Royal Thai Embassy London Hosts Miss World “Opal Suchata” (21) for discussions & Thai-Inspired Afternoon Tea Celebrating 170 Years of UK–Thailand Diplomatic Relations.
Theme: Beauty, Purpose, and Women’s Empowerment as Miss World’s “Beauty with a Purpose” UK Tour Concludes
London, 6 August 2025 – The Royal Thai Embassy in London proudly marked the 170th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and the United Kingdom with a distinguished event celebrating women’s empowerment, Thai cultural heritage, and a historic achievement for Thailand on the global stage.
The event also honored the Birthday Anniversary Month of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, a revered national figure celebrated for her lifelong commitment to the advancement of women in Thai society.
As part of the commemorative program, the Embassy hosted an exclusive Afternoon Tea titled:
“Beauty with a Purpose: A Conversation with Opal Suchata, Miss World 2025, on Women’s Empowerment”, held from 15:00–17:00 hrs.
The event highlighted Ms. Opal’s recent “Beauty with a Purpose” (BWAP) UK Tour, showcasing impactful community projects and promoting women’s empowerment across the UK.
This year holds special significance as Ms. Opal Suchata became the first Thai national to be crowned Miss World, an honour awarded by a UK-based organisation, marking a proud milestone for Thailand.
H.E. Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom, welcomed a distinguished gathering of guests including prominent women leaders, diplomats, ambassadors, and changemakers.
Ms. Opal shared her experiences as a guest speaker in a Panel Discussion on Women’s Empowerment, speaking about her own initiative “Opal for Her” a breast cancer initiative having found a lump in her breast aged 16. Opal reflected on her BWAP Tour across the UK, which featured visits to inspiring community projects including ;
UK Tour Summary:
- Scotland – Miss Scotland’s BWAP project with Revive MS Support
- Manchester – Engagement with Sarah Harding’s Breast Cancer Initiative
- Wales – Welsh Women’s Aid – Domestic abuse charity
- Coventry – Engagement with The British Organization of People of Asian origin for Community projects including Midlands Langar Seva Society and meeting with local midlands professionals in Breast screening to discuss their work along with visits to a host of community projects.
- Liverpool – Liverpool Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice
To see images from the UK Tour visit Miss Worlds Instagram account @missworld which has over 1m followers.
Quotes
Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman and Founder of Miss World, said:
“It fills me with pride to see Beauty with a Purpose celebrated in such a meaningful way. Opal’s UK BWAP Tour represents everything Miss World stands for, compassion, intelligence, and a commitment to lifting others. Today is not only a celebration of UK–Thailand friendship, but a reminder of how powerful women’s voices can be when united for good.”
Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata, said:
“To be part of this moment is both humbling and empowering. Representing Thailand as the first Thai Miss World, and sharing the stories of resilience and impact from my BWAP Tour here at the Thai Embassy in the UK, makes me feel deeply grateful and happy. This event reminded me that no matter where we come from, education, empathy, and purpose can truly connect and transform lives.”
Programme Highlights in London to conclude Miss Worlds tour:
- Arrival of Ms. Opal Suchata and Exhibition Viewing
- Welcome Address by the Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom
- Video Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit
- Panel Discussion with Ms. Opal Suchata, Miss World 2025
- Thai-Inspired Afternoon Tea Reception
The Afternoon Tea brought together female ambassadors, diplomatic spouses, and representatives from charities working to promote girls’ and children’s education in Thailand and across Southeast Asia. Many attendees shared their own initiatives and best practices in this space.
A special exhibition was also unveiled, featuring rare archival materials from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s historic State Visit to the United Kingdom in 1960, paying tribute to her enduring legacy in women’s development and international diplomacy.
This landmark event not only celebrated the long-standing friendship between Thailand and the United Kingdom, but also reaffirmed both nations’ shared commitment to women’s empowerment, global citizenship, and cultural diplomacy.