On 2 December 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria organised a ceremony in remembrance of the Royal Grace of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great on the occasion of His Majesty’s Birthday Anniversary, Thailand’s National Day, and National Father’s Day 2025. The ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Mr. Ekapol Poolpipat, Ambassador of Thailand, and attended by officials of Team Thailand, their spouses, and members of the Thai community in South Africa, totaling approximately 70 participants.

The programme commenced with a Buddhist merit-making ceremony, including chanting and the offering of a midday meal to a monk from Wat Phra Dhammakaya Johannesburg, dedicated to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.
Subsequently, the Ambassador presided over the laying of a flower pedestal tray before the Royal Portrait and delivered an address in remembrance of the immeasurable Royal Grace of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, who devoted His life to the continuous development of the nation throughout His reign.

Prior to the reception, the Ambassador paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, expressed heartfelt condolences, and highlighted Her Majesty’s lifelong contributions to the nation, particularly in arts and crafts, such as Thai silk, handicrafts, and the preservation of Thai arts and culture, which constitute a significant national heritage recognised internationally. Participants then observed a moment of silence to pay tribute and viewed a video presentation depicting the Royal Activities.

During the reception, the Ambassador delivered an address in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, especially His Majesty's contributions to Thailand's foreign relations, national development, and natural resource conservation, which have been internationally recognised, including the proclamation by the United Nations designating 5 December of every year as “World Soil Day.”
The Ambassador also noted that several countries in the African region have applied His Majesty’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy to their development efforts, as its people-centred approach aligns with Africa’s Ubuntu philosophy, which emphasizes mutual support and community. This creates opportunities to further strengthen cooperation and is consistent with the Thailand–Africa Initiative (TAI), which Thailand would announce in early December to elevate cooperation between Thailand and South Africa, as well as between Thailand and the African continent, in all dimensions.

In conclusion, the Ambassador expressed appreciation to the Thai community in South Africa and in the countries under the Embassy’s jurisdiction for collectively upholding the good image of Thailand, fostering unity, mutual support, and promoting Thai culture. These efforts contribute to enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of the two nations and further advancing Thailand–South Africa relations.