On 3 February 2020, Ambassador Pisanu Suvanajata presided over a Royal Decorations Presentation Ceremony, at Mittra Samakhom Ballroom, Royal Thai Embassy, London. Around fifty participants attended this ceremony, comprising from Thai Embassy  officials, members of the Thai community in London, senior officials and friends of Thailand in the UK and Ireland.

The Royal Decoration of Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant of Thailand was bestowed upon His Excellency Mr. Brendan Rogers, Deputy Secretary General, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland. As the first resident Ambassador of Ireland to Thailand during 2014-2018, His Excellency Brendan Rogers has contributed tremendously in advancing bilateral relations between Thailand and Ireland by propelling  high-level and people exchanges, trade and investment, education, science, technology and innovation, as well as overseeing the opening of the Embassy of Ireland in Bangkok in 2014.

The Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn of Thailand was bestowed upon ten members of the British Cave Rescue Council (BCRC) who participated in the search and rescue operation of the young footballers of the Moo Pah Academy and their coach who were trapped inside Tham Luang Cave - Khun Nam Nang Non Park, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, in 2018.

The members of the British Cave Rescue Council exhibited their unwavering efforts, bravery, selfless contribution, and most importantly, their spirit of unity in working with the local Thai authorities and international community. The close cooperation, unity and solidarity among all partners will remain an invaluable lesson learnt for Thailand and the international community. The spirit of dedication and sacrifice of the British cave rescuers also reaffirms the special ties between Thailand and the UK.

The Royal Thai Embassy congratulated all honourable conferees of the Royal Decorations and conveyed our best wishes for their future endeavours. 

The name of the conferees from the British Cave Rescue Council are as follows:

Knight Grand Cross (First Class)

• Mr. Richard William Stanton
• Mr. John Volanthen
• Mr. Christopher Jewell
• Mr. Jason Mallinson
• Mr. Connor Stuart Roe

• Mr. Joshua Brian Bratchley

Knight Commander (Second Class)

• Mr. Michael John Clayton
• Mr. Gary Mitchell
• Mr. Robert Harper
• Mr. Martin Ellis

*******************