PM Wong serves Hokkien Mee to Thai PM Anutin, who joked he might need '30 to 40 packets' to take home

A serving of Hokkien Mee added a distinctly local touch to Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul's visit to Singapore on Nov. 7.

According to Lianhe Zaobao, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had arranged for the dish to be served at a luncheon after learning that the Thai leader was fond of it.

First official visit to Singapore in his capacity as prime minister

Anutin, who took office in September, made his first official visit to Singapore on Nov. 7, at the invitation of PM Wong.

Both leaders reaffirmed the close ties between the two countries and witnessed the signing of two cooperation agreements on Friday.

Under a memorandum of cooperation (MOC), the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to a mutually beneficial rice trade, promising open and transparent trade.

Both countries also enhanced their cooperation in healthcare leadership programmes targeted at the ageing population in Thailand, under a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Hokkien mee served at the luncheon

Following the signing of the two agreements, the two leaders proceeded to the luncheon hosted by PM Wong.

In his toast, PM Wong revealed that when he attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Anutin had told him that he liked Hokkien Mee, hence he specially arranged for the dish to be included in the luncheon.

"I hope Prime Minister Anutin will enjoy the Singapore fried Hokkien Mee, something he told me he enjoys in APEC, so we have made special preparations," PM Wong said.

Anutin responded in jest that they might have to pack "30 or 40 packets" to take home, drawing laughter from guests, Lianhe Zaobao reported.

PM Wong also said his recent meetings with Anutin, including at the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as well as the APEC Summit, had allowed both sides to build a closer rapport.

"I got to know that he is a fellow musician. And maybe that is why we get along so well," PM Wong said.

"But he is a musician of far bigger talent than me, far more accomplished because he can play the saxophone and the piano."

He also added that while frequent exchanges between Singaporean and Thai leaders have laid the foundation for broad cooperation, the relationship between the two countries is "built on the strong and enduring ties between our people".

He noted that Thailand’s cuisine, beaches, and rich cultural heritage make it one of the most popular destinations for Singaporeans, and also welcomed more Thais to visit Singapore and experience its multicultural society.

Top photos via MDDI and Lawrence Wong/Facebook