Today, the 17th of May 2025, Norwegians around the globe rejoice in a day that sparkles with cultural pride and historical significance—Norwegian Constitution Day! This festive occasion commemorates the signing of the Constitution in Eidsvoll in 1814, 211 years ago, a pivotal moment that ignites the spirit of freedom and unity within every Norwegian soul. Whether you’re in the bustling city of Oslo or a picturesque fjord village, this day is a national holiday etched in the hearts of all.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy, in tandem with the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, joyfully celebrates this grand tradition. Constitution Day is not merely a national holiday; it’s an emblem of Norway’s journey towards democracy, gender equality, and the societal stability that underpins their vibrant economy. It’s a day that shines especially bright for kids, who are at the heart of the celebrations!
Proud Norwegians, draped in their exquisite Bunads—traditional attire as colorful and diverse as Norway’s landscapes—take to the streets. Children, along with spirited teenagers, parade gleefully to the harmonious tunes of school bands, as jubilant crowds cheer them on, waving the red, white, and blue flags with beaming faces. These parades are the heartbeat of the day, echoing the sounds of freedom and joy.
Festivities begin with sumptuous breakfast gatherings featuring delicacies that will make your taste buds sing. Think freshly baked bread, creamy scrambled eggs, velvety smoked salmon, and for the adults, a flute of bubbly champagne might just accompany the meal! Norway comes alive with parades, live music rings through every valley, and heartwarming speeches remind everyone of their shared history and future. And who could overlook the iconic treats of the day? Ice cream and hot dogs are devoured eagerly by young and old alike, while joyous games unfold under the sunny skies.
This year’s Constitution Day is further distinguished by a noteworthy milestone—the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Norway and Thailand. Since King Chulalongkorn, known widely as King Rama V, journeyed through Norway in July 1907, a cordial bond was forged. The King’s travels from Nordkapp to Flekkefjord, accompanied by his admiration for Norway’s industrial prowess and natural beauty, laid the foundation for lasting friendship. His correspondence, fondly documented in the collection “Klai Ban” (“Far From Home”), endures as a testament to this historic visit.
Norway’s economic landscape thrives vibrantly as inflation steadies and sectors such as health, electric power, and offshore services boom. This economic fortitude extends its reach to Thailand, where corporations like Jotun, Aibel, Yara, and Telenor Asia forge ahead, flourishing under a robust trade partnership. Norwegian exports, famed for their seafood delights and industrial prowess, find welcoming shores in Thailand, while Thai engineering marvels like offshore platforms contribute to environmental innovations worldwide.
Trade thrives further under the landmark free trade agreement signed earlier this year with the EFTA countries. This auspicious pact, emphasizing shared dedication to sustainability, ensures that the majority of Norwegian products will enjoy duty-free status in Thailand over time. The flourishing trade, reaching new heights at 12 billion Norwegian kroner in 2024, underscores the symbiotic economic relationship and mutual respect between the two nations.
As the sun warms this delightful Norwegian Day, we invite you all to join in celebrating not just a date on the calendar, but a legacy of friendship and shared prosperity. Here’s to another century of cooperation, innovation, and cultural exchange. Cheers to the past and to a hopeful future filled with the same vigorous optimism that characterizes the Norwegian spirit.
So, raise your voices high and wave your flags with pride, for today we shout: “Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah! Gratulerer med Dagen!”
For more information, don’t forget to stop by www.norcham.com.
Celebrating Norwegian Constitution Day in Thailand seems like a waste of resources. Why can’t we just focus on our own country’s challenges instead of celebrating 120 years of friendship?
I think these celebrations are important! They help maintain positive diplomatic relations and foster cultural exchange. It’s not always about our own challenges.
But aren’t there more pressing issues we should be addressing? Diplomacy is crucial, but so are our domestic problems.
Engaging with Thailand economically is beneficial. It’s not just about friendship; it’s strategic trade as well!
It’s always fun to see how other countries celebrate alongside us. I wonder if they truly care about our customs or if this is just another diplomatic way to make money.
Can anyone explain to me how these free trade agreements work? I don’t get how Thailand benefits from so many years of friendship with Norway.
Free trade agreements reduce barriers for both nations. Thailand benefits from duty-free exports, and Norway boosts its economy through strategic imports.
Thanks, that makes more sense now. But shouldn’t such agreements consider the environmental impacts more seriously?
I’m proud of how Norway has evolved since 1814! It’s not just about past achievements, but how they shape our future. Happy Constitution Day!
It’s great to be proud, but I worry that our government rests too much on past laurels instead of resolving current issues.
Interesting how we glamorize these events! Diplomatic ties or not, I wonder how the average Thai feels about it.
Can anyone join these celebrations in Norway, or is it just for Norwegians and Thais?
The cultural exchange is what’s fascinating! I’ve learned so much about Thailand’s economy through these collaborations. It’s a win-win.
Why don’t we celebrate similar milestones with other less friendly countries? Maybe it would help mend bridges instead of focusing only on existing friendships.
Building new friendships is important, but maintaining existing ones should also be a priority.
Norway has diplomatic efforts worldwide, but these do require mutual willingness. Not every country is open to closer ties.
I visited Thailand during last year’s Constitution Day celebrations. The enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s lovely to see two cultures enjoying each other’s traditions.
All of this sounds wonderful in theory, but isn’t there a danger in celebrating wealth while knowing that not everyone benefits equally?
Fair point. Every celebration should address inclusivity so everyone can participate and benefit.
It’s amazing how little the average person benefits from international relations. It’s mostly about rich companies getting richer.
The friendship with Thailand is great, but I’d like to see more emphasis on human rights in these diplomatic conversations.
How is this day special for Norwegian kids? Do they really care about all these history and trade talks?
For kids, it’s more about fun, parades, and celebrating with friends. The deep history and trade talk isn’t really their focus.
It’s heartwarming to see the longstanding bond between two very different cultures. Kudos to both nations for sustaining this.
Can we focus more on educational exchanges? Understanding each other’s cultures deeply would be a solid investment for future relations.
That’s a good idea! Encouraging educational exchanges is definitely a forward-thinking approach. It could potentially solve some existing misunderstandings.