Seafood under the Stars 2025 hosted by TNCC

Seafood under the Stars 2025 hosted by TNCC

On 16 January 2025, the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted Seafood under the Stars 2025 at the Le Grand Ballroom, 7th floor, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit. Seafood under the Stars is an annual signature event hosted by the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce. This exceptional gathering highlights Norway as a premier tourist destination and a renowned hub for seafood. The event brought together over 300 esteemed participants, creating a memorable evening filled with exquisite Norwegian seafood and a delightful ambiance.

This year’s gathering held particular significance as it celebrated the 120th Anniversary of Thailand-Norway Diplomatic Relations, reaffirming the enduring partnership between the two nations. We were honored by the presence of H.E. Mr. Mongkol Surasajja, President of the Senate, The Senate, H.E. Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Minister of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce, Dr. Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and many more distinguished dignitaries. Their presence underscored the importance of this milestone and the enduring partnership between our nations. Notable attendees including;

Left to right (Photo banner)

1. Mr. Beda Merkelbach, Senior Vice President, Asia-Pacific, Yara Thailand
2. Mr. Axel Blom, President, Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce
3. Mrs. Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, Vice president, Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce
4. Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, Residence Coordinator, UN Residence Coordinator Office, Thailand
5. Dr. Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
6. Mr. Varavongsa Ramangkura, Vice Minister for Commerce, Ministry of Commerce
7. H.E. Mr. Pedro Zwahlen, Ambassador, Embassy of Switzerland
8. H.E. Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Minister of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce
9. H.E. Mrs. Astrid Emilie Helle, Norwegian Ambassador to Thailand and Cambodia, Royal Norwegian Embassy
10. H.E. Mr. Mongkol Surasajja, President of the Senate, The Senate
11. Mr. Nirat Yoopakdee, Chairperson Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, The Senate
12. Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, Thailand Trade Representative, Office of the Prime Minister
13. H.E. Mrs. Millicent Cruz-Paredes, Ambassador, Embassy of Philippines
14. Mr. Arnuphap Kittikul, Head of Europe, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited
15. Mrs. Gloyta Nathalang, Senior Executive Vice President – Sustainability Management and Corporate Communications, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited
16. Ms. Åshild Nakken, Director of Southeast Asia, Norwegian Seafood Council
17. Ms. Kristine Anvik Leach, Managing Director, Jotun Thailand
18. Mr. Eirik Mork Knudsen, HSSE Director, Aibel (Thailand) Ltd.

Attendees, including chamber members, their guests, and friends, enjoyed a unique opportunity to expand their business networks during the event’s networking sessions and dinner. The event perfectly blended the exceptional flavors of Norway’s finest seafood exports with opportunities to forge meaningful connections and engage in enriching conversations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us and contributed to the success of this remarkable celebration.

The evening began with opening remarks by H.E. Mrs. Astrid Emilie Helle, Norwegian Ambassador to Thailand and Cambodia, who reflected on the historical significance of the relationship and the shared vision for the future. Dr. Lalivan Kanjanachari, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, followed with a speech emphasising the value of collaboration in promoting sustainable and responsible business practices.

Ms. Åshild Nakken, Director Southeast Asia of Norwegian Seafood Council delivered an engaging speech on the growing contributions of Norwegian seafood to the Thai market. Mr Axel Blom, President of the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, concluded by extending a warm welcome and expressing heartfelt appreciation for the key contributors to Seafood Under the Stars 2025.

This year, Norwegian Seafood Council featured fresh Norwegian seafood, expertly prepared and presented by Chef “Jib” Chapornpat Dapachutisan. Renowned for her innovative culinary approach, Chef Jib masterfully combines Norwegian seafood with traditional Thai flavors, creating trendy and memorable dishes that elevate the dining experience.

Moreover, The success of this event would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok, our 2025 Annual Partners, including Jotun Thailand Ltd. and Norwegian Seafood Council as Platinum Partners, Aibel (Thailand) Ltd. as a Gold Partner and Yara (Thailand) Ltd. as a Silver partner. In addition, deeply thankful for the support of our event gold sponsors, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited (BCP) and Thai Airways as well as our seafood partner, Thammachart Seafood for contributing to the success of the evening. Special appreciation is extended to our beverage sponsors, Prunk & Partners Co., Ltd. and Global Wines & More, whose contributions added to the enjoyment of the event. We are truly grateful to all our partners and sponsors for making this celebration memorable.

A highlight of the evening was the Lucky Draw, featuring 27 prizes donated by our sponsors, including Prunk & Partners Co.,Ltd, Global Wines & More, GFour, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited (BCP), Felicia Design, Thammachart Seafood, Bangkok Hospital, and lastly, the grand prize of the night was from Norse Atlantic Airways. Congratulations to all the winners!

As the evening concluded, the Chamber expressed heartfelt thanks to all attendees for making Seafood Under the Stars 2025 a resounding success. We cherish everyone’s trust and involvement in this joyful, memorable experience. Hereafter, there will be more exciting events in the future, and we hope all of our valued members and participants will be looking forward to them.

To explore photos of the event, please click here

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