Between 24-27 January 2010, H.E. Mr. Apichart Sukhagganond, Chairman of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), H.E. Mr. Suthipol Thaweechaikarn, Secretary-General to the Election Commission of Thailand, and delegation paid an official visit to the Republic of India by invitation of the Election Commission of India on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Election Commission of India. The delegation attended the ceremony to commemorate the celebration and participated in the International Symposium on “Sharing Best Electoral Practices” which were held between 25-27 January 2010. The events were attended by representatives of election commission and electoral body from 31 countries.

     On 24 January 2010, Chairman of ECT visited important and historical sites in New Delhi i.e. National Museum, Gandhi Smitri and Humayun’s Tomb. In the evening, H.E. Ambassador of Thailand to India hosted a dinner in honour of Chairman of ECT at his residence.

     On 25 January 2010, Chairman of ECT attended the Inaugural Function of Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Election Commission of India at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Hon. President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil, presided over the ceremony. The event was also attended by India’s high dignitaries e.g. Prime Minister of India, Chairperson of UPA, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Speaker of Lok Sabha.

     On 26 January 2010, Chairman of ECT were invited to view the parade at Rajpath to celebrate India’s 61st Republic Day.

     On 27 January 2010, Chairman of ECT participated in the International Symposium on “Sharing Best Electoral Practices” at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Chairman of ECT presented in the session 3 under the topic “Involving Youth in Electoral Process”, along with representatives from the Republic of Korea and Kenya. In the evening, Chairman of ECT hosted a dinner in honour of H.E. Mr. Navin B. Chawla, Chief Election Commissioner of India and his family at the residence of ambassador of Thailand to India.