On 31st August 2022, Ambassador Pisanu Suvanajata of Thailand, in collaboration with the Anglo-Thai Society, chaired by Mr. Steve Buckley, jointly organised a launch of a book entitled “The King and the Consul: A British Tragedy in Old Siam”, by Mr. Simon Landy, MBE, former President of British Chamber of Commerce of Thailand (BCCT).

 

The book is an excellent historical piece which reflects the longstanding ties and natural partnership between Thailand and the UK. The discussion on the inception and evolvement of Thai-UK diplomatic relations since the Bowring treaty in 1855 and establishment of the Consulate and later the British Embassy premises in Bangkok, provides a wonderful lesson learnt for future partnership between the two countries. At the same time, it underscores the progressive vision and diplomacy mastered by His Majesty King Mongkut (King Rama IV). With his royal guidance, Thailand was able to adapt and emerge stronger to the changing global context at the time.