On 19 July 2019, Mr. Pisanu Suvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand, visited Newcastle University and had a meeting with Professor Chris Day, Vice Chancellor, and Richard Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global) to explore opportunities for both sides to further enhance cooperation as Thai universities and industries also look to expand their academic collaboration and business innovation in areas of mutual interests. Newcastle University has strengths in data science, sustainable energy, and life science, particularly anti-aging care, where Thailand can benefit and apply new technology to national development.

The Ambassador of Thailand also visited Newcastle Helix which is a joint project between Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University to develop commercial sites for business and investment in order to attract researches, promote innovation, and support start-up businesses, as well as offer opportunities for academic staff and research students to expose themselves to life-changing research projects. The University also engages local community to share their voices in developing new products and services to help uplift their living standards, such as applications for elderly people who live alone so that they can access care they need.  

On this occasion, the Ambassador also met Thai students, most of whom are sponsored students from Thai government agencies and universities, to share with them his work experiences and professional tips so that they can return to work in Thailand and become resourceful manpower for the future.