As is customary every year, on 4 December the Royal Thai Embassy hosted a reception at the Tivoli Hotel in Lisbon to celebrate Thailand's national day and the birthday of His Majesty, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The event was attended by around 150 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Portuguese government, local authorities, private sector partners and the Thai community in Portugal.

The Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires, Supapan Tiapiriyakij, gave the opening speech, highlighting the 513 years of friendship between Thailand and Portugal and the fact that Portugal was the first Western country with which Thailand established economic and diplomatic relations.

During the event, it was announced that the traditional Thai dish Tomyum Kung had been inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

Guests were also treated to traditional Thai dishes such as Tomyum Kung from Baan Saraiva, Pad Thai from Sala Thai and fish cakes from Siam Square. Desserts included Khaoniew Ma-Maung, Look Choop and Med Kanoon from Bow Kitchen, as well as Chicken Curry Puffs and Been Puffs from Kidtueng Kanom Thai.