Celebrating 135 Years of Bangkok St Andrew’s Society and Scottish Heritage in Thailand
By Kathleen Pokrud
The Bangkok St Andrew’s Society recently celebrated its 135th anniversary of honouring Scottish heritage, building community spirit and strengthening cultural ties between Thailand and the United Kingdom. Founded in 1890, it is the oldest of Thailand’s four “loyal” societies, representing Scotland’s long-standing cultural connection with Thailand and the wider international community. Elite+ sat down with Chieftain Jina Phenix BEM to learn about the work of the Society.
Chieftain Jina proudly shared that 2025 was a year of signature celebrations. “The Society hosted a series of events that brought the community together. There were Burns Night in January; Whisky Night in September; The Nations Golf Day in September, jointly organised with the New Zealand Society, St. George’s Society and Irish Society, and Cocktail & Sparkling Night in October. These gatherings continued the Society’s role in promoting Scottish culture and friendship within the Thai-UK community.”
A special highlight of the anniversary year was the Thai-UK Scottish Cultural Showcase held at One Bangkok in November, jointly organised by the Bangkok St Andrew’s Society, the British Embassy Bangkok, the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT), Thai Beverage Plc, Frasers Property Limited and One Bangkok. The event marked a significant Thai-UK cultural collaboration, showcasing an authentic Scottish dance performance by The Gordon School of Dancing, flown in from Montrose, Scotland. Led by Robina Gordon Addison MBE, the dancers presented a vibrant programme of traditional Scottish dances, many seen for the first time by the local audience.
Chieftain Jina elaborated that the grand finale for the Society was the hosting of The 135th St Andrew’s Society Ball in November at the JW Marriott, where nearly 300 guests enjoyed a festive evening of music, dancing, Scottish pride and community.
She went on, “The Society expressed appreciation to the main sponsors, namely RIO, ASEAN St Andrew Society, Thai Beverage Plc, StemCells21, EVA Airways Corp, Loch Ness Water, GFour Food & Beverage, Serenity Wines, Flow Inter, Fah Mai and Amrapur Tailors.
“Event partners also included the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT), The British Club Bangkok, the New Zealand-Thai Chamber of Commerce and the New Zealand Society.”
Looking ahead, the Chieftain said, “As the Society celebrates 135 years, it remains committed to preserving Scottish traditions, strengthening Thai-UK friendship and promoting cultural understanding for future generations. With continued support from members, committee partners and sponsors, the Bangkok St Andrew’s Society looks forward to many more decades of community, collaboration and Scottish pride in the heart of Bangkok.”
The Society is still standing and celebrating 135th anniversary because invaluable support from many volunteers such as Edith Stewart MBE, Sandy Mckinnon, Jim Napier and Robert (Rab) Thomas. Past chieftains have also given generously of their time, leadership and dedication, contributing greatly to the Society.
