South Korean embassy joins Songkran fun in Thailand with traditional Thai dancing video

South Korean ambassador Moon Seoung-hyun doing the traditional “Ram Thai” dance with members of his staff . PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

BANGKOK - A video clip showing South Korean ambassador to Thailand Moon Seoung-hyun doing the traditional “Ram Thai” dance with members of his staff went viral almost immediately.

It garnered more than 400,000 views in just four days on the Korean Cultural Centre’s Twitter and Facebook page.

Many Thais commented that it was touching that the ambassador had taken the time to join the country in celebrating Songkran, the country’s biggest festival.

The two-minute video delivered a congratulatory message, with a group of Ram Thai dancers, the ambassador and staff of the South Korean embassy to Thailand wishing everyone a “Happy Songkran”.

In the video, Ambassador Moon pours water into a statue of the Buddha, following the Songkran tradition in Thailand. Then, performers representing both countries, including Korean traditional dancers, Khon masked dancers and taekwondo and muay thai martial artists, dance the Ram Thai together.

The end credits, featuring scenes such as staff practising the Ram Thai and a water gun battle between the ambassador and the embassy’s staff, also caught viewers’ eyes.

Through hundreds of comments, many Thais mentioned that the clip showcased the warm bilateral ties between both countries, commending the Korean ambassador and staff for respecting Thai culture.

Commenters also said they hoped the relationship between the two countries would be long-lasting.

Some even mentioned how “cute” the group looked dancing the traditional Thai dance.

Ambassador Moon said: “On the occasion of Songkran, it was great to have this opportunity to practice Ram Thai with the staff and wish for the development of Thailand and the happiness of the Thais.”

He added: “I hope that South Koreans will… visit Thailand, with interest in Songkran and Thailand’s various cultures.”

The Embassy and the Korean Cultural Centre also hosted various events to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Thailand.

This included an exhibition to promote the 2030 World Expo in Busan and the opening ceremony of a Korea-Thailand Friendship Trail in Khao Yai National Park. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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