Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Indian diaspora in Thailand for their warm and enthusiastic welcome. He also described witnessing a performance of Ramakien, the Thai adaptation of the Ramayana, as an “enriching experience.”
Upon his arrival in Bangkok for the BIMSTEC Summit, PM Modi attended a performance of Ramakien, a cultural spectacle that underscores the deep historical and civilizational ties between India and Thailand. This traditional Thai retelling of the Ramayana has played a significant role in shaping Thailand’s cultural identity and its connection with India.
As he reached his hotel, he was greeted with a lively Garba performance, a folk dance from Gujarat, his home state. The hotel premises were filled with enthusiastic members of the Indian diaspora, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, representing various Indian communities, including Sikh, Garhwali, and Gujarati groups.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi shared his appreciation, stating, “Grateful for the warm welcome by the Indian community in Bangkok. India and Thailand share a deep-rooted cultural bond that continues to flourish through our people. Heartening to see this connection reflected so strongly here.”
He further praised the Ramakien performance, calling it “a cultural connect like no other!”
“Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilizational ties between India and Thailand,” PM Modi wrote on X.
“The Ramayana continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia,” he added.
PM Modi was received at Bangkok airport by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, along with senior Thai officials. As he stepped out, the Indian diaspora cheered his arrival with chants of “Modi Modi” and “Vande Mataram,” reflecting the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The Prime Minister is in Thailand to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, where he will engage with regional leaders on crucial areas of cooperation among the Bay of Bengal countries. His schedule includes bilateral talks with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, aimed at further strengthening India-Thailand relations.
India plays a crucial role in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), acting as a key driver of regional integration. PM Modi’s presence at the summit is expected to bolster India’s leadership within the framework, reinforcing its commitment to regional progress.
BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising seven member states—five from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar and Thailand). The organization serves as a vital bridge between the two regions, with India as its most significant and influential member, actively shaping the group’s agenda and fostering greater collaboration.
Following his engagements in Thailand, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka for the second leg of his official tour.
