As a long-term Expat in Thailand, I had no idea that I could continue and even develop my links with Thailand from overseas until I was invited to be a Guest Speaker on my Thailand Hotel Stays during Covid at the Anglo-Thai Society in London in 2023.
We promptly joined the society and recently took the opportunity to attend two December events in wonderful London locations.
Photo Credit: JamPond Photography
6th JOINT ASEAN SOCIETIES RECEPTION
Date: Tuesday 12 December 2023
Venue: Mountbatten Room, The Royal Automobile Club London
Organised by: British Malaysian Society
This annual event includes all ASEAN Society members and celebrates UK-ASEAN connections, covering trade, investment, education, tourism, and cultural ties. This event was a fabulous way to stay updated on regional developments and to meet distinguished guests and members from participating societies.
Keynote speeches by:
- HE Ambassador of Lao PDR
- HE Ambassador of Indonesia
- UK-ASEAN Business Council
The reception was graced by His Excellency, Ambassador of Thailand, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, as well as Steve Buckley, the founder of the inaugural joint ASEAN Societies event and current Chair of the Anglo-Thai Society.
I found the Question and Answer sessions with the keynote speakers to be most interesting. Two comments from the audience stood out. One was the view that perhaps the rest of the world could learn from the pragmatic and respectful approach found among ASEAN countries to their cultural, economic, and political differences. The second was the agreement for more women to be represented on the Joint ASEAN Societies stage.
The reception concluded with a Lao cultural dance performance showcasing their upcoming Chair of ASEAN in 2024.
It was a memorable occasion, in a stunning location with the opportunity to mix and mingle with around 250 ASEAN Societies members.
ANGLO-THAI SOCIETY CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Date: Wednesday, 13 December 2023
Venue: Nipa Thai Restaurant, Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
Forty-eight members, including HE Ambassador of Thailand Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, gathered to enjoy a Christmas lunch, Thai style at Nipa Restaurant.
Located inside the Royal Lancaster Hotel, minutes from Hyde Park, Nipa Thai is hailed as the most authentic Thai cuisine in London. No pressure then, looking at the Anglo-Thai guest list who certainly knows a good and authentic Thai meal. The festive occasion featured Thai wine, courtesy of long-term supporter Monsoon Valley Wine UK.
Nipa Thai was a wonderful choice, the restaurant has a beautiful teak interior sourced from Thailand. We seriously could have been there, apart from the chilly grey day outside! No one noticed as inside all was light and laughter – Nipa means shining light in Thai and is aptly named.
Steve Buckley, Chair of the Anglo-Thai Society, provided a warm welcome to all attendees, some joining for their first time, together with insights into past and upcoming events. The raffle, supported by various generous contributors, including EVA Air, benefited two Thai charities, Safe Child Thailand and Soi Dog Foundation.
The luncheon provided a delightful opportunity to connect with Thais in the UK and those passionate about Thai culture. We left with the impression of a vibrant society that we are pleased to have joined.
THE ANGLO-THAI SOCIETY
The Anglo-Thai Society was founded in 1962 to foster and celebrate the close and friendly relations that have existed between the UK and Thailand for 150 years. New members are always welcome, contact secretary@anglothaisociety.org. The current annual subscription is £20 for a single membership and £30 for a joint membership.
We are grateful to have found the Anglo-Thai Society as a way of continuing our connections with Thailand whilst in the UK. Thank you for two wonderful events in December and the opportunity to expand our Thai and ASEAN knowledge and understanding. We loved meeting others with a shared enthusiasm for Thailand and we enjoyed the insightful conversations and cultural richness of these two events.
Thank also to you for joining me, here today. For more Little Wandering Wren follow along on IG @littlewanderingwren.
8 comments
What an honor to be a guest speaker at the Anglo-Thai Society. I always enjoy your post and travels.
Wish you and your family a very Happy and Healthy New Year!
Hello Eileen, Yes it was so exciting to be invited to speak at the Anglo-Thai Society, especially as it came as a result of speaking at Bangkok International Travel Meet Up and I was asked if I could present on-line. I was chuffed we managed to schedule the talk whilst I was actually in London. I have enjoyed all the Anglo Thai events I have joined since then.
Wishing you and your family a lovely New Year too.
Wren x
Thanks for sharing. What a great way to retain connections! Sounds really interesting. Are these types of organisations all over the world?
You got me thinking whether there is an Aussie Thai Society in Melbourne now! We have really enjoyed the interested people and conversations we have had since we joined the Anglo-Thai Society. Definitely a lovely way to stay connected.
Thanks for stopping by Danielle!
Wren x
How lovely to be a guest speaker.
Hope the New Year has started well.
Safe travels in 2024.
All the best Jan
Hi Jan, 2023 was one of those years I said yes to everything even when out of my comfort zone, like travelling solo across America to meet a IG follower who invited me to stay, we’d never met… or public speaking! I do love sharing the story of Thailand during the pandemic and the resilience of it’s people and the industry. I’ll travel all over to share my ideas of fabulous Thailand holidays, so let me know if you ever need a speaker at any if the events you attend!!
Safe travels to you in 2024 too!
Wren x
How wonderful! Thoroughly enjoyed reading and looking at your lovely photos. Thank you so much! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Denise – many thanks for stopping by, lovely to see you here.
Wren x