File photo. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is heading to the United Kingdom and Monaco this week, with plans centred on boosting tourism and promoting Thailand's "soft power".

 

Between May 21st and 25th, she aims to captivate international audiences with the charm and authenticity of Thai culture, according to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. The premier will highlight Thai cuisine, boxing, and the potential for hosting prestigious international events.

 

A crucial element of her UK visit is the unveiling of the new "Thai SELECT" logo. This certification, devised by the Thai government, assures the authentic taste of Thai eateries at home and abroad.

 

Paetongtarn will present this coveted recognition to 115 Thai restaurants during a ceremony replete with demonstrations of Thai culinary splendours, aromatic Hom Mali rice, and evocative traditional practices like Thai boxing and massage.

 

This mission is not just about taste; it's a strategic move to establish and strengthen ties with major food importers and the Association of Thai Businesses in the UK.

 

Following the logo ceremony, Paetongtarn will host discussions with prominent food importers and the Thai business community in London to explore avenues for expanding Thailand’s culinary exports.

 

Additionally, her visit includes engagements with leading Thai boxing enterprises, aiming to fortify sports collaborations between the UK and Thailand.

 

The prime minister's itinerary also includes a promotional event at the Cricklewood branch of the Wing Yip Superstore, spotlighting Thai goods.

 

Paetongtarn's journey doesn't stop there. She’ll head to Monaco, where Formula 1 racing takes centre stage. In Monte Carlo, discussions will unfold regarding the exhilarating prospect of Thailand hosting its own Formula 1 city circuit, marking Thailand’s potential entry onto the Grand Prix stage.

 

The trip will further be highlighted by her attendance at the prestigious Formula 1 Tag Heuer Monaco Grand Prix, signalling Thailand's aspiration to blend tradition with modern sporting magnificence.

 

This international mission underscores Thailand's strategic push to wield its cultural allure globally, laying groundwork for enhanced economic and cultural exchanges. As Paetongtarn navigates these diplomatic engagements, Thailand embraces a future grounded in the power of culinary and cultural diplomacy.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-05-20

 

 

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The prime minister's itinerary also includes a promotional event at the Cricklewood branch of the Wing Yip Superstore, spotlighting Thai goods.

 

Ohh it's a shopping trip then ..................LOL

Any chance of her popping into the Red Bull tent at the Monaco F1 race ?

This trip sounds more like the PM is becoming a tourist rather than going there to promote Thai tourism. 

I am curious her choices as to why she feels she can do a better job at promoting tourism when there is a whole ministry in the government to do this. I also question her choices of locations. Monaco? really? It is the smallest country in the world with only 38,000 people living there. She could get the whole country to come visit Thailand and it would not make a dent in tourism income.. 

It’s a PR thing. The second place clearly regards smooching with F1 bosses about the prospect of a city race in Thailand, however daft that may sound. Why the PM? Why not? There are also tourism departments in other countries, but having leaders, royalty, public figures etc wave the flag and push cultural agendas can make a difference. 

1 minute ago, daveAustin said:

It’s a PR thing. The second place clearly regards smooching with F1 bosses about the prospect of a city race in Thailand, however daft that may sound. Why the PM? Why not? There are also tourism departments in other countries, but having leaders, royalty, public figures etc wave the flag and push cultural agendas can make a difference. 

You are correct in a way. The cost to send the PM there rather than a delegation is a lot more. Security personnel, her shopping, i seriously doubt she will travel 2nd class. Plus hotels will not be less than something Trump himself would use. 

So, I am sure her presence there is making a difference in this respect. Other than that, this sounds like a glorified holiday using the taxpayers money. 

British men, the native ones not the muslims, dont need to be convinced to go to pattaya to get away from that country they all would if they had the money

I'm sure I'll have ample time in which to call in on my Aunt.

16 minutes ago, hotsun said:

British men, the native ones not the muslims, dont need to be convinced to go to pattaya to get away from that country they all would if they had the money

 

Lower class fatties, with few interests beyond beer and football, and  who can afford the flight often want to be sex tourists in Thailand's grubby prostitution resort.There, fixed it for you.

I wonder if Boss will be at the GP.

So she will go to many Thai restaurants in UK to tell them all about Thai cooking and Hom rice.

Will those restaurant owners than tell their customers to travel to Thailand to get some more grub, at a cheaper price but lower quality.

17 minutes ago, phetphet said:

I wonder if Boss will be at the GP.

 

Yes, he will be there with his Fiancé.

2 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Yes, he will be there with his Fiancé.

Or Fiancee?

Quote

The prime minister's itinerary also includes a promotional event at the Cricklewood branch of the Wing Yip Superstore, spotlighting Thai goods.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2057035/residents-fury-280ft-eyesore

 

You can't miss it!

1 hour ago, jayboy said:

 

Lower class fatties, with few interests beyond beer and football, and  who can afford the flight often want to be sex tourists in Thailand's grubby prostitution resort.There, fixed it for you.

you should not be so hard on yourself, the rest of us are not so judgemental

2 hours ago, KannikaP said:

Or Fiancee?

My bad, I missed an  E.

 

Thankyou Sir Spelling Nazi, how can I ever repay you?

Quote

 the charm and authenticity of Thai culture

Then what the heck is this ?! 

Next to the Grand Palace of all places!

Is this the kind of thing that would look good standing next to most national landmarks?

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/bangkok/40049951

 

All this talk about "soft power", then why not promote actual Thai culture, instead of copying things and turning the place into a homogeneous dump.

Why not go.......They have loads of free cash now with the 10,000 baht payout being canceled......10,000 baht X 40 million goes a long long ways to pay for shopping trips...

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Between May 21st and 25th, she aims to captivate international audiences with the charm and authenticity of Thai culture, according to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. The premier will highlight Thai cuisine, boxing, and the potential for hosting prestigious international events

Would that be the transgenders on beach road?

Moto GP or F1  🤔

7 hours ago, Geoffggi said:

 

Ohh it's a shopping trip then ..................LOL

Or checking the property markets in-case daddy has to make a run for it.

She probably read that Keir Starmer is giving away fishing rights, so she thought she'd ask for a few million tons of mackerel every year, lol

Best to avoid an awkward photo op with Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya.

 

 

She will be able tp stay with her sister Yingluck avoiding justice in the luxury house owned by Thasksin. No nominees required for his purchase. 

5 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Yes, he will be there with his Fiancé.

He's gay?

Perfect idea to stimulate Thai economy.

The handful billionaires in Monaco will be happy to spend holidays in Pattaya, in this infamous holiday destination.😂

9 hours ago, webfact said:

she aims to captivate international audiences with the charm and authenticity of Thai culture

😂😂😂

3 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

My bad, I missed an  E.

 

Thankyou Sir Spelling Nazi, how can I ever repay you?

No no no. I was wondering whether you meant a male Fiance, or a female one, with two EEs. And I cannot find the acute accent on my PC keyboard, sorry.

Thanks for the insult.

1 minute ago, KannikaP said:

No no no. I was wondering whether you meant a male Fiance, or a female one, with two EEs.

Thanks for the insult.

ahhh ok, he aint a pillow biter.

 

I apologise for the insult.

6 hours ago, cmsally said:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2057035/residents-fury-280ft-eyesore

 

You can't miss it!

That one is in Birmingham - according to the article......

Cricklewood is in North London............and used to be a bit of a ....hole. No idea what it is like now but seems a strange place for a foreign leader to visit.......