Launched in Phuket travelling through Phang Nga, Krabi and culminating in Surat Thani, the three-day roadshow (Apr 28-30) is the first in a nationwide series of regional engagements planned throughout 2025.
Led by British Ambassador to Thailand Mark Gooding and joined by Embassy staff including the Agriculture Counsellor and the Commercial Counsellor, the southern stage of the roadshow highlighted Thailand ‒UK partnerships with a particular focus on sustainable tourism, agriculture and environmental stewardship under the theme: ‘Our Shared World: Environment, Wildlife, Marine, Nature, Climate, Agriculture and Sustainable Tourism’.
In Phang Nga, the British Ambassador visited the Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation to observe UK-supported veterinary care and take part in a symbolic tree planting. This was followed by observing sustainable hospitality innovations at Venice Krabi Villa Resort to before a meeting with Krabi Governor Angkul Seelatheewakul.
The roadshow concluded in Surat Thani with a visit to CP Foods’ swine production site, where discussions focused on high-standard exports and UK import protocols. This was followed by a courtesy call on Surat Thani Governor Theerut Supawiboonphol, and a roundtable lunch with the Surat Thani Chamber of Commerce focused on tourism, agriculture, and sustainability.
The day also included the visit to Sriwichai Shrimp Farm, highlighting UK–Thailand cooperation in aquaculture and food security. The UK is committed to promoting sustainable practices that benefit both our economies and the environment, and partner with Thailand on areas including animal and aquatic disease and antimicrobial resistance.
The centrepiece of the roadshow was the British Fair 2025, held at locations in Phuket and Surat Thani. Run by the British Embassy with support from principal sponsor Big C, hundreds of visitors from local communities joined the events, which featured music, cultural performances, giveaways and showcases of British products. These fun and informal events brought the UK–Thailand relationship to life and celebrated the close people-to-people and cultural ties of the two countries.
“This roadshow has been a true celebration of the vibrant, people-centred partnership between the United Kingdom and Thailand,” said Ambassador Gooding. “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.”
Aswin Techajareonvikul, Chief Executive Office and President of Big C, added: “We are honoured to welcome the British Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Mark Gooding OBE to Big C Supercentres in Phuket and Surat Thani as part of this historic 170th anniversary. We are proud to host British Fair in celebration of a long trade relationship between Thailand and the United Kingdom and we will continue to strengthen our commercial ties and the long friendship between our two countries.”
The Southern Thailand roadshow reaffirmed the UK’s strategic partnership with Thailand and its commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth across regions. Further roadshow weeks are planned throughout 2025 as we celebrate 170 years of partnership and friendship.