Germans in Thailand celebrated the 25th anniversary of German reunification at a Day of Unity gala in Bangkok.
Ambassador to Thailand HE Peter Pruegel and his wife Lucia hosted the soiree Oct. 2 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which commemorated the anniversary of German reunification in 1990 and the anniversary for the re-founding of the five states of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringen.
A large ice sculpture of the Brandenburg gate greeted the guests.
Pruegel’s deputy Peer Gebauer and military attaché Matthias Pfeifer welcomed the guests who dined on a buffet featuring German specialties like Nürnberger sausages, sauerkraut, Bavarian meatloaf, and desserts.
The artwork represents 25 years of peace and freedom since German Unity.
German Economic Minister Michael Glos was on hand and met many senior Thai government and military officials. The Thai Philharmonic orchestra provided the soundtrack.
In his speech, HE Ambassador Pruegel said the 25th anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down and Germany being reunited was a special day for the entire world.
The welcoming committee (from right to left) HE German Ambassador Peter Pruegel, his wife Lucia, Dr. Peer Gebauer and wife Sonja, and military attaché Matthias Pfeifer and his wife.
“Germany is now the center of a united Europe. As we are celebrating 25 years of German Unity, Germany does not shy from taking our foreign policy responsibility. We are committed to a strong and united European Union and are working to find solutions for international and global challenges together with our friends and partners,” he said.
The guests of honor pose on stage. Among them are Lucia Pruegel (2nd left), Michael Glos (5th left) and HE Ambassador Peter Pruegel (6th left).
The playing of the Thai anthem was followed by a toast to HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej. After the German anthem another toast followed to the president of the Federal Republic of Germany, Joachim Gauck.
HE Ambassador Peter Pruegel gives his first speech in Thailand.
