On 19 October 2025, Mrs. Krongkanit Rakcharoen, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, and Mr. Chakkrid Krachaiwong, Director-General of the Department of Protocol, participated in the opening ceremony of the Thailand - UK 170 Football Tournament, at Polo Football Park, to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand - United Kingdom diplomatic relations, where H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, and H.E. Mr. Mark Gooding, British Ambassador to Thailand, delivered remarks.
The Buakaew Football Club team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by the Director-General of the Department of Protocol, as team captain, competed with teams from the British Embassy in Bangkok and various Thai public and private sector organisations,totaling 12 teams, to foster closer ties between Thai and British agencies. The football tournament aimed at strengthening cooperation under the Thailand - UK Strategic Partnership, with football, one of the United Kingdom’s most prominent forms of soft power, serving as a bridge of friendship and collaboration.
Also in attendance were distinguished guests such as H.E. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, former Prime Minister; H.E. Mr. Patana Prompat, Minister of Public Health; and Mrs. Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand.