Britain's Princess Anne met Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House in Bangkok on Thursday 16 July 2026, as Thailand and the United Kingdom discussed closer cooperation in education, women's participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and health security. The Princess Royal, accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, is making an official visit to Thailand from 15 to 18 July 2026. The meeting took place at 3.30pm in the Ivory Room of Thai Khu Fa Building. Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said the two sides exchanged views on Thai-UK relations, youth development, education and encouraging women to enter science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Princess Anne's royal programme Anutin said he was honoured to receive Princess Anne and had admired her since his youth. He said her visit held particular significance for Thai people. During the visit, Princess Anne laid a wreath before the body of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and another in tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati. She is also scheduled to have an audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida. Princess Anne thanked the Thai government for its welcome and recalled positive memories of her previous visits. She said Queen Sirikit had made a deep impression on her and had devoted herself continuously to the country. Pictures courtesy of Naewna The Princess Royal also expressed sorrow over a recent fire in Thailand, praising rescue workers and relevant agencies for their response. She personally handed a message of condolence to the prime minister. Earlier on Thursday, Princess Anne began her first Thai visit since 1987 at Chumchon Moo Ban Pattana School in Khlong Toei, Bangkok's largest informal settlement. She and Sir Tim Laurence met pupils, toured classrooms and watched football activities arranged by Save the Children and the Liverpool FC Foundation, joined by former Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey. Education and health security discussions Princess Anne said efforts to bring more women into STEM careers needed support from both families and teachers. Anutin, referring to his own engineering background, said education, logical thinking and analytical skills were essential to solving problems and developing the country. The talks also covered preparation for emerging diseases and future pandemics. Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen public-health systems, research and international cooperation, with Thailand described as having a notable role in Asia. Anutin praised British strengths in medicine and science, saying there was scope for closer health-security links, particularly between medical education institutions. Princess Anne is making the trip on behalf of King Charles. It is her fourth visit to Thailand, following visits in 1972 with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and an independent visit in 1979. British Ambassador Mark Gooding said the visit reflected the long-standing warmth between the two countries, which established diplomatic relations in 1855. Join the discussion? 17 July 2026
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