Interviewing with the ambassador of Norway to Thailand his Excellency Mr.Kjetil Paulsen

When talking about salmon, anyone will be naturally associated with one of Scandinavian countries—Norway, where is located in the northern part Of Europe, with long coastal lines. Which is well known for its fishery and modem technology in the world, due to its unique geographical situation, the country is enriched with Marine resources, especially the production of Cod and salmon whatever in quantity and quality, it has already won top brand among the world people, by coincidence, meeting in an event by Norwegian Chamber of commerce. I was lucky enough arranged to encounter the ambassador of Norway to Thailand —his Excellency Mr.Kjetil Paulsen. With an opportunity to communicate with him closely, starting my Second Cultural Trip over Norway in the Northern European countries, unveiling the mystery and beautiful facade behind it.

[Introduction]

Norway’s fishing industry has been famous in the world, as far as we know the output of the fishing for salmon and trout by shipping all over the world. at present, whatever in large-Size and Small Size the Chinese and western restaurants in Thailand, even though the Japanese restaurants so much popularly using the salmon and cod fish originally importing from Norway. In addition, all kinds Of fish and Marine products, including the frozen and smoked ones also almost belong to Norwegian ones, it could be said that if there was no Norway in the world, that would not be salmon fish appearing on the dining tables, with the advantageous geographical environment, there is kind Of the deep Culture in bondage of Norwegian salmon. Norway is endowed with great fortune by God, to possess with large area of ocean and natural resource like oil fields as well, up to now. With the high-tech and modern civilization to the profile of modern Norway was depicted from the ambassador Mr. Paulson in conversation with the editor, he looks great in Spirit .with Strong body and in medium height, by appearing with the pink-Cheeked expression on the face, as I was greeted by his warm welcoming to sit down, and opened up my topics selected from the aspects of the contents related to Norway. Seemingly the ambassador got previously fully prepared for fry caring today and treating me seriously, as long as nearly one hour Conversation between the ambassador and me. at the end of the interview Mr. Ambassador solemnly gave me a heavy book contented with lots of old pictures alike a big photo album, which reveals the long and elderly history behind Norway and Thailand .as in the records, the two nations have so large difference in the aspects Of culture and customs, but in a Short time. I feel like the huge gap suddenly being shortened and narrowed, due to the prior record of the exchanges and mutual visits between the two countries.

The part one—[the trail of history]

While opening the history book of Thailand, tracing back to one hundred years ago,by following along the footsteps of the Thai king -Chulalongkorn who was found as early as in the early years of the twenty century [in 1907|,he had started Out his first trip to Europe in which Norway was one of his study tour countries, at that time, the fishery was at advanced in Norway. as many as the advanced technology in Norway brought up the civilization and better life to Norwegians, touched by those sights, he was determined to follow up the European powers, like Norway, as he returned to home country, he had made out and advocated Several social reforms in Thailand as Start, linking with his study trip to Norway as well, one hundred years later, just few years ago. Her Majestic Royal Princess of Thailand–Sirihdorn paid an official Visit to Norway. She was interested in Norway which had already made deep research and significant breakthrough in the solution of the serious issues over World Climate Changes.

The part two— [through the high-tech cooperation]

Norway has made up close ties with Thai fishery industry in cooperation; it has been set up for the considerable times. the annual Seafood export from Thailand to all over the world, totally in the proportion Of year-round exports, accounting for 32%, in the electronic industry, the communication industry between Thailand and Norway ,with more even outstanding and significant achievements, such as Thailand’s dtac telecom network Co., has always been a good partnership with supports Of TELENOR Norway’s famous telecom corporation .

At the same time, the Siam Cement Company has set up the researching center in Norway, in terms of education, the exchange programs between Norway and Thailand has been operating and starting from Chulalongkorn and Tammassat university .the students ha«/e chances to enter Norway’s famous universities for further study, etc.;

The part 3 [the governmental projects]

1–Each year, the senior ministerial meeting is held in Thailand and Norway separately, each one take turns to run the Summit, with its purpose to discuss economic and trade cooperation between the two countries to further deepen, at the same time as the government to government cooperative projects would be put into the agenda for further discussion.

2–The Norwegian business have been jointly ventured so largely in Thailand, involving in the industry of fertilizer like [YARA]: Marine and offshore Oil operation, and Shipping industry [WILHELMSEN] as long term partners .in the mutual trade and exchanges between the two countries have been long and deeply rooted in the hearts of the two nations’ people. Norway’s oil technology has long been known in the world, naming with the foreign and project [Pension Funds]. With totaling 80 billion baht covering around the world, in Thailand .there have been received and favored from this funding by Thai companies with more than 80 % widely distributing in Thailand’s transportation, commercial organizations, the banks and Other large projects;

The part 4: [cultural ties on tourism]

1-Each year, the kingdom of Thailand’s embassy to the kingdom of Norway, hold large scale painting shows depicting on Thai folk Custom and Culture, focused on the theme of THAINESS which had stirred up in Norway:

2-Every year, the visitors to Thailand from Norway accounted for more than 150,000 and 8,000 Norwegian have Settled in Thailand for retirement;

3-Held in February each year, the Norwegian Chamber of commerce offering with seafood cooking shows which exhibit as themes of the Cuisine festivals held in Bangkok.

[Specially thanks to the embassy of Norway and his Excellency of ambassador with the full and great supports].

Photo by Thunvarai / Written by Darwin