Courtesy Visit to The Ambassador of Thailand to Portugal

Discussions focused on the enduring friendship between the Kingdoms of Thailand and Tonga, which established diplomatic relations in 2002. The cordial relationship between the two nations has been marked by reciprocal royal visitsand growing cooperation in the fields of education, cultural exchange, maritime affairs, tourism, and sustainable development.

HM King George Tupou V undertook an official visit to Thailand in 2007, where he was received by HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and HM Queen Sirikit. In 2008, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn represented HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great at the Coronation of HM King George Tupou V in Nuku‘alofa — occasions that reflected the deep mutual respect and goodwill shared between both Royal Families.

More recently, HM King Tupou VI and HM Queen Nanasipauʻu have continued to strengthen these ties through visits to Thailand, including a 2013 official visit to Bangkok for bilateral discussions and attendance at the royal cremation of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October 2017.

As HM King Tupou VI and the people of Tonga commemorate the 150th Anniversary of their Constitution, the meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on these longstanding royal and diplomatic ties, founded on shared values of monarchy, faith, education, and mutual understanding that continue to unite Thailand, Tonga, and Portugal.

Following the meeting, Mr Bailey conveyed to the Ambassador his formal condolences on the passing of HM Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother of Thailand, who died on 24 October 2025, and paid tribute to her lifetime of service and devotion to the Thai nation and its people.

Thailand and Portugal enjoy one of the oldest continuous diplomatic relationships in the world, established in 1511.  HE Mrs Rakcharoen, appointed to Portugal in 2022 following distinguished service in Canberra and Geneva, continues to uphold and strengthen this historic partnership between the two Kingdoms.