Neem Saplings Plantation Ceremony

at Plant Propagation Center No 2 Mueang District, Trang Province presided over by

H.E. Khun Chuan Leekpai, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand on 3 September, 2022

Remarks by Ambassador Suchitra Durai

Your Excellency K Chuan Leekpai, President of the National Assembly & Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand;

Hon’ble Members of the House of Representatives;

H.E Mr Hajornsak Charoensopha, Governor of Trang Province;

Excellencies; Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning, Namaskar, Sawasdeekha !

1)I am truly honoured to be present here in your beautiful home province, at a ceremony to plant neem saplings grown from seeds from India. The idea germinated when your office conveyed in April 2021 your interest in obtaining seeds from India to grow the Indian neem in Thailand. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs immediately contacted the Indian Ministry of Agriculture, which identified the Central Forestry Research Institute (under the Indian Council for Agriculture Research – ICAR) in Jhansi as the agency which could obtain the seeds and send it to Thailand. Since these seeds are sensitive and have a limited shelf life we worked very closely with both the Indian and the Thai authorities including the Thai embassy in Delhi and were able to bring them to Thailand by August, 2021. I would like to thank all the Indian and Thai authorities for their support.

2)India and Thailand are maritime neighbours and share a unique civilizational heritage in terms of religious, linguistic and cultural ties. Since ancient times, sailors and traders from India and Thailand have been sailing across the Bay of Bengal between our two countries and sharing ideas, thoughts and technology. In the contemporary era, our relations are multi-faceted. Indeed Thailand is our trusted and valued friend and our strategic neighbour.

3)The exchange of flora and fauna is part of our shared culture. The sacred Bodhi tree is found in Thailand, grown from saplings obtained from the original tree in Bodh Gaya. Like India, Thailand also has a strong heritage in Ayurveda and traditional medicine.

4)The neem tree or Azadirachta indica is native to the Indian sub-continent. It is a sturdy tree, which can grow in arid land, and has extraordinary medicinal properties.  Its leaves and oil extracted from them are used as an insecticide, pesticide and as an anti-bacterial agent. Neem leaves and flowers are used in both our cuisines. Neem twigs are traditionally used in India as a natural toothbrush. Medical R&D cooperation is of great interest to both our governments and peoples.

5)This event is particularly auspicious as in 2022 we are also celebrating the 75^th anniversary of our diplomatic relations which were established in August 1947, the same month that India became independent. I deem it a singular honour to be present in Thailand at this juncture and a great privilege to represent my country at this wonderful ceremony which also contributes to Thailand’s policy of conservation of natural resources.

Thank you, Dhanyavaad,

Kob khun kha

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