BANGKOK, Oct 16 (TNA) – His Royal Highness the Duke of
Gloucester has arrived in Bangkok for an official visit to strengthen the
UK-Thailand partnership.
On his first day in Bangkok on Monday, the Duke toured the
Jim Thompson House – the famous Bangkok residence and art collection of the
‘Thai Silk King’, according to a press release issued by the British Embassy in
Bangkok.
The Duke is scheduled to visit the Triumph Motorcycles
Factory and Senior Aerospace Factory in the eastern Chonburi province. Both
companies are British owned and employ hundreds of staff in Thailand.
The Duke will visit the Habitat for Humanity (HFHT) centre
in the western Kanchanaburi province. HFHT aims to improve the quality of life
for low-income Thai people by building homes and transforming communities. His
Royal Highness is a Patron of Habitat for Humanity in the UK, said the embassy.
To mark the 75th Anniversary of the completion of the
Thai-Burma railway, the Duke will attend a remembrance service for the
Commonwealth servicemen and women who gave their lives in the construction of
the railway. He will also see the well-known Bridge over the River Kwai and
tour its museum.
In Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, His Royal Highness will
visit the Royal Project Foundation Centre where he will learn more about the
sustainable projects founded by His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of
Thailand. The Royal Project has always had close connections with the UK, in
particular Kew Gardens, and provides excellent examples of sustainable
development, according to the statement.
The Duke will also visit the Children’s Advocacy Centre
Thailand: a notable Thai government initiative that joins international NGOs
and Thailand’s police units to combat child abuse, exploitation of children and
human trafficking; and Care for Children in Chiang Mai. Care for Children aims
to help create a positive alternative to institutional care through local
family-based care for disadvantaged children.
On his final night in Thailand, The Duke will be the guest
of honour at a charity dinner hosted at the British Ambassador’s Residence. All proceeds from the dinner will be presented
to Habitat for Humanity in Thailand.
“His Royal Highness’ visit demonstrates the importance
of the UK and Thailand relationship, and our commitment to further strengthen
the ties between our countries.” British Ambassador to Thailand Brian Davidson
said.
The Duke of Gloucester is a grandson of King George V and a
first cousin to The Queen. He is the second son of the late Duke of Gloucester
and the late Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. He is a full-time working
member of the British Royal Family, attending national and international events
in support of The Queen and her duties as Head of State, said the embassy.
(TNA)
