US brings food, music and culture to Bangkok for 250th birthday

The US Embassy in Thailand opened its American Fair in Bangkok on Friday, bringing American food, music, culture and technology to Siam Paragon for a three-day celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Sean O’Neill, the US ambassador to Thailand, presided over the opening ceremony on 23 October at Parc Paragon, joined by Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej, Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool and Siam Piwat Deputy Chairman Virathai Santiprapob, along with Thai and American guests.

O’Neill said he was honoured to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday in Bangkok, comparing the occasion to a family celebration where friends are invited to share a special moment.

“I’m very, very proud to be an American, and I think this is a special year for America,” he said. “It’s very special to me to celebrate the birthday of my country with so many of my Thai friends.”

O’Neill said the embassy had held American Fairs in Hat Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Chiang Mai before bringing the final event to the capital. The fairs were inspired by American state fairs, where communities gather to enjoy food, music, games and entertainment.

The Bangkok event features live music, American food products and activities for visitors of all ages. Attractions include a mechanical bull ride, face painting and the Freedom 250 Explorer Passport sticker hunt.

At SCBX Next Tech, visitors can take part in “Your Name in Landsat”, an activity that lets them write their names using satellite imagery from the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The venue also hosts discussions with business and technology leaders.

Visitors can sample American products, including apples and California cheeses, as well as dishes combining American ingredients with Thai cuisine, such as massaman curry made with American beef. Ford vehicles and Harley-Davidson motorcycles are also on display.

One of the weekend’s highlights is a performance by Nene Royal, winner of America’s Got Talent, scheduled for Saturday, 24 October, at 19.00.

O’Neill said Nene’s success was an example of the American Dream, noting that she had travelled to the United States to compete on the talent show and fulfil her ambition.

The American Fair is open to the public free of charge from 11.00 to 21.00 daily through Sunday, 25 October, at Parc Paragon at Siam Paragon in Bangkok.