich Schellenberg, Head of the Asia and Pacific Division, Federal
Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), was the guest of honor. In his remarks, he noted that
the Thai Festival symbolizes the strong and longstanding relationship between Thailand
and Switzerland. He also referred to the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
between Thailand and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as the latest
testament of these ties. Furthermore, the event showcased Thailand’s soft power and
unique appeal, particularly its culture and cuisine, which are widely admired around the
world.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from Swiss
government agencies and the private sector, ambassadors and their spouses based in
Bern, representatives of international organizations, as well as Ambassador, Permanent
Representative of Thailand to the UN Office and other international organizations in
Geneva and Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the WTO and WIPO,
and from the Swiss private sector. 

This year’s festival attracted approximately 7,000 attendees. It provided an
excellent opportunity for Swiss and international visitors in Switzerland to experience
Thailand’s soft power in many dimensions including Thai cuisine, cultural performances,
Muay Thai (Thai boxing), and traditional Thai massage. A cultural highlight of the festival
was a series of performances organized by the Bunditpatanasilpa Institute of Fine Arts,
which focused on promoting the Songkran (Thai New Year) tradition. Activities included a
Songkran water-pouring ceremony and traditional Thai dance performances on the main
stage, which greatly impressed the audience over the two days of the event.