Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Bangkok at an event called 'Sawasdee PM Modi' on Saturday.
The PM was greeted with laud applause and a standing ovation by around 5,000 people, as he said that India has decided to eliminate a big reason behind sowing of seeds of terrorism and separatism, in a clear reference to abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and reorganisation of the state.
"When a decision is right, its echo is heard across the globe. And I can hear it in Thailand as well," he said at the 'Sawasdee PM Modi' event at an indoor stadium in central Bangkok.
A few glimpses of the event that was a reminiscent of 'Howdy, Modi' that was held in Houston in September.
All photographs: PTI Photo, Press Information Bureau of India, Twitter
As people stood up and hailed his remarks, Modi said the standing ovation was for India's Parliament and parliamentarians and that their blessings will further energize Indian lawmakers to work harder for the nation.
"Your standing ovation will further energize our Parliamentarians. It is a salute to India's Parliament," he said.
In his nearly 50-minute speech Modi also spoke on a range of issues including the welfare measures rolled out by his government, his return to power with a bigger mandate in the Lok Sabha elections, strength of the Indian economy, importance of Indian diaspora in overall growth of the country and how India is emerging as a 'major power' globally.
Modi said his government was working to fulfil those aspirations which seemed impossible earlier, adding people's expectations go up from those who work.
"People want more work from those who deliver. Their expectations go up from those who work," he said, drawing another round of laud applause.
Modi also highlighted India's Act East policy and the importance of the country's ties with 10-nation Association for Southeast Asian Nations grouping, besides referring to historical linkages between India and Thailand.
The prime minister, on a three-day visit in Bangkok, will address the annual ASEAN-India summit on Sunday.
In his address, Modi also traced historical and cultural links between India and Thailand, saying the relationship has been of 'heart and soul'.
Noting that Indo-Thai relationship reflects greater amalgamation of cultural bonds, he said his government has been focusing on enhancing the North Eastern region's connectivity with Thailand.
"Once the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway is thrown open, there will be seamless connectivity between both our countries," Modi said.
The prime minister also talked about the Thai royal family's ties with India and even said that Queen Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is a Sanskrit scholar with a deep connect with India.
