Thai embassy showcases 'vibrant culture' in Doha

The Thailand embassy in Qatar brought three of Thailand’s most iconic traditions to life at a Doha event, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with the country’s vibrant culture.

The “Experience the Thai-ness Trio: Thai Food, Thai Massage, and Muay Thai,” provided a unique journey into the heart of Thailand’s cultural heritage.

Speaking at the event, Thai ambassador Sira Swangsilpa said the occasion “exemplifies the deep wisdom, creativity, and traditions of Thailand, cultivated over generations and recognised globally for their unique contributions to health and wellbeing.

“The Thai-ness Trio represents more than just our cultural heritage – it embodies the spirit of Thailand. The first ‘T’ is Thai food, rich in herbs and spices, promotes nourishment and balance. The second “T” is Thai massage, long known for its therapeutic qualities, offers much-needed relief from the stresses of modern life”.

The envoy underlined that Unesco recognised “Traditional Thai Massage” as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019, adding it to their prestigious list.

According to Swangsilpa, the third “T” is Thai boxing or Muay Thai, a discipline demanding both physical and mental fortitude. He pointed out that all the live demonstrations at the event was led by local experts – skilled Thai chefs, boxing coaches, and masseuses – who bring the authentic spirit of Thailand to Doha.

“This event is not only a showcase of our culture but also a platform for fostering deeper mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people connections as well as enhancing social interactions between Thailand and Qatar,” he said.

‘Experience the Thai-ness Trio’ was attended by Qatar Sports for All Federation CEO Abdullah al-Dosari as a honorary guest, along with spouses of heads of foreign missions in the country, among other guests.

The event kicked off with a spotlight on Muay Thai, Thailand’s time-honoured martial art. Deeply entwined with the nation’s heritage, Muay Thai is renowned worldwide as the “Art of Eight Limbs”.

Attendees also experienced authentic Thai massage – an ancient art that aims to unlock blocked energy, restore balance, and revitalise the entire being – as expert therapists showcase the graceful movements and precise application of techniques.

The event’s final segment focused on exploring the Thai cuisine, displaying what was described as a harmonious blend of flavours inspired by Thailand’s bountiful agriculture and rich cultural heritage.

Part of the programme is a live cooking demo of Phad Thai, a national treasure renowned for its perfect balance of sweet, sour and salty notes.

The embassy said the Destination Thailand Visa is available for those seeking to immerse themselves in Thai culture. This five-year visa grants 180-day stays per entry, ideal for digital nomads, freelancers, and anyone interested in Muay Thai, Thai cooking, or other cultural experiences.