Modern Books from Thailand Donated to Qatar National Library

1 September 2016
Royal Thai Embassy Continues to Support Qatar’s Journey to a Knowledge-Based Economy

 Qatar National Library (QNL) has received a wide range of books about Thailand from the Royal Thai Embassy. The donation was presented at a special ceremony on 22nd August at Education City.

The contribution to QNL, part of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), includes several books about the King of Thailand, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, and his Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy. Other books, offered in English and Thai, depict the history of the region, religious teachings, arts and architecture, cuisine, tourism, and language learning resources for foreigners.

Commenting on the donation, HE Mr Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, Ambassador of Thailand to the State of Qatar, said: “We believe that the role of Qatar National Library will be to serve as knowledge hub. During the last visit to QNL, undertaken by my predecessor, the embassy was very impressed with the work of the team and their keen interest in obtaining more books about Thailand. Thus, we have provided more books featuring many aspects of Thai culture to the library. We strongly hope they will enrich the existing collections and complement the goal of human resource development under Qatar’s National Vision 2030.”

In response, Dr Claudia Lux, Project Director of Qatar National Library, said: “Qatar National Library extends its gratitude to the Royal Thai Embassy for donating these precious materials to our growing collection. As a public library, QNL serves as a beacon of knowledge for the residents of Qatar, and acquiring these books will help introduce the public to the culture.  Furthermore it will be of great value to the Thai community here in Qatar.”

“The cultural ties between Qatar and Thailand are strong, distinguished, and play a great role in promoting cultural and historical exchanges between the two countries. QNL has welcomed a number of high profile Thai officials and diplomats over the last few years, including Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, who visited the QNL’s Heritage Collection building in 2012; HE Mr Panyarak Poolthup, a former Thai ambassador, who gifted a 200 year-old copy of the Holy Qur’an to QNL in 2013; as well as a visit by HE Mr Piroon Laismit, Thailand’s former ambassador, who donated a collection of valuable Thainess books in 2015,” Dr Lux added.

During the visit, HE Mr Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum also visited Qatar Foundation’s Visitor Centre where he received a presentation about QF and the work it does to nurture the future leaders of Qatar.  After the presentation, the delegation, from an open-air platform, viewed the unique landscape formed by the education and research buildings of Education City.
QNL is committed to QF’s vision of unlocking human potential by providing resources to students, researchers, and the wider community of Qatar, as well as preserving the nation’s history for future generations through its prized Heritage Collection and international partnerships.