Report UK-Thai Relations Celebrated in Southern Thailand Roadshow

[snoop1130]

Photo of Mark Gooding and Krabi Governor Angkul Seelatheewakul courtesy of The Phuket News

 

To commemorate the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Thailand, the British Embassy in Bangkok concluded a successful three-day roadshow across southern Thailand. From April 28 to 30, the tour visited Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, and Surat Thani, blending diplomacy with lively community events.

 

Headed by British Ambassador Mark Gooding, the embassy team, including Agriculture and Commercial Counsellors, focused on sustainable tourism, agriculture, and environmental cooperation under the theme "Our Shared World." This encompassed various facets such as environment, wildlife, marine, nature, climate, and sustainable tourism.

 

In Phang Nga, Ambassador Gooding visited the Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation to observe UK-backed veterinary initiatives. He participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, highlighting environmental collaboration. The team then moved to Krabi, where they explored eco-friendly innovations at the Venice Krabi Villa Resort and met with Krabi Governor Angkul Seelatheewakul.

 

The roadshow's conclusion in Surat Thani featured a visit to CP Foods’ swine production site, showcasing high-standard food exports and UK import protocols. This was complemented by a courtesy call with Surat Thani Governor Theerut Supawiboonphol and a roundtable lunch with the provincial Chamber of Commerce, focusing on sustainability in tourism and agriculture. The delegation also visited Sriwichai Shrimp Farm to discuss UK–Thailand cooperation in aquaculture and food security.

 

The British Fair 2025 served as the roadshow's highlight, taking place at Big C locations in Phuket and Surat Thani. It drew hundreds of locals, featuring cultural performances, music, giveaways, and displays of British products, transforming diplomatic relations into a community celebration.

 

Ambassador Gooding remarked, "This roadshow has been a true celebration of the vibrant, people-centred partnership between the United Kingdom and Thailand. It was a privilege to mark 170 years of diplomatic relations not only through high-level engagements but also by connecting with communities, students, businesses, and environmental champions across the south."

 

Big C CEO Aswin Techajareonvikul added, "We are proud to host the British Fair in celebration of a long trade relationship, and we will continue to strengthen our commercial ties and the long friendship between our two countries."

 

With further roadshows planned for 2025, the UK maintains its commitment to celebrating and strengthening the enduring friendship with Thailand, ensuring this milestone year is marked by significant progress and collaboration.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-06

 

 

[Kinnock]

Unfortunately the UK is an embarrassment in Thailand ever since we had to sell the embassy and move into the Trendy Building or whetever to help pay the national debt.

 

The Netherlands, Australia, US and more managed to keep their prestigious embassies, but we're now camped out in a cheap condo building.

[sungod]

16 hours ago, Kinnock said:

Unfortunately the UK is an embarrassment in Thailand ever since we had to sell the embassy and move into the Trendy Building or whetever to help pay the national debt.

 

The Netherlands, Australia, US and more managed to keep their prestigious embassies, but we're now camped out in a cheap condo building.

 

The Embassy is not in Trendy, its in AIA building in Sathorn which is not a condo. The sale of the previous embassy helped finance other Embassy projects instead of relying on the UK tax payers.

 

BTW, security/protection in a high rise such as the AIA building is better than a standalone compound, just ask the Israelis who favour such.

 

 

[bkk_mike]

It's still a bit of an embarrassment to be selling land that was originally gifted to the UK for building an embassy on.

It wouldn't have been gifted to us if they'd known we were going to turn around and sell it for a profit.

[Srikcir]

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Thailand, the British Embassy in Bangkok concluded a successful three-day roadshow across southern Thailand.

Ironically, it was with then super power UK permission that Thailand forceably annexed the sovereign Islamic Kingdom of Patani to become part of Thailand.

So I doubt the Malay Muslims of Patani territory experienced cheer with this roadshow, especially since part of the former Kingdom of Patani is still under a State of Emergency that deprived portions of Patani citizens of any constitutional rights. 

[Anthony mellows]

21 hours ago, Kinnock said:

Unfortunately the UK is an embarrassment in Thailand ever since we had to sell the embassy and move into the Trendy Building or whetever to help pay the national debt.

 

The Netherlands, Australia, US and more managed to keep their prestigious embassies, but we're now camped out in a cheap condo building.

That building and gardens was far too luxurious.You are talking rubbish.

[Kinnock]

12 hours ago, sungod said:

 

The Embassy is not in Trendy, its in AIA building in Sathorn which is not a condo. The sale of the previous embassy helped finance other Embassy projects instead of relying on the UK tax payers.

 

BTW, security/protection in a high rise such as the AIA building is better than a standalone compound, just ask the Israelis who favour such.

 

 

These excuses for selling the family silver don't seem to worry America, Netherlands, Australia, Korea etc, etc, etc.  Even Pakistan has a stand-alone low rise embassy.

 

UK is a joke in Thailand since selling it's embassy to Central.

 

[geisha]

The world has changed since the beginning of the old embassy. The Empire is no more. The question is, did they provide more/ better help and diplomatic meetings in the time of the old building ? 

[sungod]

8 hours ago, Kinnock said:

These excuses for selling the family silver don't seem to worry America, Netherlands, Australia, Korea etc, etc, etc.  Even Pakistan has a stand-alone low rise embassy.

 

UK is a joke in Thailand since selling it's embassy to Central.

 

Standalone embassies are harder to secure, more expensive to maintain.

 

I dont think the move to Sathorn has bothered you much given you said they had moved to Trendy!

[Kinnock]

12 hours ago, sungod said:

Standalone embassies are harder to secure, more expensive to maintain.

 

I dont think the move to Sathorn has bothered you much given you said they had moved to Trendy!

After the move I never had a need to use the British Embassy, as it was the embassy building itself, specifically the residence, that was very useful for business launches.  So I've never been to the relocated embassy in whatever rented condo building they are squatting.  And considering they paid no rent or building fees on the old embassy, I'm guessing the monthly costs have increased.

 

I mentioned 'Trendy building or wherever' as a sarcastic reference to the low quality VFS offices who do most the real work of the embassy .... and judging by your defensive replies I'm guessing you work for the embassy too?

 

But no independent observer could really think the downgrading of the reputation of the UK in Thailand was a good thing.

[MalcolmB]

UK-Thai Relations Celebrated
 

I have lots of relations with Thai women as have had probably over half a million UK men.

Thanks to the women of Thailand for taking such great care of all of us.

[sungod]

2 hours ago, Kinnock said:

After the move I never had a need to use the British Embassy, as it was the embassy building itself, specifically the residence, that was very useful for business launches.  So I've never been to the relocated embassy in whatever rented condo building they are squatting.  And considering they paid no rent or building fees on the old embassy, I'm guessing the monthly costs have increased.

 

I mentioned 'Trendy building or wherever' as a sarcastic reference to the low quality VFS offices who do most the real work of the embassy .... and judging by your defensive replies I'm guessing you work for the embassy too?

 

But no independent observer could really think the downgrading of the reputation of the UK in Thailand was a good thing.

No I dont work for the Embassy.

 

I am just a realist and know the way things work, no one cares (except for you that is) where the Embassy is, its what is does that counts.

 

Guess you are missing cucumber sandwiches on the lawn, waving Union Jacks and singing rule Britannia.

 

Bye, you really dont have a clue,

[Kinnock]

2 hours ago, sungod said:

No I dont work for the Embassy.

 

I am just a realist and know the way things work, no one cares (except for you that is) where the Embassy is, its what is does that counts.

 

Guess you are missing cucumber sandwiches on the lawn, waving Union Jacks and singing rule Britannia.

 

Bye, you really dont have a clue,

Oddly aggressive post for someone who claims to not be connected to the embassy 😅.   But despite your assertions, British businesses in Thailand do care about the falling reputation of the UK in Thai.  

 

Fortunately we still have the British Club to host events, but it does not have the prestigious location of the old embassy.  When the new Mini Cooper was launched in Thailand a while ago (yes I know it's a German car, but made in UK) they used the old British Embassy ..... what would they do today .... park the Minis outside the Trendy building and host a dinner in Sunrise Tacos?

 

[sungod]

10 hours ago, Kinnock said:

Oddly aggressive post for someone who claims to not be connected to the embassy 😅.   But despite your assertions, British businesses in Thailand do care about the falling reputation of the UK in Thai.  

 

Fortunately we still have the British Club to host events, but it does not have the prestigious location of the old embassy.  When the new Mini Cooper was launched in Thailand a while ago (yes I know it's a German car, but made in UK) they used the old British Embassy ..... what would they do today .... park the Minis outside the Trendy building and host a dinner in Sunrise Tacos?

 

 

British businesses seem to be doing rather well actually from the new building in Sathorn.

 

https://www.techuk.org/resource/uk-signs-news-trade-pact-with-thailand.html

[sungod]

For the child who used the infantile thumbs down emoji above

 

"The Enhanced Trade Partnership between the UK and Thailand marks an exciting development in the two countries' trade relations, creating valuable opportunities for UK tech and service firms in a rapidly growing market. As both nations work toward deeper trade ties, British businesses will enjoy easier market access, innovation-driven collaborations, and a strategic foothold in Southeast Asia. For companies ready to invest in emerging markets and leverage their expertise, Thailand now offers even greater potential as a trade destination."

 

 

[MarcelV]

On 5/8/2025 at 7:36 PM, MalcolmB said:

UK-Thai Relations Celebrated
 

I have lots of relations with Thai women as have had probably over half a million UK men.

Thanks to the women of Thailand for taking such great care of all of us.

 

Right on, dude! Us British guys have done a lot of 'soft' (LOL) power ourselves with them Thai chicks.

Ain't no celebrating just the official deeds of our great nation.

[Stocky]

On 5/7/2025 at 3:22 PM, Srikcir said:

Ironically, it was with then super power UK permission that Thailand forceably annexed the sovereign Islamic Kingdom of Patani to become part of Thailand.

So I doubt the Malay Muslims of Patani territory experienced cheer with this roadshow, especially since part of the former Kingdom of Patani is still under a State of Emergency that deprived portions of Patani citizens of any constitutional rights. 

No ways he would stray that far south, no further than Krabi 

[Stocky]

On 5/7/2025 at 10:38 AM, sungod said:

 

The Embassy is not in Trendy, its in AIA building in Sathorn which is not a condo. The sale of the previous embassy helped finance other Embassy projects instead of relying on the UK tax payers.

 

BTW, security/protection in a high rise such as the AIA building is better than a standalone compound, just ask the Israelis who favour such.

 

 

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."

 

Of course it was a mammoth loss of prestige having to flog off the old embassy compound, you can paint it whatever colour you wish

[Kinnock]

On 5/8/2025 at 2:50 AM, geisha said:

The world has changed since the beginning of the old embassy. The Empire is no more. The question is, did they provide more/ better help and diplomatic meetings in the time of the old building ? 

Absolutely they did.

 

In 1996 the CEO of the British company I was working for met with James Hodge, the Ambassador at the time, and he received invaluable advice on entering the Thai market.

 

In late 2000 I met with the British Ambassador, Barney Smith, to get his advice on an issue we were having with the growing the same major UK company in Thailand.  He gave valuable insights on the issues and the possible solutions.

 

Old school Ambassadors who knew what was really going on and who provided excellent support to British businesses.

 

Then a few years later, I met with the new Ambassador, who very smart and spoke excellent Thai, but had no real insights about the goings on in Thai politics or business as he was a career civil servant who had been sent to Thailand to sell half of the embassy grounds to Central.

 

After that, the Red Shirts occupied Central Bangkok - their barriers were placed on Sukhumvit Road just after the Wireless Road junction, and the whole embassy team ran back to the UK leaving us expats and our families to fend for ourselves.

 

After this, the embassy outsourced visa services to VFS and passport renewal was no longer possible in Thailand, so I had no use for the embassy any more.

 

Add in the sale of the remaining half of the embassy grounds to Central, a Bengali British Ambassador and the quick demolition of the Residence Building to ensure a preservation order, which would delay the sale, could not be applied - and we can see that the service and reputation of the British Embassy in Thailand is not what it used to be.

 

[sungod]

4 hours ago, Stocky said:

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."

 

Of course it was a mammoth loss of prestige having to flog off the old embassy compound, you can paint it whatever colour you wish

 How would you feel paying more tax to keep the empire alive. whilst there are other solutions that cost you zero?

[Stocky]

29 minutes ago, sungod said:

 How would you feel paying more tax to keep the empire alive. whilst there are other solutions that cost you zero?

It has little to do with 'empire', you would think if the Dutch, with a GDP a third the size of the UK, can resist selling up and moving into a condo the UK might show a little more mettle. 

[sungod]

9 hours ago, Stocky said:

It has little to do with 'empire', you would think if the Dutch, with a GDP a third the size of the UK, can resist selling up and moving into a condo the UK might show a little more mettle. 

Most of the money from the Embassy sale was for other projects, which includes a new facility in Beijing. Perhaps the Dutch dont have as much ambition in China as the UK does?

[sungod]

13 hours ago, Kinnock said:

After that, the Red Shirts occupied Central Bangkok - their barriers were placed on Sukhumvit Road just after the Wireless Road junction, and the whole embassy team ran back to the UK leaving us expats and our families to fend for ourselves.

 

I remember those days well, a little over dramatic dont you think?

 

'fend for ourselves....' 🤣