PRIME Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has begun a five-day official visit to the United Kingdom and Monaco from May 21 to 25, accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and other government agencies. The trip seeks to expand trade opportunities in the European Union, increase international market access for Thai products, and promote Thailand’s soft power through food, sport, and tourism.
Upon arrival in London, the Prime Minister is scheduled to launch the revamped Thai SELECT certification, which promotes high-quality Thai cuisine abroad. The event will feature Thai food products, tropical fruits, jasmine rice, traditional Thai massage, tourism promotions, and Muay Thai demonstrations. She will also meet representatives of Thai businesses and major UK importers to explore ways to increase the value of Thai food exports across Europe.
During her visit, Paetongtarn will present Thai SELECT certificates to 115 restaurants that meet the programme’s standards and hold discussions with Thai entrepreneurs to hear their suggestions and concerns. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit a well-known Muay Thai gym in London, Fight City Gym at Moorgate, to discuss bilateral sports cooperation, including the possibility of certifying Thai trainers and coaches overseas.
On May 22, Paetongtarn will attend a promotional event at Wing Yip Superstore, one of the UK’s largest importers of Asian food, with more than 1,000 products from Thailand. She will also meet with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s regional director for Europe to exchange views on how to better attract modern travellers through cultural tourism.
The trip will conclude with a visit to Monaco on May 23, where the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Formula 1 executives to discuss the potential of hosting a city-circuit Grand Prix in Thailand. She will later attend the Monaco Grand Prix, using the event to engage with senior executives and strengthen Thailand’s international profile through sport, tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
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Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in London today, May 21, 2025. Photos: Amarin TV
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