BANGKOK, May 20 – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit the United Kingdom and Monaco this week in a strategic push to strengthen Thailand’s global influence through tourism, cuisine, and sports diplomacy.

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The five-day trip, running from May 21st to 25th, will spotlight Thailand’s cultural exports, beginning with the relaunch of the “Thai SELECT” certification in London. The program, which authenticates Thai restaurants and food products worldwide, will award certificates to 115 UK-based Thai eateries at a high-profile ceremony on Wednesday.

“This initiative ensures genuine Thai flavors abroad while supporting our culinary entrepreneurs,” said government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. The event will feature live cooking demonstrations, displays of Hom Mali rice and Thai fruits, and promotions for tourism, traditional massage, and Muay Thai.

PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit the United Kingdom and Monaco from Wednesday to Sunday (May 21–25) to promote Thai food, culture, and the sport of Muay Thai as part of Thailand’s soft power strategy, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said. #Policy https://t.co/k0h6Up546w

— Thenationthailand (@Thenationth) May 19, 2025

The PM’s agenda includes meetings with UK food importers and the Association of Thai Businesses to expand market access for Thai products. A visit to London’s premier Muay Thai gyms will explore sports collaboration, followed by an appearance at Wing Yip Superstore in Cricklewood to promote Thai groceries.

The tour culminates in Monaco, where Paetongtarn will attend the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix and discuss Thailand’s bid to host a future F1 street race. “This reflects our ambition to position Thailand as a hub for global events,” Jirayu noted.

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The trip underscores Thailand’s “soft power” strategy, leveraging gastronomy, martial arts, and motorsports to drive tourism and investment.

-Thailand News (TN)