In its seventh year, Das Treffen 7 is its biggest edition yet, and we had the chance to get up close with these gems
BANGKOK, THAILAND
Photos by Porsche, TopGear Singapore/Jay Tee, and CarBuyer Singapore
After a Saturday behind the wheel of the Cayenne E-Hybrid Platinum Edition in Ayutthaya, the time finally arrived for Das Treffen.
While most people would’ve made their usual pilgrimage to church on a Sunday, a group of petrol heads and myself headed to Impact Speed Park for a different kind of pilgrimage.
If you didn’t come from the previous story where we drove the Cayenne E-Hybrid Platinum Edition, Das Treffen is one of the largest annual gatherings for Porsche enthusiasts in Southeast Asia.
Held at a go-karting facility in the Pak Kret District of Nonthaburi, this year’s edition of Das Treffen held special significance, with the brand celebrating its 75th anniversary, the 60th anniversary of the seminal 911, and the 30th anniversary of the brand’s presence in Thailand.
To celebrate, the theme of this year’s gathering was ‘Dreams in Colours’, with shipping containers bearing the seven colours of the week in Thai culture on display.
Directly translating to ‘the meeting’ in German, Das Treffen is the brainchild of Sihabutr Xoomsai, or Tenn, to his friends. Having had a passion for the brand since he was a kid, the Bangkok-based film director decided to organise a casual get-together of Porsche cars and their owners in 2016.
Fast forward to 2023, Das Treffen is now in its seventh instalment. Being lucky number seven, it also marks the inaugural car gathering for a new auto journalist such as myself.
Running about like a child on Christmas morning, we spotted gems like a classic 911 F-Series in Burgundy Red, and a 918 Spyder in Martini racing livery by the bright containers.
Rare vintage models like an open-top 1958 356 Speedster were also on display, alongside other too-many to count vintage models in bright colours.
Kids weren’t left out either with a Kids Driving School for little ones to take part in their own mini circuit.
A gymkhana zone was also available for owners to flex their cars in a timed trial. Familiar faces like Thai automotive content creator spin9 even took on the challenge in his own all-electric Taycan.
No garage queens here
As the sun set over Impact Speed Park, the festivities kicked up a gear with a DJ taking to the decks as owners lined up to get a picture in front of the brightly coloured containers.
Nightfall did not put a stop to the festivities for these enthusiasts as they continued to gather, their shared love of the German sports car brand carrying them into the night.
As Impact Speed Park was transformed into a land of smiles with devotees old and new coming together, Das Treffen is a testament to the spirit of Porsche and just how deep-rooted the love for it is in the Land of Smiles.
An endearing spirit on the ground, even the least car-conscious of us would not be able to walk out without being charmed. As far as first car meet-ups go, you could do far worse. These people love their Porsches, and it shows.
Keyword: Das Treffen is where you’ll find the largest gathering of Porsches in SEA