Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Halaevalu Mata’aho Tuku’aho presented her credentials to the King of Thailand on Friday, 16 June, becoming Tonga’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Thailand.

As Tonga's High Commissioner to Australia, based in Canberra, she presented her credentials to the King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, durign a ceremony at the Ambara Villa, Dusit Palace in Bangkok. 

The Letters of Credence accredited the Princess as Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Kingdom of Thailand.

Meanwhile, during the royal audience she conveyed the best wishes of HM King Tupou VI for His Majesty’s good health, welfare and prosperity, the Royal Family, government and the people of Thailand.

Tonga's Embassy in Canberra said that Tonga and Thailand have enjoyed good relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1994 and that “the good and cordial relations are based in mutual bond between the two Royal Houses of Tonga and Thailand. Thailand’s support of agricultural development program in Tonga based in the theory of the Late King of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Aduljadej The Great of 'Sufficiency Economy Philosophy'.”

Thailand has assisted Tonga with scholarships, diplomatic training, and the two countries support each other in international cooperation.

The Embassy said “According to Royal Thai Protocol, it is not appropriate to wear black attire when visiting the Royal Palace and Royal Audience. In that regard, Her Royal Highness showed respect for the ongoing mourning period of the Tongan Royal Family by wearing a black ribbon (rose) and a Royal Tangerine dress with Kie Hingoa – Fusimauipulonga for the Royal Audience.”

Accompanying was Curtis Tu’ihalangingie - Secretary to HRH, Phedeas Vaitaki - Personal Assistant to HRH and Salome Kava Holoia - Lady-In-Waiting.