31 Jan, 2025
Uzbekistan, Thailand Forge Alliance of Civilisations via Music, Dance and Cuisine
Bangkok – The Music Hall at Thailand’s renowned Chulalongkorn University came alive with a colourful fusion of dance, culture and cuisine at the Thai-Uzbek Art Concert organised for the first time on 29 January 2025. The lively performances by both Uzbek and Thai artistes underscored the profoundly important role of the performing arts in forging an Alliance of Civilisations in an era of conflict and chaos.
The concert was co-organized by the Uzbekistan Embassy in Thailand in collaboration with Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn University and the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture.
In his welcome speech, Mr. Fakhriddin Sultanov, Consul-General of Uzbekistan, said the event was a “celebration of the rich harmony of our cultures and marks a significant occasion as we aim to foster cultural exchange and understanding.” He said, “As we prepare for the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand this November, this event serves as a bridge — uniting the vibrant traditions of Uzbekistan and Thailand through the universal language of music and dance.”
Mr Fakhriddin added, “Throughout history, art and culture always played a crucial role in communication, transcending borders and bringing people together. With great delight, we will witness performances that highlight the beauty of traditional Uzbek and Thai folk songs and dances, showcasing the talents of professional artists and students alike from both our countries. This artistic collaboration reflects not only our shared appreciation for culture but also our commitment to promoting respect and dialogue across borders.”
He expressed his deepest gratitude to Professor Dr. Kumkom Pornprasit, the Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, and all the partners for their “hard work and dedication in bringing this event to life. Your support is invaluable, and it reinforces the strong ties between Uzbekistan and Thailand. Let us make today a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved.”
In his speech Mr. Mr. Shohbek Ergashev, First Vice-Rector for Youth Affairs and Spiritual and Educational Affairs at Uzbek State Institute of Arts and Culture, said, “We, your friends from Uzbekistan, feel that we are not just guests, but our closest and most valued, our hearts, our intentions and goals are in the same family.”
He said Uzbekistan and Thailand are working to cultural ties, develop business opportunities, and establish cooperation in the field of pilgrimage tourism. “It is no coincidence that the Thai government introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of Uzbekistan in 2024. This is a significant step towards the development of the economy between our countries.”
In 2023-2024, trade between Uzbekistan and Thailand amounted to US$42 million, which is up 20% over 2022. More than 10 joint ventures with Thai investment are operating in Uzbekistan in the fields of agriculture, tourism and trade. In 2023, enterprises with Thai investment exported about 10,000 tons of agricultural products. Also, in 2024, three agreements were signed on the export of agricultural products.”
He said a completely new page has been opened in the history of Thai-Uzbek friendship.
In 2023-2024, five events were held in the field of culture and art. In 2023, examples of Uzbek art and culture were on display at the Days of Culture of Uzbekistan held in Bangkok. In 2024, as part of the Days of Culture of Thailand, a presentation of Thai art and culture was held in Tashkent. The national musical ensemble of Thailand took part in the XIII International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari” held in Samarkand in 2024 and attracted more than 10,000 spectators. Also, 30 artists from Uzbekistan participated in the International Forum “Dialogue of Cultures” held in Bangkok. Also, in 2024, an agreement was signed on the implementation of the Cultural Corridor Program “From the Sahara to China” within the framework of UNESCO.
Mr Shohbek said, “I believe that continuing good work in this direction will serve to further strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between our nations in the fields of culture and art.”
In her speech, Professor Dr. Kumkom thanked Mr. Fakhriddin as well as Mr. Shohbek and all the performers and artistes. She said, “Today is an important step to start collaborations between our institutions, especially in the field of arts and culture. I know that we will have more activities together in the future.”
She gave a special thanks to her colleagues Associate Professor Dr. Pornprapit Phoasavadi, the Deputy Dean, who arranged and organised the event, as well as Associate Professor Dr. Pattara Komkam, Head of the Music Department, and Assistant Professor Dr. Suphannee Boonpeng, Head of Dance Department, and the staff and students who exhibited performances from the 4 regions of Thailand.
The images below capture the richness and atmosphere of the concert far better than words can express.
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