Pattaya-area Germans marked the 21st anniversary of German’s reunification with a Day of Unity celebration at the Dusit Thani Hotel.
German Ambassador Rolf Schulze and his wife Petronella led embassy staff at the Oct. 6 celebration held three days after the official German holiday.
Politicians from Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Russia and other countries also attended, as well as Pattaya community leaders.
The string section of the Bangkok Philharmonics Orchestra provided the soundtrack for the buffet dinner and waiters eagerly refilled glasses with German wine.
His Excellency the German Ambassador Rolf Schulze welcomes guests during his speech.
Schulze congratulated Thailand’s newly elected government for a smooth transition and hailed friendly ties between the two nations.
“Germany is very interested in Asia and especially in Thailand since we have more than 600 German companies here,” he said. “Among European countries, Germany is still by far the biggest trade partner for Thailand and next year we can celebrate 150 years of diplomatic relationship as well as cultural, scientific and academic bonds between our two nations.”
Speaking to German guests, Schulze noted that more than 30,000 Germans are registered residents of Thailand and that more than a half million tourists also visit each year.
“I want to tell all of you we are here for you,” Schulze said. “The German Embassy is a service station and is working with other organizations to help needy Germans. The Day of the German Unity is for me the ideal moment to wish you and your families all the best and to thank you for good cooperation with the embassy.”
The Day of Unity commemorates 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.
Officers of the German Embassy welcome guests: (From left) Defense Attaché Colonel Pauels; Bernadette Maria Nitschke, chancellor class 1; Hans-Joachim Nitschke; Ulrike Allroggen, counselor class 1; Dr. Ingo Winkelmann, permanent mission; Petronella Maria Schulze and Ambassador Rolf Schulze.
