New Australian Embassy opened on Wireless Road

BANGKOK, Aug 4 (TNA) – A new Australian embassy was officially opened by visiting Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop on Thursday. Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and high-ranking officials attended the opening ceremony, in which Australian foreign minister and her Thai counterpart released turtles, earlier living at the old premises into the pond at the new embassy. Ms Bishop said Australia and Thailand have long-standing good relationship for 65 years. There have been exchanges in many fields such as education, tourism and culture. She hoped the new building and embassy staff would play an important role to further strengthen ties between the two countries. Prominent Australian architect Mr James Grose, who designed the building said he was inspired by features of the Australian landscape. The building’s striking red exterior is reminiscent of the rocks of Australia’s central desert and the traditional ‘itt mon daeng’ Thai brick, used extensively in Thai temples. The embassy complex at wireless road near Lumpini Park is the new office of the embassy staff and for Australian nationals to contact for travel document service. The premises also include a five-storey Chancery and an Ambassador’s residence. (TNA)