To celebrate Europe Day 2022, the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Thailand partnered with Museum Siam and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to organise the 'EU Sustainable Food & Craft Market' on 7 May 2022 at Museum Siam. The event also celebrated the Museum Siam building's 100th anniversary with the 'New Take on Old Building' exhibition.
Celebrated on 9 May every year to mark the anniversary of the historic 'Schuman Declaration', considered the birth of what is now the European Union, Europe Day commemorates bringing together European countries and peoples to build peace and prosperity on the continent. Recalling this declaration and the achievements of the EU to date is now more important than ever.
Europe Day 2022 is a momentous opportunity to highlight EU solidarity in responding to crises, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of climate change and the European Green Deal through support for organic farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) spearheading sustainable production.
Co-hosted by EU Members States (EUMS) and Bangkok Farmers' Market, the 'EU Sustainable Food & Craft Market' promoted Thai and European culinary diversity, celebrated sustainable producers, and reinforced the importance of organic products as part of a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle - key components of the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy.
More than 25 European and Thai SMEs - aligned with the sustainable development objectives of the Royal Thai Government and the EU's European Green Deal - showcased sustainable food and craft products to the over 1,000 visitors in full compliance with the Thai government sanitary recommendations.
H.E. Mr David Daly, Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand, said, "At first glance these companies give us a glimpse into the future. On further reflection however, they show us that the sustainable future is already with us today - it is increasingly becoming a reality."
The event also featured three walk-in sustainable workshops, highlighting fun and innovative ways to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle. These included a beeswax wrap workshop with SOS Earth co-founder, Thai-Swedish environmental activist Maria Lynn Poonlertlarp, Baitong Jareerat, Miss Earth 2021 and Ambassador of Green World Foundation and Fashion Revolution, an eco-soap workshop with Ukrainian-founded Bangkok Soap Opera, and a recycling workshop with Precious Plastic Bangkok and EU-funded Rethinking Plastics project.
Meanwhile, Museum Siam's centenary celebrations commemorated the EU contribution to one of Bangkok's finest examples of neoclassical architecture. 'New Take on Old Building' charted the history of the heritage property - masterminded by Italian architect Mario Tamagno and a team of European collaborators during the reign of King Vajiravudh - from its beginnings as offices of the Ministry of Commerce through to its current incarnation.
Mr Rames Promyen, Director-General of the National Discovery Museum Institute, Office of Knowledge Management and Development, Office of the Prime Minister, said, "The museum has always been a learning space to promote Thai history, culture, and ways of life. Within the context of the global community, it is also vital to recognise and celebrate the contributions of individuals from other parts of the world to our urban heritage."
The event culminated with the 'Toast to Europe Day' ceremony, featuring remarks from the EU and Thai officials and a live outdoor performance from the College of Music, Mahidol University string quartet band, including a rendition of the EU anthem "Ode to Joy". Ambassador Daly was joined by EU Member States' Ambassadors and Thai representatives - including H.E. Mrs Chulamanee Chartsuwan, Deputy Permanent-Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr Chalermpol Chotinuchit, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration- as well as Mr Oleksandr Lysak, Ukrainian Charge d'Affaires, to raise a glass and share a few words on EU-Thailand relations, the significance of Europe Day, especially during these challenging times, and the role sustainable lifestyle plays in addressing the climate crisis.