An exhibition about the urban administration of Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital city, is on display in Bangkok until February 12, 2023. The event is being held to commemorate Kazakhstan and Thailand’s 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
On Tuesday, Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej presided over the exhibition’s launch at the Bangkok City Library, with Astana’s deputy mayor Nurlan Nurkenov and Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Thailand Arman Issetov. Astana’s Deputy Mayor Yerlan Bekmurzayev also joined the ceremony through an internet video link from Astana.
The exhibition displays Astana’s urban management, including tourism and culture, as well as smart-city characteristics that allow Bangkok and Astana to exchange insights and experiences. It aims to deepen the two cities’ connections by learning from each other’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing both sides to flourish together in a sustainable manner.
The deputy governor of Bangkok emphasizes the BMA’s policy to develop into a truly sustainable and liveable city, noting that the mission is difficult due to diversity and various issues, and adding that the Thai capital can learn from Astana’s urban management, particularly its smart city and smart traffic system aspects.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Bekmurzayev expressed optimism that both cities would continue to strengthen their bonds and learn more about each other’s cultures.
Bangkok and Astana have maintained diplomatic relations since June 11, 2004, when representatives from both cities signed a bilateral cooperation agreement covering a variety of issues. Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, the yearly trade volume between the two cities was roughly 8.54 billion baht, with over 50,000 visitors traveling between the two towns.