On 18 August 2026, His Excellency Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to the UK, held a discussion with Mr. Mark Kent CMG, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and former British Ambassador to Thailand, and Mr. Ian Duddy, International Director of SWA. Ms. Kritsana Chonweerawong, Minister at the Royal Thai Embassy, as well as Embassy officials also joined the meeting.

     The two sides discussed prospects and obstacles for the UK's Scotch whisky industry and exports to Thailand and other key markets worldwide, as well as broader regional and international trade developments including ongoing recovery of Thailand’s tourism industry and global tourism trends. Of mutual interest were prospects towards the opening Thai-UK FTA negotiations, particularly in light of progress in the Thai-EU FTA negotiations which can provide crucial impetus. Upcoming Thai-UK high-level exchanges of visits would add further momentum.