Thailand revels in London's heart

cultural wares and Thai food impressed Britons, who, like many foreigners, are turning to exotic fruits and dishes found and prepared in Thailand.

For a while, pigeons that usually crowd Trafalgar Square in the heart of London had no space to alight on when hundreds of people turned up for the opening of "Thai@Trafalgar Square".

It was the first Thai cultural festival ever held at this public square, the aim being to promote Thai culture and food to Britons.

"There are about 1,700 Thai restaurants today in Britain. Thai food is not unknown any more here. If you have never eaten Thai food, you're in minority," Thai ambassador to the UK Kitti Wasinondh said. Kitti had presided over the opening ceremony.

The single-day event was part of the worldwide celebration of the 80th birth anniversary of His Majesty the King, and among other things, the Royal Project exhibition paid tribute to the King's devotion to his country and people. HSH Prince Bhisatej Rajani, chairman of the Royal Projects Foundation, also joined the event by introducing people to the fresh aroma of Doi Kham Arabica coffee that comes from Thailand's Northern hills.

"Arabica coffee is one of the project's proud produce. The coffee trees have been specially developed to suit the land of Thai highlands. Those who have tasted our coffee consider it to be of the highest quality. I'm so glad it could draw people's attention here," Prince Bhisatej said.

Cultural performances were presented on the stage from afternoon till sunset, including Lanna drums, Thai folk dances, khon (masked dance) and puppet shows by performers from London-based Thai Dance Academy and Thai Music Circle. Viewers also responded enthusiastically to Muay Thai boxers, flown in from Thailand to demonstrate the genuine form of the martial arts to Britons.

Contemporary music shared the stage with jazz beats from Koh Mr Saxman, contemporary Thai xylophone notes from Narongrit Tohsanga, better known as Koon In, and hip hop music from Thaitanium.

Cultural shows were the stars of the event but so was Thai food. Several food stalls arranged by premier UK-based Thai-restaurant group Thai Square provided famous dishes such as pad thai (stir-fried Thai noodles), kaeng khiew wan gai (green chicken curry) and deep-fried spring rolls.

There were also the demonstrations of fruit carving and umbrella painting. OTOP (one tambon one product) goods were also on sale.

Suwanna Krissanawarin, who started the Tawana Supermarket that has, for 20 years, been a place for Thai ingredients in London, also joined the event by bringing in different kinds of Thai fruits.

"In the past, foreigners just knew fruits such as mango and longan, but today, they ask for things such as mangosteen, rambutan, longkong and even durian. Today, I proudly present lychee, which is sweet and has thick jelly-like pulp."

Thai Square and Boonrawd Trading International provided the financial support to the event. The budget was £300,000 (Bt19.9 million).

 "Since last year, India, China, Korea and Canada have organised events to promote their countries at Trafalgar Square. Among Asian foods, I believe Thai food is becoming No 1 in London. It's not oily like Chinese nor spicy like Indian. It's now time to bring Thai culture and food to the heart of London," owner of Thai Square group Hiam Danous said. The London-based Israeli is married to a Thai lady, Suwaporn.

On the stage, Thai ambassador Kitti told the crowd, "There's scientific proof that Thai rice makes you sleep better and smile. You should have enough rice and when you're back home, smile at your family members."

Do you believe him? The only way to find out is to try Thai food.