On 30 October 2019, diplomats and officers of the Royal Thai Embassy bid a fond farewell to Ambassador Bansarn Bunnag and Madam Yupadee Bunnag, who assume the position in Japan for 3 years and 7 months (during March 2016 to October 2019). Ambassador Bansarn dedicated himself to further strengthen the close and cordial ties between Japan and Thailand in every aspect. The two countries has regularly exchanged a number mutual visits at all level, namely royal family, government, private sector and people to people level.

During Ambassador Bansarn’s tenure, a number of important events took place including the celebration of the 130th anniversary of Japan and Thailand Diplomatic Relations in 2017. The Embassy and the National Museum of Japan jointly organized an exhibition of Thai artefacts (more than 100 pieces)in Tokyo and Kyushu. The Embassy also organized a commemorative concert by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra at Suntory Hall as a gift for our Japanese friends. Moreover, Ambassador Bansarn accompanied the delegation of more than 600 Japanese businessman to visit the project of Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Thailand. He was also the Chairman of “Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes” Photo Exhibition which is the project under the patronage of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, where he could contribute as bridge between Japan and other foreign countries.

Ambassador Bansarn also actively engaged with Japan’s local prefectures. He contributed to establish Thailand’s Consulate-General in Fukuoka. He visited many prefectures and cities outside of Tokyo, which led to the establishment of friendship association between Thailand and local towns, such as Akita, Yamagata and Sendai. The Thai Festival was also expanded to Saga, Fukuoka, Oita and Okinawa during his tenure.

When natural disasters like the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016 and Typhoon Hagibis in 2019 occurred in Japan, Ambassador Bansarn made sure the Embassy was in close contact with agencies concerned in order to provide advice and to take care of the Thai citizen, as well as to provide support for Japanese friends.

Therefore, on 17 October 2019, Ambassador Bansarn was bestowed a Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, for his achievements in strengthen the cooperation between Thailand and Japan in all dimensions. The staff of the Thai Embassy are truly grateful to serve under his guidance and leadership.