Following last year's Thailand National Day Reception, Executive Director Narong Boonsatheanwong of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office visited the Taichung City Government again on May 28. Mayor Lu Shiow-yen personally welcomed the delegation and engaged in warm exchanges with its members. During the meeting, Mayor Lu exchanged social media contacts and took a selfie with Executive Director Narong, reflecting the close friendship between the two sides. Mayor Lu praised Mr. Narong as one of Taichung’s best friends and announced that the Thailand Cultural Festival will be expanded and held in Taichung for the first time this year, further deepening bilateral cultural ties.

Mayor Lu noted that total trade between Taiwan and Thailand reached approximately US$19.4 billion last year. She commended Executive Director Narong for his outstanding contributions to promoting culture, education, and trade, as well as for his long-standing support of Taichung. Furthermore, Mr. Narong participated in a promotional video for the 2025 Taichung Hot Pot and Grill Festival, successfully integrating Thai culture with local tourism promotion. His approachable personality has made him a popular figure within the diplomatic community.

Mayor Lu pointed out that Taiwanese citizens’ enthusiasm for Thailand continues to grow, with annual Taiwanese visitors to Thailand exceeding one million. Earlier this year, members of the Taichung City Council also received warm hospitality during their first study tour to Thailand. Moreover, Thai culture has long been integrated into Taichung’s daily life. For instance, Taiping District has hosted an annual Songkran (Water Splashing) Festival for more than a decade through locally organized efforts, bringing rich and diverse cultural experiences to local residents.

Mayor Lu expressed her sincere welcome for the Thailand Cultural Festival, which will bring Thai art, cuisine, and vibrant culture to Taichung while boosting tourism and consumer spending. She emphasized the city government's vision of “bringing the world to Taichung and letting Taichung be seen by the world” through active international engagement.

Deputy Mayor Mark Huang added that more than 5,000 Taiwanese enterprises currently operate in Thailand, supporting a Taiwanese expatriate community of over 200,000 people. The Taichung City Government will fully support the upcoming Thailand Cultural Festival and continue promoting international cooperation to develop Taichung into a dynamic and globally connected city.

Executive Director Narong remarked that meeting Mayor Lu felt like a younger brother reuniting with a caring older sister. He thanked Taichung for its long-standing care and support for Thai expatriates and migrant workers. He also revealed that he had specifically requested approval from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hold this year’s Thailand Cultural Festival at Top City Department Store in Taichung rather than in Taipei, demonstrating Thailand’s high regard for the city.

During the meeting, Mayor Lu shared a heartwarming story about being invited to Mr. Narong’s official residence, where she complimented the chef’s exceptional Thai sauces. In response, Mr. Narong thoughtfully prepared some for her to take home, exemplifying the warmth and hospitality for which Thailand is well known.

Following the meeting, the two sides exchanged gifts. Mayor Lu presented Taichung’s renowned pineapple cakes and locally produced red wine, while Executive Director Narong offered premium Thai durians and traditional durian sticky rice. Speaking of durians, Mayor Lu laughingly shared that she had enjoyed eating large quantities of the fruit after giving birth. The meeting concluded in a warm and cheerful atmosphere filled with laughter.

For this visit, Executive Director Narong led a delegation that included Ms. Dheerangkun Uchino, Chief of the Economic Affairs Section, and Mr. Thira Kasansawad, Investment Consultant. They were received by Mayor Lu together with members of the city government team, including Deputy Mayor Mark Huang, Director General Chang Feng-yuan of the Economic Development Bureau, Director General Chen Jia-jun of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Director General Hsieh Chia-chen of the Secretariat, and Deputy Director General Tsai Tsung-sheng of the Tourism and Travel Bureau.