On 3 December 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in London 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 welcomed more than 250 distinguished guests, including Minister Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, who attended as Guest of Honour, Mr. Matt Western MP, UK Trade Envoy for Thailand, members of the diplomatic corps, friends of Thailand, and representatives of the Thai community.

H.E. Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom, invited all attendees to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted the continued strength and dynamism of Thailand–UK relations, noting key developments such as: activities commemorating the 170th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United Kingdom, taking place throughout 2025 in both countries; recent royal and high-level visits; the 5th Thailand–UK Strategic Dialogue, held in Thailand earlier this year; exchanges of visits by senior figures from the executive and legislative branches of both nations; progress in economic cooperation, including through the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP); collaboration in ASEAN and the Mekong sub-region; and deepening people-to-people ties, reflected in growing numbers of British visitors to Thailand and an increase in direct flights between the two countries.

On this occasion, Minister Malhotra, in her remarks, highlighted the long-standing and valued partnership between Thailand and the United Kingdom. Minister Malhotra extended condolences to those affected by the severe flooding in southern Thailand, and paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s lifelong dedication to the Thai people and cultural heritage, noting Her Majesty’s connection with the United Kingdom as her father once served as Thai Ambassador to the Court of St James’s. Minister Malhotra also referred to activities marking 170 years of Thailand-UK relations, including a Gala Concert in Bangkok and the Royal Kathina Ceremony in London, as well as initiatives led by Mr. Matt Western, the UK Trade Envoy for Thailand.

A highlight of the evening was also the launch of the commemorative book produced for the 170th anniversary of Thailand–UK diplomatic relations.

Guests also enjoyed a performance of a Royal Composition by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great; an exhibition showcasing Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s connections with the United Kingdom; and activities raising awareness of ‘Chud Thai’ (Thai traditional dress), including an AI photo booth and a special music performance by Grace Richardson, Miss England wearing Chud Thai. The reception also featured a wide selection of authentic Thai cuisine from four regions of Thailand, along with Thai beverages and desserts, as well as live music performed by Thai students in the United Kingdom. Attendees were also presented with goodie bags filled with Thai products generously sponsored by local importers, offering a taste of Thailand to take home.