During 5-6 September 2011, H.E. Mr. Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya, Ambassador of Thailand to Spain met with the representatives of the Thai community in Ibiza. The Thai community in Ibiza informed the Ambassador that they are happy with their lives. They assumed that there are about 30 Thai nationals living in Ibiza, most of them are self-employed businessmen in the area of import-export, spa and restaurants. There are at the moment 3 authentic Thai restaurants on Ibiza. The Thai community informed the Ambasador that most of them know each other very well, and that they hold regular meetings every month or two months.

                        The Ambassador expressed his appreciation that the Thai community in Ibiza are close-knit and invited all of the Thai nationals to participate in the Thai National Day Reception in Celebration of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 84th Birthday Anniversary on 2 December 2011 in Madrid, which the Thai community expressed interest.

                        The Ambassador inquired about the Thai businesses, and was informed that the Thai restaurant owners did not have problems concerning the purchase of ingredients for Thai dishes. However, the Thai businesses have been affected by the economic crisis in Spain, the strict labour laws and the difficulties in procuring a license from the corresponding Spanish agencies to employ cooks from Thailand.

The Ambassador provided words of support and encouragement to the Thai

businesses and answered the Thai community’s inquiries regarding consular matters.  Later the Ambassador visited Muay Thai Restaurant, which is also a training gym for Muay Thai boxers in Ibiza. The Ambassador also discussed the overall business of the restaurant/gym and informed the businesses that the Thai Embassy will incorporate the information into its future plan to promote Thai cuisine, Thai restaurants and Muay Thai in Spain.