A life-size replica of the Thai white elephant at the Assam Engineering Institute ground in Chandmari. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati, Feb. 26: First came Thai princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, whose recent trip to Assam was a voyage of discovery — of the rich cultural bonds between the state the southeast Asian country.

Now it’s Guwahati’s turn to drape itself in Thai culture.

A little Thailand is taking shape at Chandmari, complete with life-size replicas of the Thai white elephants, to complement this year’s theme of the 16th International Guwahati Trade Fair.

With celebration of “cultural and business” ties between Assam and Thailand as the tagline of this year’s fair, the organisers are doing all they can to create a piece of that country at the at the Assam Engineering Institute ground in Chandmari.

The main administrative building of the trade fair is being designed with tips from ancient Thai architecture — a style also adopted by Ahom royals to build their palaces.

“This year, the Thai government is participating at the trade fair for the third consecutive year and is also our partner country. Therefore, we have decided to add Thai flavour to spice up the 16th edition of the fair,” Rajesh Das, vice-president of the Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam, said.

A large contingent of traders from Thailand representing 40 companies will be part of the fair this year.

Tharadol Thongruang, counsellor at the office of commercial affairs, Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi, will inaugurate the fair at 4pm tomorrow.

There will be also an exclusive food stall selling a host of Thai delicacies.

President of Industries and Trade Fair Association Jatin Hazarika said Tripura will be the focus state and Jorhat will be the focus district at the trade fair this year. “Selected entrepreneurs from Tripura and Jorhat will be provided free space at the fair and special sessions will be arranged for them to interact with the visiting foreign companies,” Hazarika said.

Around 200 handicraft artisans from across the country, including international and national awardees, will showcase their products at the meet.

Apart from Thailand, there will be products from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam, Egypt, Kenya and Nepal.

“A display of ‘scratch painting’ by Apuraj Barooah from Chowkidingee in Dibrugarh will be an attraction for the visitors,” the fair association’s vice-president said.

“For music lovers, Bollywood playback singer Krishna of Chak De India, Namastey London, Welcome and Raaz 2 fame will enthral the Guwahatians on March 3 at the fair venue,” he said.