Selangor, Thailand Set To Enhance Diplomatic Ties Through Food, Culture Festivals

SONGHKLA, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Government and Thailand are set to deepen their diplomatic ties through food and culture festivals in conjunction with Visit Selangor Year 2025.

Selangor Housing and Culture Committee chairman Borhan Aman Shah said this was part of ongoing efforts to showcase Selangor’s identity while also generating income for tourism industry players in the state.

“Through this effort, we aim to showcase dishes such as nasi ambeng, punten, and sate, which are integral to our state’s identity. We hope to use this opportunity to introduce Selangor to Thailand.

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“We will also feature a range of products from local entrepreneurs, including coffee and chips that might not be available in Thailand. This effort aims to enhance the tourism and culture sectors of both parties,” he said.

He said this to reporters after holding a bilateral meeting with the Consul General of Malaysia in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, in conjunction with the Selangor and Thailand 2024 Cross-Cultural Programme today.

The annual event, which started last year, includes work visits to various ASEAN member countries with the aim of introducing and promoting Selangor’s art and culture internationally.

This year, the programme was held in Thailand, particularly in the Songkhla, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces, aiming to enhance cooperation between the two governments by empowering culture, art, and heritage.

In the meantime, Borhan said the Selangor government is planning to introduce a student exchange programme between universities in Selangor and Thailand to promote cultural understanding in the future.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Fahmi welcomed the Selangor government’s initiative, describing it as timely.

“The programme is beneficial as it highlights Malaysia’s diverse attractions, especially in Selangor, which tourists from Thailand may not yet know about,” he said.

-- BERNAMA