Swiss Ambassador Christine Schraner-Burgener celebrated Swiss National Day with Pattaya expats at an only-slightly delayed party at Bruno’s Restaurant in Jomtien Beach.
Proprietor Fredi Schaub welcomed the ambassador to the Aug. 9 event to commemorate the July 31 national day.
Both dining rooms were crammed full with guests who jostled to talk with Schraner-Burgener and pose for photos.
Schaub welcomed guests with a few words and passed the microphone on to the ambassador, who expressed her gratitude in being able to be amongst them on this occasion.
The ambassador of Switzerland, HE Christine Schraner-Burgener (center) is welcomed by Fredi Schaub and his partner Miss Nisa Poonchaliaw.
The local festivities followed official National Day commemorations Aug 1 in Bangkok where she, her husband Christoph Burgener – the ambassador for Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia – joined Swiss embassy employees, Thai politicians, ambassadors from other nations and business leaders for the celebration.
Schraner-Burgener toasted HM the King of Thailand and the federal councilor of Switzerland followed by playing of each of the nations’ anthems. The Swiss anthem was sung and yodeled by three musicians from Switzerland. Carina Walker, the famous “Walliser Yodeling Girl” and her parents played and sang much to the enjoyment of all the Swiss.
In three languages, the ambassador thanked guests and spoke of the tight relationship between Thailand and Switzerland. She noted that while her official term ends this year, she’ll continue living in the kingdom for two more years while her husband serves in Myanmar.
In an interview with Pattaya Mail on TV, Schraner-Burgener said she always enjoys coming to Pattaya and is eager to get updates on various Swiss clubs and organizations.
