The Royal Thai Embassy in London, in collaboration with the British Embassy Bangkok, jointly organised the Royal Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony at Buddhapadipa Temple, London, on 1 November 2025.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua graciously bestowed the Royal Kathina robe and accompanying offerings to H.E. Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra , Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom, and H.E. Mr. Mark Gooding, British Ambassador to Thailand, to be presented at the ceremony.
This year’s ceremony held special significance as it marked a joint initiative between the Royal Thai Embassy in London and the British Embassy Bangkok in celebration of the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United Kingdom.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from both countries, including Ms. Shuile Syeda, Deputy Mayor of Merton, Mr. Matthew Findlay, Head of Southeast Asia Department, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, officials from the British Embassy Bangkok, and members of the Thai and British communities across the United Kingdom.
For this occasion, the Royal Thai Embassy also organised a fundraising activity in support of Wat Buddhapadipa’s restoration project, raising a total contribution of £7,199.
In his remarks, Ambassador Krishnamra highlighted the importance of Buddhapadipa Temple as a spiritual and cultural centre for the Thai community in the UK, in line with the royal aspiration of His Late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, to promote the dissemination of Buddhism abroad. The Ambassador also emphasised the shared responsibility of the community in preserving and supporting the temple for future generations. In this occasion, the British Ambassador also expressed the United Kingdom’s condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.