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”.

 

In the evening of 3 May 2026, Her Excellency Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, hosted a dinner reception at the Terrace of Beyond Kata Hotel, with the aim of fostering networks of cooperation and strengthening relations between the delegation representatives from both the public and private sectors in Phuket. The event was well attended by Ms. Wilailak Rueangphon, Chief District Officer of Thalang, representing the Governor of Phuket, alongside Ms. Siriwan Seeharach, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) - Phuket Office; Ms. Kanita Sapphaisal, Chief of Phuket Temporary Passport Office; Mr. Wimol Noo-Kaew, Chief of Phuket Public Relations Department; Mr. Pramookpisitt Achariyachai and Mrs. Tunyaratt Achariyachai, executives of Beyond Resorts by Kata Group; Mr. Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, TAT Board Member; Mr. Sassitt Thavornvongwongse, Vice President (MICE) of Phuket Tourists Association (PTA); as well as more than 50 invited guests from various sectors.

 

In her remarks, Ambassador Lada underscored that this inaugural Diplomatic Journey Trip was designed not only to showcase Thailand’s natural beauty, but also served as a strategic initiative to build upon and sustain the momentum of the Thailand - Malaysia Private Sector Engagement Network Project, which has been spearheaded by the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur for over three years, aiming at advancing proactive economic and cultural diplomacy, enhancing Thailand’s global standing and popularity, as well as creating tangible opportunities for Thai businesses and citizens, in line with the Government’s “Multidimensional and Multidirectional Foreign Policy”.

 

On this occasion, Ambassador Lada also highlighted the success of the Programme in showcasing Thailand’s local wisdom as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable development, the collaborative efforts of communities in preserving shared regional cultural heritage like Kebaya, and Thailand’s readiness as a “key strategic and active partner on the global stage” to embrace emerging opportunities in areas of national strength, including sustainable tourism, the creative economy, real estate, and medical and wellness tourism. Furthermore, the Ambassador also encouraged participants to strengthen networks that would contribute to enhancing international trade and investment cooperation, particularly within the context of Thailand – Malaysia relations, which aim to achieve a bilateral trade target of USD 30 billion by 2027, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

 

The evening concluded in a warm and constructive atmosphere, featuring a selection of culinary creations made from locally sourced ingredients, which left a lasting impression on all participants. The success of the event reflected the seamless collaboration between the Royal Thai Embassy and various organisations in Phuket, including the Phuket Provincial Office, TAT Phuket : Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office, the Phuket Temporary Passport Office, the Phuket Public Relations Department, Phuket Tourist Association, and the The Thai Peranakan Association, which have worked together in the spirit of “Team Thailand” to advance a foreign policy that is meaningful, impactful for the Thai people, and forward-looking beyond Thailand.