US and Australian embassies get into the Songkran spirit

The US mission posted a fun, food-themed video titled "US Embassy Bangkok Spicy Food Challenge".

Embassy staff are seen tucking in to six spicy Thai dishes – Nam Prik Noom (grilled green chilli dip), Phad Krapow Moo (stir-fried basil with minced pork), Mama Phad Khee Mao (spicy stir-fried drunken instant noodles), Gaeng Hed (fermented mushroom soup), Gaeng Tai Pla (fermented fish entrails curry) and Gaeng Leung (yellow curry with fish and papaya).

The munching diplomats comment in Thai on the food between mouthfuls, remarking on its tastiness (“aroy mak”) and also comparing the spicy flavours to the Tex-Mex cuisine of Arizona. However, as the spice level gets higher with each dish, some diners begin to struggle. “It’s worth eating for bilateral relations between the two countries,” one US diplomat splutters in Thai after taking a fiery mouthful of Gaeng Leung.

They sign off with a message for Thailand: "We hope you all have a fun, safe and delicious Thai New Year! Happy Songkran!"

Meanwhile, the Australian Embassy had fun with a virtual Songkran celebration posted on its Facebook page.

Ambassador Allan McKinnon appears in traditional Thai dress as a message board is virtually handed around to individual staff in a Zoom-style video. Each member chalks a Thai letter before the message is handed back to McKinnon, who is promptly soaked by water guns from all sides.

"This year we are celebrating Songkran virtually, with a bit of physical distancing. Our Embassy staff has a small message to everyone in Thailand and to our Thai friends in Australia. Wishing everyone a happy and safe Songkran!" the message read.