Exhibition in Bangkok to mark 402 Years of Thai and UK Relations

Queen Elizabeth and the King of Thailand

To celebrate the longstanding relationship between the United Kingdom and Thailand, the Central Group, in partnership with the British Embassy in Bangkok is hosting an exhibition titled “The Celebration of Thailand – UK Relations forward into the 5th Century of Thailand – UK Relations”. This will take place at the Central Embassy lifestyle shopping mall from 7–16 March 2015. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the opening of the exhibition, which will feature displays about how Thailand and the UK have shared ideas, trade, investment, and tourism over the centuries, and how cultural and educational exchanges at all levels have improved cooperation and understanding between the two nations.

Queen Elizabeth and the King of Thailand

“The Celebration of Thailand – UK Relations forward into the 5th Century of Thailand – UK Relations” exhibition will also feature pictures (many never seen before) of the Thai and British Royal Families, and will tell the story of the close links between the two kingdoms over several hundred years. British relations with Thailand date back to 1612, when the East India Company ship The Globe arrived in Siam carrying a letter from King James I for the Siamese king.

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand said, “Britain and Thailand have a close and rich shared history – from the days when Thai Royalty would head to the UK for their education to the many thousands of British tourists who come to Thailand every year for holidays. For centuries we’ve shared ideas, traded and respected each other’s vibrant, unique cultures and this fascinating exhibition will tell this story to Thais and tourists alike.”

Queen Elizabeth and the King of Thailand

To promote this special exhibition and celebrate the longstanding Thai-UK relationship, the Central Group is also holding a “Shopping is GREAT Britain” contest in which anyone spending 1,500 Baht on any of 36 UK-brand products at Central Department Stores nationwide will get the chance to win an exclusive shopping trip to London. The competition will run from 3-29 March 2015.

There are more than 297 UK-brand product stores at the Central Department Store/Central World/Central Plaza/Central Festival/Central Embassy/Zen located across Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket.

The UK is one of the largest sources of tourist markets to Thailand, and is the largest market out of Western Europe. In 2014, Thailand welcomed a total of 909,335 travellers from the UK, representing about a one per cent increase over the previous year.

Source: Press Release

4 thoughts on “Exhibition in Bangkok to mark 402 Years of Thai and UK Relations

  • March 6, 2015 at 7:07 pm
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    It is a shame Prince William-who was in Yunnan this week-could not have visited to represent the UK

    Reply
    • March 7, 2015 at 8:40 am
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      Khun Don , shame indeed , what was so important in Yunnan .

      Reply
  • March 6, 2015 at 6:32 pm
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    Hi Richard , thank you for the lovely photo of the Queen & the King .What year was this taken .

    Reply
    • March 6, 2015 at 6:34 pm
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      The Queen visited Thailand in 1972 and 1996.

      Reply

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