On the International Women’s Day 8 March 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Brussels participated in OASIS Women Away Day 2024. The event was organised by OASIS Belgium and gathered around 70 Thai women in Belgium for legal consultation and community engagement. At the event, Ms. Patcharamon Siriwatana, Minister Counsellor on behalf of Chargé d’Affaires a.i., opened the afternoon panel discussion on how to strengthen Thai community. She stressed the importance of women to the economy and society, women empowerment and the strengthening of Thai community. Not only does it elevate the living conditions of Thai community in Belgium, but it also fosters Thailand’s foreign policy, especially as Thailand is in the process of requesting for the exemption of Schengen visa for holders of Thai ordinary passport. The Minister Counsellor reaffirmed that the Embassy is a safe space for Thai people where they can ask for help anytime.

            In the panel discussion, Mr. Pathompong Singthong, Counsellor and Consul, joined as a speaker. He pointed out 3 main elements that will help strengthening Thai community i.e. (1) starting from the individual Thai by taking care of their physical and mental health as well as regularly updating their identification documents; (2) connecting and networking with other Thai people, and; (3) participating in Thai activities including Thai festivals and activities organised by the Embassy. The Consul also announced the Embassy’s new project “Thais Helping Thais (TNT)” where volunteers of the Embassy are to give a primary assistance to Thai people in trouble in their areas and also help circulate news from the Embassy.