The St. Regis Jakarta recently hosted a unique celebration: the Royal Thai Embassy in Jakarta and the Permanent Mission of Thailand to ASEAN marked Thailand's National Day, Thai Father’s Day, and the Birthday Anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. Beyond its ceremonial significance, the event illuminated the evolving relationship between Thailand and Indonesia, showcasing shared cultural heritage and ambitions for future collaboration.

Cultural Diplomacy Through Music and Cuisine
The reception wasn't just a diplomatic gathering—it was a vibrant showcase of Thailand’s rich cultural legacy. The highlight of the evening was a musical performance featuring royal compositions of King Bhumibol, popular Thai songs, and Indonesian melodies, performed by a collaborative group of Thai and Indonesian musicians. This harmony of sound symbolized the unity between the two nations, resonating with their shared commitment to ASEAN’s regional integration.

Guests were also treated to an array of iconic Thai dishes. Notably, the spotlight was on Tom Yum Kung, the famed spicy shrimp soup, freshly recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. This culinary milestone was a centerpiece of the evening, reminding attendees of the powerful connection between culture and diplomacy.

75 Years of Friendship: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
With 2025 marking the 75th anniversary of Thai-Indonesian diplomatic relations, the event emphasized the enduring bond between the two nations. Ambassador Prapan Disyatat celebrated Indonesia as a “long-time strategic partner” and expressed optimism about strengthening ties in clean energy, food production, and sustainable development.

Ambassador Phantipha Iamsudha Ekarohit further underlined Thailand’s role within ASEAN, highlighting shared goals for regional prosperity under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Her remarks reinforced Thailand's readiness to collaborate on initiatives fostering peace and economic growth across the region.

Shared Vision in Multilateral Arenas
HE Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the mutual benefits of cooperation in food and energy security. He highlighted the potential for both nations to amplify their global influence through multilateral platforms like BRICS and OECD, aiming to elevate the voices of developing nations and strengthen South-South cooperation.

A Culinary Milestone: Tom Yum Kung’s UNESCO Recognition
The reception’s culinary highlight, Tom Yum Kung, served as a poignant example of how food can act as a cultural ambassador. The soup’s recent UNESCO recognition underscores its global significance and offers an opportunity to further promote Thai cuisine as a bridge between nations.

HE Mr. Airlangga Hartarto remarked, “The inclusion of Tom Yum Kung in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list is a proud moment not just for Thailand but for Southeast Asia. It reflects our shared history and reminds us of the power of culture to unite and inspire.”

Looking Ahead
As both nations prepare for a year of reflection and celebration, the reception underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering understanding and collaboration. Through initiatives that blend tradition with forward-looking strategies, Thailand and Indonesia are poised to set a new standard for bilateral relations in the ASEAN region.

From shared cultural treasures to a unified vision for sustainable development, the Thai National Day reception was not just a commemoration—it was a celebration of the potential for a deeper, more meaningful partnership between two nations bound by history, culture, and a shared commitment to progress.