BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to travel to the United Kingdom and Monaco from May 21 to 25, leading a large government delegation to promote Thailand’s soft power through food, tourism, sports, and cultural exports. The trip, however, has drawn criticism for its lack of high-level diplomatic meetings and formal agreements, raising questions about whether the visit justifies the scale and cost.
According to a government spokesperson, the trip aims to create new business opportunities and expand markets for Thai products, especially in the European Union. Upon arriving in London on the morning of May 21, the Prime Minister will open a revamped Thai SELECT certification event showcasing Thai food, fruits, jasmine rice, cultural activities, and Muay Thai demonstrations. She will meet with key food importers and representatives from the Thai business community in the UK to discuss market expansion and export strategies.
Paetongtarn will also present Thai SELECT certificates to 115 qualifying Thai restaurants and visit a prominent Muay Thai gym in London to explore cooperation on global trainer certification. On May 22, she will promote Thai products at Wing Yip Superstore, one of the UK’s largest Asian food importers, and meet with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Europe office to push cultural tourism strategies.
On May 23, the Prime Minister will head to Monte Carlo, Monaco, to meet with Formula 1 executives about the possibility of hosting a city circuit F1 race in Thailand. She is also expected to attend the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the world’s most prestigious racing events.
Despite these activities, critics argue that the trip resembles a promotional tour more suited to ministerial-level officials, lacking meetings with any foreign heads of state or signing of formal agreements. Some view the mission as excessive, questioning whether it delivers tangible results or merely serves as a PR exercise ahead of looming domestic challenges.
