Miracle of Smiles

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

After officially opening the beautiful, flower-adorned doors of the Thailand Pavilion in an elegant ceremony on the morning of Friday, October 1, the vibrant destination has revealed more details about what visitors can expect from its exciting line-up of special events.

Welcoming special guests Mr Don Pramudwinai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Ajarin Pattanapanchai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy & Society and the Commissioner General of Section for the Thailand Pavilion and Ambassador Waravuth Pouapinya, Thailand Ambassador to the UAE, the intimate and exclusive ceremony featured a carefully selected guest list of Dubai’s most significant dignitaries, professionals and journalists.

Ajarin Pattanapanchai said,“Expo 2020 is a very important opportunity for Thailand and we are showcasing our concept of mobility to the world. We are developing our infrastructure and the growth of our digital infrastructure is the main point of our national policy.”

She added, “Thailand is tourists hub in the ASEAN region and Thai Pavilion at Expo will further enhance the country position by displaying it culture and attractions. We expect a huge number of visitors and investor to our pavilion.”

She concluded, “we are celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations with UAE and looking forward to boost our bilateral ties in various sectors in the near future.”

Historically one of the most popular representations at every staging of the amazing World Expo show, Thailand is bringing its largest, and most impressive pavilion in 150 years to the UAE from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Located in the Mobility District on a plot of more than 3,600 sqm, the dynamic space takes visitors through the story of ‘Digital Thailand’, the nation’s technologically driven, economic vision. In addition to connecting Thailand to the rest of the world, the Pavilion aims to showcase the full wonder of authentic Thai culture. Filled with colour, beautiful decor and charm, the ‘Miracle of Smiles’ pavilion has pulled out all the stops to create an uplifting and enlightening journey that showcases the true essence of Thailand.

Thailand intends to use Expo 2020 to forge new connections and make significant steps towards creating a more sustainable future. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) assigned the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) as the body responsible for creating its cutting-edge and technology filled pavilion. Primarily organised by Index Creative Village, Thailand’s top creative company, UAE-based consultancy OP3 Expo and contractors Arcade Star, the Pavilion will provide an inspiring environment for discussion and collaboration. Inside the magnificent space, visitors from across the globe are invited to exchange ideas and discuss how innovation and digital technology can boost the economy or even improve society as a whole. Visually striking in every sense, the Pavilion will be covered with 500 artificial Thai ‘good luck’ flowers, with each carefully interwoven to represent the nation’s continuous growth and development.

Visitors to the pavilion are invited to lift their spirits by enjoying daily performances from the exceptionally talented Smile Band. Playing upbeat and catchy tunes throughout the six-month duration of the ground-breaking global gathering, each evening will also feature a mesmerising Façade Show, filled with stunning displays and wonderful illusions.

Meanwhile, a key part of the pavilion’s enrapturing offering is its exciting programme of immersive performances and special events. Specifically chosen to showcase Thailand’s unique identity including its fascinating traditions, world-renowned cuisine, enrapturing art and its fabulous innovations, the line-up of themed weeks and special days provides plenty to delight families and friends of ages.

First on the agenda, and a must-visit for every food connoisseur, is Thai Authentic Food & Health Week. Featuring fruit carving, Thai cooking demonstrations, dessert and recipe giveaways and more, this vibrant celebration is filled with fantastic flavours, exotic ingredients and interesting insights into Thailand’s world-famous, delicious and totally unique cuisine.

Meanwhile, the Loy Krathong and Water Festival invites visitors to create and customise their own delicate ‘krathong’ floating basket, join in traditional dances and watch the glamourous Miss Thailand Pavilion contest.

Moving into December, a curated exhibition will celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, while 2022 will kick off with an exploration of the nation’s most innovative and progressive inventions and new technologies, with Thailand Digital and Innovation Festival, and the following Energy and Environment Week.

Finally, March will be brimming with feel-good vibes as the Festival of Happiness and Thai Smile Week brings a whole series of mood-lifting activities to the pavilion, including competitions, Thai flower garland making and a range of skillful crafts designed to enrapture guests from every corner of the globe.

Alongside these themed spectacles, the daily Thai Iconic shows fuse together the past and present customs of Thailand in spectacular fashion. Thai Fighting celebrates the amazing power of Muay Thai boxing, Thai Rhythm explores the beauty of art, music and dance, and Thai Miracle invites spectators to witness a majestic, “Khon” moving royal dance that’s now listed by UNESCO World Heritage.

For more information about the full programme of special events at the Thailand Pavilion, visit https://www.expo2020dubaithailand.com/.