PENANG, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Consulate General, plans to hold a Thai cultural festival during the fourth quarter of the year, according to state Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang.

Speaking at the launch of the Thai Hawker Food Fair at the Bayview Hotel, Penang, Law said the festival was tentatively scheduled for September to December.

September will see promotional roadshows being held in three Thai cities, Bangkok, Phuket and Hatyai.

He said that since those cities are connected to Penang via direct flights, it would be good to promote Penang to those cities and encourage tourism.

Thai cultural performances are scheduled for October and November, in conjunction with the annual Loy Krathong festival. December will see a souvenir and handicraft exhibition at the Penang Pesta site.

"We've extended invitations to Vietnam, Laos and Indonesia as well, encouraging them to participate in the exhibitions and promote their arts and culture here," Law added.

The consul-general of Thailand, Manopchai Vongphakdi, who jointly launched the food fair, said that the festivities were part of the consulate's build-up to its 150th anniversary, which it will celebrate in five years? time.

"We will hold celebrations every year, culminating in a grand celebration five years from now," he said.

"Thai food is quite popular and well-liked by the locals. The fair was already packed even on the first day," Law said.

The fair, which runs until June 8, features authentic Thai dishes, among them Seafood Tom Yam, Duck & Beef Koay Teow, Fish Maw Soup, Thai Fried Chicken, Fish Cakes and many other specialties.

Also present at the launching was Vongphakdi's wife Nitinantana and Bayview Hotel general manager Derrick Tan.