BANGKOK: Her Majesty the Queen graced the Islamic Fashion Festival Bangkok 2024 gala dinner last night, highlighting her support for cultural exchange and charitable causes.
According to Thai News Agency, the event took place at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel in the Bang Rak District at 8:13 p.m. The gala was part of the Islamic Fashion Festival, also known as IFF, which was hosted by Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariyah, the wife of the Sultan of Pahang, Malaysia. Dato’ Seri Raja Rezza Shah, the Malaysian artist and founder of the IFF, was also present to welcome the Queen.
The festival, which saw the participation of over 250 designers and brands from various countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Cameroon, France, India, Jordan, Morocco, and Palestine, aims to use culture as a driving force to promote understanding of Islam and to debunk outdated myths. It provides a platform for the exchange of ideas among people of different religions and cultures, encouraging designers to creati
vely express Islamic principles and values.
During the gala dinner, Her Majesty the Queen performed the song “You’ve Got A Friend,” accompanied by members of the royal family from different Malaysian states and other prominent Malaysian figures. This performance underscored the close relations between Thailand and Malaysia, which were formally established on August 31, 1957.
Historically, the royal families of both nations have enjoyed strong ties. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother officially visited Malaysia in 1962. More recently, His Majesty the King, then Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, represented Thailand during Malaysia’s 50th Independence celebration at the invitation of the 13th King of Malaysia.
The Islamic Fashion Festival not only serves as a cultural showcase but also supports various charities that help children, orphans, the homeless, and those suffering from various diseases.