On 5 December 5 2025, on the occasion of the birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, the National Day of Thailand, and Thailand’s Father's Day, the Royal Thai Embassy in Brussels, in collaboration with the City of Brussels, and the Association of the "Order of the Friends of the Manneken Pis," held a ceremony to dress the Manneken Pis statue in Chud Raj-Pattern, which was gifted to him by the Royal Thai Embassy in 1995. The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Ms. Kanchana Patarachoke, Ambassador of Thailand to Brussels; Ms. Karine Lalieux, City Councillor of Brussels and former Belgian Minister of Pensions (2020-2025 term); and Mr. Marc Guébels, President of the Association of the "Order of the Friends of the Manneken Pis".

 

The ceremony commenced in Salle des Milices inside the Hotel de Ville, where participants observed 1 minute silence in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Subsequently, the Ambassador of Thailand delivered her remarks, recalling the visit of Their Majesties King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit to Belgium in 1960, including a visit to the Brussels City Hall. She expressed gratitude to the City of Brussels for this opportunity to bring the Thai community together to commemorate Their Majesties in this said premises.

 

Ambassador Kanchana Patarachoke of Thailand thanked all parties for their support. Brussels as the capital of the European Union is culturally diverse and open to all cultures and communities, including the Thai community. She also thanked the Harmonie Royale des Finances band from the Belgian Customs Office, which had previously performed the Thai National Anthem in the Grand Place on 7 July during the presentation of “Spot the Rabbit, Pick the Flower” costume for the Manneken Pis. Furthermore, she thanked the "Order of the Friends of the Manneken Pis" Association for their participation in the Thai National Day celebration at the Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in the world.

 

Ms. Karine Lalieux, City Councillor of Brussels and former Belgian Minister of Pensions, expressed condolences on the passing of the Queen Mother and extended congratulations on the Thai National Day, expressing her delight that Brussels could join in celebrating Thai identity. She praised the significant role of the Thai community in promoting the economy of Brussels through businesses that reflect the globally recognised uniqueness of Thailand, particularly Thai restaurants.

 

Mr. Marc Guébels, President of the Association of the "Order of the Friends of the Manneken Pis" offered condolences on the passing of the Queen Mother and expressed his honour at being invited to join the parade with many members of his Association.

 

After the ceremony in the City Hall, a parade led by the Ambassador, her spouse, representatives from the City of Brussels, members of the "Order of the Friends of the Manneken Pis" association, Heads/Acting Head of the Team Thailand offices, embassy officials and staff, and their families together with members of the Thai community proceed from the Grand Place to the Manneken Pis statue. The Harmonie Royale des Finances band performed the Thai National Anthem, the Belgian National Anthem, and "Maha Rerk", a Thai royal song, and led the procession. The "Order of the Friends of the Manneken Pis" association also brought a Manneken Pis cartwheel and joined the parade with their members.

Upon arriving in front of the Manneken Pis statue in Chud Raj-Pattern and adorned with a black arm band and ribbon as a sign of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, the band performed the Thai National Anthem. The Ambassador, officials and staff, and the Thai community collectively sang the Thai National Anthem in unison at the plaza in front of the statue.

 

The ceremony garnered significant interest from both Thai nationals and foreigners. Many Thai people dressed in national Thai costume to express their Thai identity and promote Thai culture to the public. Throughout the day, tourists continuously visited and took photos with the Manneken Pis in Chud Raj-Pattern (The costume was displayed from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on December 5).

 

This event was another occasion where the Thai community in Belgium came together in unity and solidarity, participating in activities that further strengthened the Thai-Belgian people-to-people relations. It was also an opportunity for Thai tourists to join the event. Thank you all very much!