On 12 October 2025, H.E. Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom, attended the opening ceremony of the Thai Language and Culture Centre at Wat Buddharam in Leeds. The Centre was established through the collaboration between the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, and the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, University of Leeds.

The Centre is dedicated to promoting the study and dissemination of the Thai language and culture internationally, while also serving as a platform for academic and cultural exchanges between Thailand and the United Kingdom. It further contributes to strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations. The opening also formed part of the Embassy’s outreach activities to Thai and British communities outside London, in celebration of the 170th Anniversary of Thailand–UK Diplomatic Relations.

Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Councillor Dan Cohen, Lord Mayor of Leeds; Phra Khru Siridhammaprateep, Abbot of Wat Buddharam Leeds; Mr. Surapon Petch-vra, Vice Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council; Associate Professor Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University; Professor Emma Cayley, Head of the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, University of Leeds; and Professor Martin Seeger, Professor of Thai Studies, University of Leeds.

On the same day, the Ambassador also joined the annual Kathina ceremony at Wat Buddharam Leeds, which was attended by a large number of Thai and British Buddhists from the surrounding communities.