Message by Her Excellency Szilvia Szalóki, Ambassador of Hungary to the Kingdom of Thailand,
on the 70th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight of 1956
It is a great honor to address the people of Thailand and the readers of Elite+ magazine on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight of 1956.
On October 23, Hungarians around the world commemorate the Revolution and Freedom Fight of 1956, one of the most significant and defining events in our nation’s modern history. This historic day remains a powerful testament to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering desire of the Hungarian people for freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination—values that continue to form an essential part of Hungary’s national identity.
Although our two nations are separated by considerable geographical distance, Hungary and Thailand share a deep appreciation for the values of independence, national identity, and freedom. Just as Thailand proudly cherishes its historic independence and rich cultural heritage, Hungary has throughout its history sought to safeguard its sovereignty and national identity. This shared understanding creates a strong foundation for the friendship between our two countries and our peoples.
On this day of remembrance, the Hungarian nation also reflects with gratitude on the support extended by the Kingdom of Thailand during the events of 1956. At the time of the Revolution, H.R.H. Prince Wan Waithayakon served as President of the United Nations General Assembly. His commitment to the principles of the United Nations and his empathy for the Hungarian people contributed to the international attention given to Hungary’s struggle for freedom. Thailand, represented at the United Nations by its Permanent Mission under Thanat Khoman, consistently supported resolutions condemning the Soviet military intervention and calling for the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Hungary. The Thai Red Cross also provided valuable humanitarian assistance to the Hungarian people through the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The solidarity shown by Thailand during those difficult days remains an important and cherished part of the history of Hungarian–Thai relations. We remember this support with gratitude and deeply appreciate the friendship and moral solidarity extended to the Hungarian people at a critical moment in our history.
It is a great privilege to represent Hungary in the Kingdom of Thailand. Our countries enjoy a longstanding and warm friendship based on mutual respect, understanding, and continuous dialogue. Our relations date back to the second half of the 19th century and have developed over the decades into a broad and dynamic partnership. Today, our cooperation extends well beyond political and diplomatic relations, encompassing trade and investment, education, science and technology, culture, and numerous people-to-people connections.
Our task today is to build on this strong foundation and further strengthen the close ties between Hungary and Thailand. We are committed to deepening our cooperation and to creating new opportunities for our two countries and their peoples to work together in the years ahead.
As we celebrate our National Day, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Royal Thai Government and the people of Thailand for their warm hospitality, enduring friendship, and continued cooperation. I am confident that through our shared efforts, the friendship between Hungary and the Kingdom of Thailand will continue to grow stronger and more resilient for generations to come.
I wish all the readers of Elite+ magazine good health, peace, happiness, and continued prosperity.
