2 • Thailand

From Ambassador’s DeskDear Reader,

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the inaugural edition of the Newsletter, a quarterly journal published by Embassy of India, Bangkok in collaboration with LB Associates. The Newsletter would serve as your ready reference guide to what’s happening in India and relations with Thailand.

The Newsletter’s first edition coincides with the 65th anniversary of India’s independence. The year also marks 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand.

Ever since I was appointed as India’s Ambassador to Thailand in November last year, I am struck by the sheer dynamism and momentum in our ties. The warmth in our relations was on full display when Prime Minister H.E. Yingluck Shinawatra paid her State visit to India. Thailand’s first woman Prime Minister, and also the very first Thai PM to be the Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations, she left a deep impression among the people of India. The two Prime Ministers set the path towards a strategic partnership, which was evident in six agreements signed in diverse fields and several new initiatives announced during the visit. The Joint Statement issued during the visit, which you can read in this edition, serves as a blueprint for continued strengthening of our close relationship.

One of the most important tasks both governments are pursuing is to conclude, at the earliest, the comprehensive bilateral agreement for trade in goods and services. Once finalized, the Agreement would allow liberalized trade in over 5,000 tariff lines for goods and services. The full potential of our bilateral trade, which looks set to cross US$ 10 billion this year, would be unleashed once the agreement is in place. Sensing the new economic opportunities, our companies are also investing in each other’s critical sectors such as infrastructure in India and IT in Thailand. Our ties in other areas such as security and defence, education, people-to-people contacts and culture continue to grow.

The coming months have a number of activities and excitement in store, as we mark the historical landmark of twenty years of India-ASEAN partnership. Events, such as academic conferences, trade and investment promotion seminars, cultural events, film-shows, artist camps, food festivals etc. will culminate in a Leader’s Summit in New Delhi on December 20-21, 2012. Of particular interest among these marker events are the India-ASEAN Car Rally and expedition of sailing ship Sudharshni to highlight our connectivity. The Car Rally will comprise teams from all ASEAN nations and India, and beginning from Indonesia, would criss-cross eight ASEAN nations to culminate in Guwahati, India. In Thailand, the Rally will traverse its longest distance in any country. Sail ship Sudharshini will re-create the voyages of ancient mariners who linked India to South East Asia, sowing the seeds of our common heritage. While you will find details of all commemoration events in this issue, our next issue would be dedicated to this very special partnership between India and ASEAN.

Our Cultural Centre is buzzing with regular cultural activities. Join the Centre in learning Indian music and dance with maestros Ustad Matloob Hussain (Sitar) and Ustad Vasi Ali Khan (Tabla), and renowned Kathak dancer Ms. Anjana Jha in easy courses that are designed for different levels of age and curriculum. The Centre also offers Yoga classes.

For Indians and Thai nationals who approach the Embassy for various consular and visa services, we have undertaken a number of new initiatives to help serve you better. The Embassy holds an Open Day on the first and third Friday of the month to receive any suggestions or redress any complaints. An Indian Workers’ Resource Centre is being set up. We are also going to shortly launch a revamped, new-look website with features like easy registration of Indian nationals.

To keep yourself abreast and to join us in all the activities, please visit our website and “like us” on the Facebook pages of ‘Indian Embassy Bangkok’ and ‘ICC Bangkok’ for the Indian Cultural Centre.

I look forward to receiving your views and suggestions at amb.bangkok@mea.gov.in

Anil WadhwaAmbassador of India to Thailand

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CONTENTS

Published and Produced byDiplomatist Magazine

an imprint of L.B. Associates (Pvt) Ltdin association with

The Embassy of India, Bangkok (Thailand)

Disclaimer: Although all efforts have been made to ensure complete accuracy of the text neither L.B. Associates (Pvt) Ltd nor the Embassy of India, Bangkok (Thailand) can accept responsibility for

consequences arising from errors of omission or advice given.

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From Ambassador’s Desk ..............................................2

Joint Statement by India and Thailand on the State Visit of Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra to India ...........................................4

India Thailand Trade Ties ................................................8

Business Events .........................................................9

Marker Events associated with India-ASEAN Car Rally and Sailing Ship Expedition ...........................10

Events associated with 20 Years of India-ASEAN Relations .......................................................................10

Screening of ‘Light of Asia’ ...........................................11

Picture Gallery ...............................................................12

The Bodhi Project .........................................................13

The Legacy Lives on.....the Buddhist Trail ....................14

4 • Thailand

Yingluck Shinawatra to India

H.E. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, paid a State visit to India from January

24-26, 2012 as the Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations. On her first visit to India, at the invitation of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, she was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Commerce, Industry and Information & Communication Technology; senior government officials, and a business delegation.

During the visit, PM Shinawatra called on Pratibha Patil, Past President of India, and Shri Hamid Ansari, the Vice-President of India. She also held talks with Dr Manmohan Singh, who hosted a banquet in her honour. SM Krishna, External Affairs Minister called on the Thai PM. PM Shinawatra also attended a business luncheon hosted by (CII/FICCI/ASSOCHAM) chambers of commerce.

The two Prime Ministers held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues, and reviewed the outcome of the 6th Joint Commission Meeting held in New Delhi on December 27, 2011 co-chaired by

the Minister of External Affairs of India and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Both sides noted that the visit coincides with the 65th anniversary of establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, as well as 20 years of India’s

enhanced engagement with ASEAN. They noted with satisfaction that India and Thailand have, over the past decades, developed a strong and mutually beneficial cooperation at both bilateral and regional levels, and have played an important role in fostering regional frameworks which have contributed to peace, social and economic development, and infrastructural linkages between India and Southeast Asia. Given the progress in the relationship, both sides expressed the desire to work together towards elevating the bilateral relations to strategic partnership for mutual benefit.

The Prime Minister of India once again conveyed deep condolences to the Thai Prime Minister on loses suffered during the recent devastating floods in Thailand, and offered to support reconstruction and recovery effort as required. The Thai Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for the financial assistance provided by India. Both sides agreed to explore the possibility of cooperation in water management and flood prevention.

At the Taj Mahal (Top), Being received by PM Dr Manmohan Singh for the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan (Centre), Inspecting the Guard of Honour (Below)

January 24-26, 2012

Joint Statement by India and Thailand on the State Visit of

Prime Minister of Thailand

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ECONOMIC RELATIONSBoth sides noted that South East Asia has grown significantly in terms of economic influence, and its dynamism continues to play an important role in global economic growth. Both leaders noted that Thailand and India have led efforts to integrate economies of the region.

To strengthen economic links between the two countries, both sides reaffirmed their resolve to conclude the bilateral Comprehensive Agreement on Trade in Goods, Services, and Investments by mid-2012, to further enhance economic links and between the two countries. The 2nd Protocol signed during the visit to amend the Framework Agreement for Establishing Free Trade Area would provide further boost to bilateral trade in immediate terms.

To further create a supportive atmosphere for the bilateral and regional comprehensive economic cooperation, the two leaders also agreed that ASEAN and India should conclude their regional Trade in Services and Investment Agreements by 2012.

The Prime Minister of India welcomed Thai investments into India into sectors such as infrastructure development including ports and highways, computer hardware, automobile components and parts, food processing and power generation, as well as tourism and

hospitality facilities in the Buddhist circuit. The Thai Prime Minister invited Indian investments to Thailand in information technology, manufacturing, electronics and automotive industry. Both sides looked forward to the establishment of a forum comprising senior representatives of business enterprises of both countries to promote expansion of bilateral business ties.

The two sides agreed to explore possibilities of collaboration between their respective oil and gas companies in Exploration and Production (E&P) opportunities in Thailand and India, as well as in third countries.

SECURITY AND DEFENCEBoth sides noted that the increasing menace of terrorists, criminals, arms and

drug traffickers trying to use this region for their nefarious activities provided an added urgency to strengthen cooperation in security and intelligence exchange. The 6th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Security Cooperation held in New Delhi on May 25-26, 2011 provided an opportunity to discuss these challenges in a comprehensive manner. It was agreed that a five-year Joint Working Programme on specific elements of cooperation would be finalised urgently.

The two leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there could be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. Recognising the common threats to national security from transnational crimes, including

Offering floral tributes at Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi

With Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at the signing ceremony of six agreements

6 • Thailand

international terrorism, the two Prime Ministers resolved to significantly enhance bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism, including in restricting transnational movement and unauthorised stay of known terrorists in each other’s countries. The two leaders resolved to commit their countries to improve sharing of intelligence, the development of more effective counter-terrorism policies, enhance liaison between law enforcement agencies, provide assistance in the areas of border and immigration control to stem the flow of terrorist related material, money and people and specific measures against transnational crimes, through the already existing mechanisms between Thailand and India.

Such cooperation will also complement regional efforts as declared in the ASEAN-India Joint Declaration for Cooperation in Combating international Terrorism.

The two sides shared the view that, Thailand and India being maritime neighbours, defence cooperation would be mutually beneficial in addressing shared challenges and concerns. In

this regard, the two sides expressed satisfaction that the inaugural meeting of the bilateral Defence Dialogue held in New Delhi on December 23, 2011, had enabled a comprehensive review of various elements of defence cooperation and its future course. The MoU on Defence Cooperation signed during the visit would help both sides to further streamline and facilitate this process on matters of mutual concern. The two sides noted the ongoing cooperation between both Navies in the conduct of coordinated patrols and agreed that such measures of cooperation should continue.

The two sides will also expedite the ongoing negotiations on Bilateral Extradition Treaty and the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on Civil and Commercial Matters.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYBoth sides agreed on the need for concerted collaboration in domains of

creativity, innovation and research and development, in order to transform their economies into knowledge based ones. In this regard, enhanced cooperation on science and technology, information and communications technology, agricultural science, natural resource management, biotechnology, and marine & space sciences should be further pursued through existing mechanisms and future arrangements to be mutually agreed upon.

CULTURE, EDUCATION, AND PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGESThe two leaders agreed to deepen cultural and historical ties between the two countries by promoting diverse cultural exchanges to build a lasting understanding between the peoples of Calling on then President of India Pratibha Patil

the two countries.

In order to accelerate people-to-people contact in cultural and other fields benefiting both societies, both sides agreed to work together towards setting up an “India-Thailand Foundation”. Both sides also agreed to consider possibilities of audio-visual co-production.

The two sides welcomed the formation of the India-Thailand Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Indian Parliament that would facilitate parliamentary exchanges with its counterpart group in Thailand’s National Assembly and agreed to intensify the exchange of parliamentary delegations between the two countries.

Recognizing that education is another important area of cooperation, the two leaders welcomed the progress made towards the revival of the Nalanda University, to be a leading regional academic institution as endorsed

Calling on Vice President of India Hamid Ansari

Addressing business luncheon meeting organized by CII/FICCI/ASSOCHAM

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during the East Asia Summit. The Prime Minister of India thanked the Prime Minister of Thailand for pledging USD 100,000 to the University, with further contributions to be made by Thai private sector.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the greater flow of tourists and visitors between the two countries. To address issues related to travel, visa facilitation, employment, and safety of tourists, both leaders welcomed the setting up of an ad hoc Joint Working Group on all visa and consular matters which will meet at regular intervals.

The Indian side welcomed Thailand’s participation as Partner Country in the Surajkund Crafts Mela 2012 at Faridabad between February 1-15, 2012 by sending a Thai cultural and crafts demonstration troupe.

REGIONAL COOPERATION AND CONNECTIVITYBoth sides expressed their desire to further enhance their valued partnership and cooperation in the context of India - ASEAN relations. Both Prime Ministers supported the formation of the ASEAN Community by 2015 as an important step towards greater integration and prosperity in Southeast Asia. The Thai Prime Minister supported India’s engagement with ASEAN, and viewed that India’s role will be important for ASEAN’s continued dynamism, security, and prosperity beyond 2015.

In this connection, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their full support for the work of ASEAN-India Eminent Persons Group to take stock and chart the future direction of the Dialogue relations so as to further realise the full potential of ASEAN-India partnership in the next decade.

Both leaders underlined the importance of the East Asia Summit as a platform for greater integration and cooperation,

working group on infrastructure and connectivity to help expedite various development initiatives in these fields in both countries as well as in third countries. They agreed that the work of the Group could also aid regional connectivity efforts such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.

MULTILATERAL COOPERATIONThe two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the United Nations and other international fora on matters of mutual interest. The two leaders reiterated strong support for the ongoing reform of the United Nations and its principal organs with a view to making the United Nations more democratic, transparent and efficient so that it can deal more effectively with the myriad challenges of the contemporary world. They emphasised the importance of an early reform of the United Nations Security Council so that it reflects the contemporary realities and functions in a more accountable, representative and effective manner.

The Thai side acknowledged India’s credentials for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, and commended India’s active role and continued constructive contributions in the field of global security.

The following agreements were signed during the visit:

1. Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons

2. Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation

3. The 2nd Protocol to amend the Framework Agreement for Establishing Free Trade Area between Thailand and India

4. Programme of Cooperation in Science & Technology

5. Cultural Exchange Programme for 2012-14

6. MoU between Chulalongkorn University and ICCR for setting up a Chair at the India Studies Centre of the University.

The Prime Minister of Thailand expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and to the people of India for the warm welcome and hospitality that had been extended to her and to the members of her delegation on her State visit. She extended an invitation to Prime Minister of India to visit Thailand, which he gladly accepted.

Arriving at Rajpath with then Hon. President of India as Chief Guest for the Republic Day Parade, and being received by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh (Left). The Parade on Rajpath in New Delhi is an enduring symbol of India’s Republic Day (Right)

and, in the long term, achieving an East Asia Community of peace prosperity, and security.

Both leaders looked forward to the India - ASEAN Commemorative Summit in December 2012 hosted by India. In the run up to the Commemorative Summit, India will host a number of events such as the India-ASEAN Car Rally, a sailing ship expedition along the monsoon trade winds route, the 4th edition of Delhi Dialogue, the ASEAN-India Business Fair, Ministerial level meetings and cultural activities throughout the year. Thailand will support these initiatives and events through its active participation.

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance that both countries attached to the BIMSTEC as a link between South and South-East Asia. The two sides also agreed to synergise their development projects and capacity building in lower Mekong region through the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) initiative which could take the lead in reinvigorating this grouping.

Both leaders shared the view that the close cooperation on enhancing connectivity was a common theme in existing regional cooperation platforms, and agreed to focus on developing road and shipping infrastructure which will establish in the future, an economic corridor linking India with Thailand and Southeast Asia. To this end, the two sides announced setting up of a joint

8 • Thailand

India Thailand Trade TiesOver the past two decades India’s

Look East policy has been complemented by Thailand’s

‘Look West policy in bringing the two countries closer. India and Thailand are celebrating 65 years of their diplomatic relations in 2012. In recent years, political contacts have intensified and reflected in a series of high level visits by leaders of the two countries. Recent visit of Thailand’s first woman Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, to India in January, 2012, as chief guest on the Republic Day of India gave further fillip to the business ties between two countries. Trade and economic linkages and tourists traffic continue to grow steadily.

The growing ties between the two countries have come at a time when significant developments are taking place in the ASEAN region. Asian Economic Community (AEC) 2015 promises to bring greater integration among member countries, be it in the form of physical connectivity, economic links, cultural and educational ties. As India marks its 20th year as a dialogue partner with ASEAN, it is placing much greater emphasis on its policies to expand trade and investment cooperation and connectivity with the 10-country ASEAN group. In this context Thailand’s initiative to join hands with India for developing the Dawei deep sea port in the peninsular Myanmar and build a mainline corridor connecting Chennai with Dawei in Myanmar is vital.

For Thai investors, fast growing India would remain attractive given the vast opportunities available in infrastructure sector, tourism and retail industries. Indian government reiterated its focus to promote cooperation between the Indian and ASEAN private sectors in key areas such as pharmaceuticals, innovation and skill training, IT, manufacturing and infrastructure. India continues to remain an interesting market for export of goods from Thailand. Thailand is the 28th largest exporting source into India.

Currently, Thai goods have benefited for tax reduction under ASEAN-India FTA in Goods, which came into effect from 01 January, 2010 and resulted to the flow of more goods into Indian market. An Early Harvest Scheme, covering 84 products, under the proposed India-Thailand FTA, in place since September 2004, has already resulted in phenomenal growth in our bilateral trade. Comprehensive FTA on goods, services and investments, currently under negotiations is envisaged to bring about greater benefits and economic and commercial links between the two countries in years to come.

Thailand views India as the gateway to South Asia and beyond. As the result of reduced tariff rates and new initiatives adopted by both the countries, trade between two countries increased manifold. In 2010 total trade touched $6.64 billion registering a growth of 34.23 percent. In 2011, trade was further increased to $8.19 billion (Thai exports to India: $5.18 billion, Thai imports from

India: $3.01 billion). The bilateral trade is expected to touch $10 billion mark by end of 2012 with the aim of reaching $14 billion by 2014.

Investment by Indian and Thai companies into each other’s countries is also growing rapidly. Indian FDI in Thailand is estimated to be around $2 billion since 1970s. FDI from Thailand to India from April 2000 to May, 2012 reached $100.48 million.

Tourism is another fast growing industry. The air connectivity between India and Thailand is growing reflecting a rapidly growing traffic of tourist and businesspersons between the two countries. About one million Indian tourists visited Thailand in year 2011. The number of Thai tourists to India was close to 100,000. As for the film industry, Thailand is now the favourite overseas location for Bollywood movies producers. Thailand is also becoming a popular place for Indian couples to organize spectacular weddings.

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh meeting the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on

January 25, 2012

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Business Events

Embassy of India organised a seminar on January 9, 2012 at BOI Fair. The topic of the seminar was “Thailand-India

Investment Opportunities”. Delegates from ICC, Kolkata and FICCI also came to attend the seminar. The purpose of the conference was to make the participant aware of the investment opportunities present in India and to encourage Thai business persons to invest in India. The seminar session was addressed by Nagma M Mallick, Charge d’ Affaires, Dr Atchaka Sibunruang, Secretary General, Thailand Board of Investment, Dr Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC Kolkata(Guest Speaker), Dr (Mrs) Manju K Prakash, Assistant Secretary General, ASEAN and OCEANIC, FICCI, Sonal Singh, Regional Manager, ESCORTS(India), Mr.

H.K. Agarwal, Country Head, Aditya Birla Group in Thailand, Mr. Chokedee Keawsang, Deputy Secretary General, Thailand Board of Investment & Head of India and South Asia Desk among others. The seminar was followed by a question answer session and B2B meeting where Indian and Thai businesspersons interacted. The seminar which was attended by over 100 especially invited guests generated considerable interests amongst the participants. Embassy also set up a booth in the BOI Fair in collaboration with the India Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Ambassador Anil Wadhwa inaugurated launch of new route

to Chennai by Thai Air Asia (TAA). Launch of the route was announced in a press conference. The Airline which started its operation on the sector from March 23, 2012 operates five flights in a week to Chennai.

On 10th May, 2012, INDOLEX Chambers, which is a well known and reputed legal firm in India with offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and Brussels, in

association with the Embassy of India, Bangkok, organised a presentation on the legal systems of India on Arbitration and Alternate Dispute Resolution; Commercial, Civil and Criminal litigations; Mergers and Acquisition; Joint Ventures; Foreign Investments and Venture Capital; Shipping Laws; Insurance; Infrastructure and Real Estate; Foreign Collaborations etc. at India-Thai Chambers of Commerce Conference Hall, Bangkok. Embassy also utilised the opportunity to distribute publicity material for promoting investment in India. For this presentation, welcome address was delivered by Ambassador Anil Wadhwa.

India-Thai Business Association organized a business event on “Thailand industry and its outlook” on 29th February, 2012,

in Bangkok. HE Industry Minister of Thailand Mr. Pongsvas Svasti was the chief guest and Ambassador Mr. Anil Wadhwa was the Guest of Honor at the event. Industry Minister apprised the Indian business entrepreneurs and organizations on the impact of floods on Thai economy and Government of Thailand’s policy to resurrect affected companies. Around 200 participants attended this event.

Ambassador Anil Wadhwa along with Industry Minister H.E. Pongsvas Svasti

10 • Thailand

Marker Events associated with India-ASEAN Car Rallyand Sailing Ship Expedition

Car Rally – Presence in Thailand from November 29 - December 3, 2012 and December 10-11, 20121. Seminar in Bangkok on “ASEAN – India Connectivity: Opportunities in India’s North East” which will be followed by a B2B component. (Confederation of Indian Industry and Federation of Thai Industries are hosts) – December 3, 2012

2. DIPP event in Bangkok on ‘Invest India’ - business seminar and B2B – mid-November 2012

3. Performance in Bangkok by Bharata Natyam component from Siem Reap show combining classical and folk traditions choreographed by Dr. Leela Samson – December 2, 2012

4. Indian Food festival with chefs from ITDC – Bangkok and Phuket – end-November to 1st week of December, 2012

Sail Ship ‘Sudarshini’ – Arrival January 18, 2013 in Bangkok and February 23 in Phuket1. Business event to be organised in Bangkok by Indian Chamber of Commerce Kolkata with Federation of Thai Industries/ Board of Trade/ Board of Investment/ India-Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC) – January 18, 2013

2. Inauguration of ASEAN Artists Camp Exhibition in Bangkok – January 19, 2013

3. Cultural event to be organized in collaboration with ICCR at Inauguration of ASEAN Artists Camp Exhibition by Neil Nongkynrih‘s ‘Shillong Chamber Choir Group’ from North-East India – January 19, 2013

4. Inauguration of Historical Interaction Photo Exhibition in Phuket – February 25, 2013

To be Held1. International Conference on “Seamless Integration into the Third Decade: Building on Two Decades of ASEAN-India Partnerships” organized by Chulalongkorn University and Research and Information System (RIS) – September 20-21, 2012 in Bangkok

2. 4th Indian Ideas and Thoughts Seminar titled “India in Southeast Asia: Growing Engagement and Economic Opportunities” organized by Centre for Bharat Studies, Mahidol University – September 2012

3. ASEAN-India Environment Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on September 6-7, 2012.

4. Indian Films Festival in Bangkok – October 18-21, 2012. Also marks centenary year of Indian cinema.

5. Workshop of experts of India and ASEAN countries in renewable energy on November 5-6, 2012, followed by Meeting of ASEAN-India Ministers for New and Renewable Energy on November 7, 2012, New Delhi

6. 2nd India-ASEAN Business Fair (IABF) & Business Conclave is being organized in New Delhi from December 18-20, 2012. The Fair is aimed at highlighting capabilities and opportunities, across sectors to the businesses from India and ASEAN, for enhancing investment and bilateral trade, B2B Meeting for strengthening and entering into new areas of cooperation, joint strategic partnerships, technology transfer, marketing tie-ups, Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) etc. For promotion of this fair, an event was organized on July 17, 2012 at Hotel Grand Millennium, Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

7. Special ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi from December 20-21, 2012. This will include a Gala Cultural Event.

8. There will be several promotional events by India’s Ministry of Tourism, including exchange visits of travel writers/media persons/monks during a Buddhist Conclave to be held at Varanasi and Bodh Gaya from September 29 - October 1, 2012, North East Mart to be held at Guwahati in January 2013 with participation of Tour Operators/Media Persons/Hoteliers, Exchange visits of Tour Operators and Travel Agents, and Indian Tourism Roadshows.

Already Held1. As part of India-ASEAN media exchange programme, 2 journalists from Thailand visited India from February 12-17, 2012 during Delhi Dialogue IV.

2. India-ASEAN Artists’ Residency “Merging Metaphors” – held in Darjeeling from June 11-17, 2012. Organised by ICCR.

3. Civilisational Dialogue between India & ASEAN – held in Patna from July 20-22, 2012. Organised by MEA, ICCR, Nalanda University & Govt. of Bihar.

4. ASEAN-India Network of Think-Tanks Meeting in New Delhi – August 7-8, 2012. Organised by RIS

Events associated with 20 Years of India-ASEAN Relations

India-ASEAN events

Screening of ‘Light of Asia’The world’s first film on the Buddha was premiered 87 years later in Thailand with a new musical score

The Ministry of Culture and the Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives hosted the screening of ‘Light of Asia’ also called Prem Sanyas, the world’s first film on the Buddha

(1926), produced by Indian cinema pioneer Himanshu Rai with German collaboration. The film was shot in India with Rai playing the role of the Buddha. The then Maharaja of Jaipur made his kingdom’s resoucerces freely available to the production, including palaces, regal paraphernalia, state elephants and cavalry.

A rare print of this historic film was obtained especially by the Thai government from the UK to screen as the inaugural film of the first International Buddhist Film Festival in Bangkok in June 2012 during the celebrations of Sambuddhatva Jayanti, the 2,600th anniversary of the Buddha’s Nirvana at Bodhgaya in India. A new music score for the screening of this silent film was created by an international orchestra led by Acharn Anant Narkkong of Silpakorn University Music Department.

The Indian Cultural Centre’s sitar and tabla teachers took part in the creation and performance of the new music score composed for this historic screening with several creative sessions held at ICC in the preceding weeks. The event was held at the 900-seater Scala Theatre, Siam Square, a Bangkok landmark. The Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Chumpol Silpa-Archa, inaugurated the event and the Indian Ambassador was invited to address the gathering and to present mementos to the musicians.

The Bodhi ProjectThe Indian Cultural Centre explores shared cultural icons through the artistic expression of Silpakorn University’s art students

One of the Indian Cultural Centre’s most interesting projects in 2012 is the ‘Bodhi Project’ with the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn

University. The faculty has a historic connection with India through Shantiniketan, the arts school founded for the world community by Rabindranath Tagore. This bond with modern India was through the legendary persona of the late Acharn (Acharya) Fua Haripitak — teacher, artist and art restorer — who spent six years in the 1940s at Shantiniketan.

This historic connection was revived in the holy year of Sambuddhatva Jayanti between the 70-year-old Faculty and the not-quite-three Indian Cultural Centre, the cultural wing of the Embassy of India, through the Bodhi Project that explored shared cultural themes through the artistic expression of young Thai people.

The first theme in this project in February 2012 was a student talent contest and exhibition on PhiKanes/Ganesha. This drew a thought-provoking display of student talent with a wide range of artistic approaches, using many media. The exhibition was displayed at the Faculty and later at the Indian Cultural Centre. The exhibition was reported in big Indian newspapers like The Times of India (the world’s largest-selling English daily) and The Hindu, and Indian readers discovered new ways of looking at this beloved icon through Thai eyes.

The second theme in the Bodhi Project, in July 2012, was the pipal or Bodhi Tree itself, to commemorate the living memory of the Lord Buddha’s world-changing experience in India 2,600 years ago. An exhibition of the 68 entries was held at the National Gallery, Bangkok and the Indian Ambassador

awarded prizes to twelve winners selected by the faculty. The Bodhi Tree exhibition will be on view at the Indian Cultural Centre between August 11 and 18, 2012.

Prize-winning artworks from both exhibitions will be displayed in the near future at India House, the residence of the Indian Ambassador.

A visit is planned by Embassy of India and ICC Bangkok of a group of Thai artists-scholars to Shantiniketan and the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi and other places of interest, to have cultural exchanges through the projects of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. ICCR also offers student talent scholarships to India for which Thai students are invited to apply. See www.iccrindia.net

Ambassador Anil Wadhwa inaugurating the exhibition on Ganesha at Faculty of Paint-ing, Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University

Prize winners

The 1st Prize to Waranyou Changpradit for Bodhi and

My Imagination

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12 • Thailand

HRH Crown Prince Mahavajiralongkorn being presented credentials by Ambassador Anil Wadhwa

H.E. Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda receiving Ambassador Anil Wadhwa

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn inaugurating the 2nd Rabindranath Tagore Exhibition at Chulalongkorn University on March 6, 2012

India and Thailand, located in each other’s extended neighbourhood, share unique civilisational links that go back several millennia. The shared link of Buddhism is reflected in people from either country

visiting places of pilgrimages. Hindu elements are to be found in Thai architecture, arts, sculpture, dance, drama and literature. And a vibrant Indian Diaspora in Thailand has blurred cultural nationality into a common heritage.

India and Thailand celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2012. With the proposal of a India-Thailand road link on the anvil, the nations’ collaboration in recent years on a strategic political approach through a series of high level visits by leaders of either countries, only bolster the ‘Look East and Look West’ policies of India and Thailand. Trade and economic linkages and tourist traffic continue to grow steadily.

Picture Gallery

Host Country Agreement was signed on March 13, 2012 between UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (UN-ESCAP) and Government of India to set up ESCAP Sub- Regional Office for South and South West Asia (SRO- SSWA) in New Delhi. The Agreement was signed in Bangkok by Mr. Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador of India to Thailand and India’s Permanent Representative to UN-ESCAP, and Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under Secretary General and Executive Secretary, ESCAP

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Artists Sejal Sood and Josie Lay performing ‘Dance Is’ at the Indian Cultural Centre

14th India-Thailand joint maritime patrols in the Andaman Sea during 24-26 April 2012 to counter terrorism, piracy and arms smuggling

Indian Navy sailing vessel Mhadei visited Thailand in 2012

Indian National Junior Women’s Hockey Team won second place at 6th Junior Women’s Asia Cup in Bangkok

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia addressing the Annual Commission session of UN-ESCAP

Both countries are important regional partners linking South and Southeast Asia. They cooperate closely in the ASEAN, East Asia Summit (EAS) and BIMSTEC groupings as also Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) and Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). The implementation of the India-AESAN Agreement on Trade in Goods from January 2010 is an important milestone of this partnership.

Seen here in photos are some instances of collaboration between the two neighbours. From high-level diplomatic exchanges to joint exercises and initiatives in defence, sports and culture, India and Thailand continue to bolster their friendship, not just as trading partners, but also as neighbours.

India-ASEAN Artists Residency organised by ICCR at Darjeeling

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canonical texts as one of the places where the Buddha stayed while in Rajgir. We visited the site of the once Tapodarma Monastery, a Buddhist monastery at the time of Gautama Buddha, that was located on the site of hot springs. Now a Hindu temple called the Lakshmi

The Legacy Lives on.....the Buddhist Trail

Discover and Retrace Lord Buddha’s Journey in India from Life to Death

Buddhism is a religion associated with East Asia, mainly the regions of Thailand, China and Japan.

It is reported that most of the world’s Buddhists live in these places. India is the land where Buddhism was born; the land where Lord Buddha began his spiritual journey. Currently, the Buddhist trail is attracting a lot of global attention. According to a Time Magazine report, officials at Bodh Gaya temple estimate that 15,000 foreigners come each year to see the holy tree. Peak season is from November to March, when the temperature drops, but there are pilgrims all year round. Most pilgrims are from East Asia, but Americans and Europeans also visit it.[1] Tourists from over 30 countries have alone preferred the award winning (National Tourism Award of Excellence 2009) ‘Mahaparinirvan Express Train’ to follow the footsteps of Lord Buddha in an attractive eight-days package tour.

In the sacred Buddhist text ‘Mahaparinirvan sutra’, the Buddha tells his followers that they can attain blessings and a noble rebirth by going on

pilgrimage to the places where he was born (Lumbini), gained enlightenment (Bodhgaya), first taught (Sarnath), and attained Nirvana (Kushinagar).

Discover the Path to Enlightenment with Mahaparinirvan ExpressWith the support of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Mahaparinirvan Express- the Buddhist Circuit Special Train, was launched by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd., a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, in the year 2007 with the objective of offering a safe, comfortable and reliable tour of the Buddhist Circuit during its eight-day’s journey starting from Bodh Gaya and ending in Agra. This fully air conditioned tourist train package includes all train journeys, hotel accommodation, road transport, tour guide services, tour manager services, meals, travel insurance, security and monument admission fees.

Bodh Gaya is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The complex contains the Mahabodhi temple with the diamond throne called the vajraasana and the holy Bodhi tree.

Bodh Gaya is also home to several beautiful Buddhist monasteries. The Japanese Temple houses a huge Buddha statue, while the Thai temple has gleaming gilded roofs and elegantly curved lines. Further, there are three Tibetan Monasteries and a number of houses of worship maintained by Sri Lanka, Bhutanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Nepalese monks.

Rajgir is the location of Gridhakuta or Vulture’s Peak that is listed in Buddhist

Mahabodhi temple

Narayan Mandir is constructed on the site.

Nalanda is recognised as ‘one of the first great universities in recorded history,’ and was a Buddhist centre of learning from 427 B.C. to 1197 A.D. Today, Nalanda consists of ruins of the university enclosed in a complex with immaculately manicured lawns, and flowers under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Sarnath, one of the four pilgrimage sites designated by Gautama Buddha, is situated about 10 km from Varanasi and the site of the deer park where Buddha delivered his first sermon

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The Sarnath Archaeological Museum houses the famous Ashokan Lion Capital, which later became the National Emblem of India. The museum also houses a famous and refined image of the Buddha in Dharmachakra posture.

Aarti** is reformed every evening at Dasashwamedh Ghat on the banks of river Ganga at Varanasi. First the blazing camphor lamps and then the many-flamed aarti lamps are raised high. The ceremony is definitely a moving experience.

Kushinagar is a much-frequented Buddhist pilgrimage site as it is the place where Lord Buddha attained nirvana. The Mahaparinirvana Stupa stands at the place of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana, and Makutabandhana, the cremation site of his body. A 1500-year-old image of the Buddha as he attained Parinirvarna is located close to the stupa.

Lumbini, in Nepal, is the place where Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam, who later became the Buddha. The holy site of Lumbini has the ruins of ancient monasteries, a sacred Bodhi tree, an ancient bathing pond, the Ashokan Pillar, and the Mayadevi Temple, where the precise place of birth of the Buddha is located.

Foreign pilgrims must ensure that they obtain a double entry visa due to the fact that they must exit and re-enter India

Nalanda Besides these, Buddhist monasteries built by Thailand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tiabet and China have been constructed at Sravasti.

Agra is home to the Taj Mahal and the majestic Agra Fort. It is quite thoughtful of IRCTC to include Agra on the tour. After all, some foreign tourists are mostly on their first visit to India, and what’s a visit to India without seeing the Taj Mahal.

This Buddhist Circuit Special Train has announced its schedule for 2012 and 2013. The new dates are as under :

Innovative Landmark MeasuresMinistry of Tourism, in association with State Governments of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, is organising an International Buddhist Conclave at Varanasi and Bodhgaya during end-September. A large number of monks, scholars, media persons and tour operators from overseas will participate in this event. Eco-friendly bags, books on foot trails of Lord Buddha, pen drives containing documentary film on Buddhist circuit of Bihar and maps of Buddhist circuit will be gifted to visiting delegates.

Even Gujarat is gearing towards enhancing the Buddhist trail. Sanjay Kaul, Gujarat Tourism Commissioner had disclosed to the media that the state is improving its roads and other amenities for providing comfortable facilities along the trail to the tourists. For the Buddhist circuit, Gujarat has even created seven golf courses through private initiatives.

Kushinagar - The place of Mahaparinirvan

Arti at Varanasi Ghat near holy river Ganga

during the trip to Lumbini. Foreigners can obtain a free short term visa for Lumbini at the Nepalese border crossing point.

At Sravasti, one can see the ancient Angulimala’s and Anathapindika’s stupas, on the site of the Jetavana Monastery- the main pilgrimage destination, with meditation and chanting mainly done at the Gandhakuti (Buddha’s hut) and Anandabodhi tree.

MEANINGS AND SOURCE: * Buddhist texts** Aarti (Hindi vkjrh), also spelled arathi, aarthi (from the Sanskrit term “harati” (to take away) is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities.

[1] www.time.comwww.timesofindia.indiatimes.comwww.telegraphindia.com; www.buddhatrails.comwww.railtourismindia.com/buddhawww.irctc.com

Year Tour Dates

2012 September October November December

22nd 06th* & 27th 10th & 24th 8th & 22nd

* Reverse route

2013 January February March

12th & 28th 9th & 23rd 9th & 30th

For further details, you may log into www.railtourismindia.com/buddha

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Ugranarasimha statue at Hampi