On 1 - 4 May 2026, the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur organised the “Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur’s Diplomatic Journey Trip” under the theme “Unseen Phuket: From Local Wisdom to Global Connectivity”, whereby Her Excellency Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, led a delegation of 13 esteemed members, including Foreign Ambassadors to Thailand with residence in Kuala Lumpur, Foreign Ambassadors to Malaysia, and a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, to visit Phuket with the aims of showcasing Thailand’s unique cultural identity and soft power, alongside the robust economic potential of Phuket and Thailand at large.

 

On 2 May 2026, Ambassador Lada led the delegation to Phuket Old Town to observe successful models of sustainable and inclusive urban development, in which community-centric approach serves as a primary driving engine for local economic growth. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), and Mr. Piboonsak Kittitornkun, Deputy Mayor of Phuket City Municipality, along with executives from the PTA, the Phuket City Municipality, and Phuket Old Town Community Enterprise. During the visit, Dr. Kosol Taengutai, President of the The Thai Peranakan Association, and Ms. Kawinna Koeysomboon, Creative and Graphics Designer of Limelight Phuket, delivered a briefing on the historical background and collaborative efforts of the community in preserving Peranakan culture, particularly the Kebaya, which was jointly nominated by Thailand, Malaysia and regional partners, for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in 2024.

 

On this occasion, the delegation showed keen interest in exchanging views and information on preservation of Peranakan culture, the application of local wisdom to enhance the value of Kebaya products, and opportunities to expand Thai cultural products into the global market. The Programme also included visits to historical and cultural landmarks in Phuket Old Town such as Sino-Portugese architecture, contemporary mural art, the Saengtham Shrine, as well as creative businesses within the community. The visit provided a valuable platform to strengthen mutual understanding and connectivity between Thailand, Malaysia, and partner countries, while highlighting the role of multiculturalism, local innovation, and community participation in advancing Thailand’s economy on the global stage.

 

On 3 May 2026, the delegation visited Bang Rong Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in Thalang, Phuket, where the majority of residents are Muslim, specialising in artisanal fishing and agriculture. The visit aimed to showcase the potential of Thailand’s grassroots economy, as well as the Government’s role in promoting sustainable tourism and economic growth in line with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. During the visit, the delegation actively participated in a range of community-based activities, including batik (pa-teh) bag making, rubber tapping and sheet production, pineapple planting, coconut harvesting, traditional coconut-based dessert making, and a boat tour through community-conserved mangrove forests. These engagements demonstrated the commitment of all stakeholders to advancing Thailand’s tourism industry towards sustainability, while catering to the growing demand for Muslim-friendly tourism.