On 3 December 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy hosted a reception to celebrate the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, and Thailand’s Father’s Day. The event was attended by over 250 distinguished guests, including Catherine West, Minister of State for Indo-Pacific, who served as Guest of Honour, as well as Judith Cummins, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, and Cathryn Law, Director of Bilateral Relations at the Department of Business and Trade.

On this occasion, Mr. Nattaphong Sitthichai, Chargé d'Affaires a.i., delivered remarks highlighting key developments in Thailand-UK relations, including the elevation of the relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership,' the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP)—laying the groundwork for a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Royal visits, exchange visits of high-level representatives, and preparations for the celebration of the 170th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand-UK diplomatic relations in 2025. Mr. Sitthichai also announced Thailand's candidature for the IMO Council, Category C, for the 2026–2027 term, and proudly shared the news that earlier in the day, 'Tom Yum Kung' was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Minister Catherine West, in her remarks, also highlighted the growing bilateral cooperation between Thailand and the UK. In addition to the ETP, she underscored collaboration in defence, green energy transition, biodiversity, antimicrobial resistance, the parliamentary friendship group, and the people-to-people ties fostered through shared enthusiasm for the English Premier League.

As part of the celebration, Mr. Nattaphong Sitthichai and Minister Catherine West jointly presided over the official launch of the commemorative logo for the 170th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand-UK diplomatic relations in 2025. This project was co-organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in London and the British Embassy in Bangkok. The awards for the two finalists included a round-trip economy-class ticket between London and Bangkok for the awardee from the UK and a ticket between Bangkok and London for the awardee from Thailand, both sponsored by Thai Airways. The Tourism Authority of Thailand, London Office also provided 8-night hotel accommodations in Thailand for the UK awardee, while the British Embassy in Bangkok sponsored a 5-night stay at the Landmark Hotel in London for the awardee from Thailand. The two finalists for the logo design competition were announced: Mr. Nawanthorn Boonprasert, the winner, and Ms. Kaen Khongphetmanee, the runner-up. Mr. Nawanthorn Boonprasert’s winning design will be prominently featured in anniversary-related events and activities in both countries throughout 2025.

Guests at the reception also enjoyed a variety of authentic Thai dishes, drinks, and desserts, alongside lively music performances by Thai students in the UK. The event also featured a photo spot with Moodeng, a life-sized replica of the world-famous pygmy hippo in Thailand, and goodie bags filled with Thai products, generously sponsored by local importers, offering attendees a delightful taste of Thailand to take home.