On 28 November 2017, the Royal Thai Embassy in London hosted the Thai National Day Reception at The Landmark London for the diplomatic corps and Friends of Thailand in the UK, as well as patrons of the Embassy.  This occasion was to mark the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the National Day and Thailand’s Father’s Day. Mr. Mark Field, Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, was the guest of honour, with over 500 guests attending the reception.

H.E. Mr. Pisanu Suvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom, delivered his remarks, emphasising the longstanding and cordial relations between Thailand and the UK, and various opportunities for further enhancing cooperation between the two countries based upon mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual support.  In his remarks, Mr. Mark Field paid tribute to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, praised Thailand’s roles on many fronts, and expressed his readiness to work closely to further promote the relations and cooperation with Thailand.  Both the Ambassador and the Minister proposed the toast in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

A highlight of the Reception was the traditional Thai performances by a dance troupe from Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, especially flown in from Bangkok to mesmerise the guests. The warm ambience was enhanced by a serenade of Thai classical music and the musical compositions of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, performed by the Thai Music Circle in the UK.  Moreover, a group of Thai students, also talented young musicians, debuted their performance to entertain the guests with popular western tunes and the musical compositions of His Majesty the late King.

With the kind support of Thai restaurants and companies in the UK, the guests enjoyed free flow of delicious Thai food and drinks throughout the evening. Also, no one went home empty handed, but with a bag full of Thai ready meals and ingredients, sponsored by the Thai businesses.  This reflected the close cooperation between the Royal Thai Embassy and the Thai business community in fostering the cordial ties between Thailand and the UK at the people-to-people level.