On 5 February 2018, H.E. Mr. Pisanu Suvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom, led a Thai delegation to call on Mr. Eddy Newman, Lord Mayor of Manchester, Mr. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Mr. Clive Memmott, CEO of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC), as well as the executive members of the University of Manchester, to explore the opportunities and discuss how to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, technology, and education. Also present were Ms. Thanida Techachokevivat, Minister (Education Affairs), and Mr. Rithavee Plikanon, Assistant General Manager of Thai Airways International in the UK.

The Ambassador of Thailand presented the Thailand 4.0 strategy which offered various opportunities for foreign investors to do business in Thailand, particularly in the newly developed Eastern Economic Corridor.  Manchester welcomed the opportunities to cooperate with Thailand and emphasised its readiness to work closely with the Embassy in enhancing cooperation in practical programmes.

On this occasion, the Thai Ambassador also met with Thai students who studied at the University of Manchester to ensure they were doing fine, as well as shared with them latest development and opportunities in Thailand in order to encourage them to return to Thailand after graduation to help develop their motherland for further progress and prosperity.  Many of these students are studying in the subjects much needed in Thailand, such as material science, and engineering, in line with the development path along the Thailand 4.0 strategy.