Doctor Mammo Muchie, Professor of Innovation Studies at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria, South Africa, paid a courtesy call to H.E. Ambassador Robina Marks at the Mission in December 2012.  Professor Muchie attended the International Conference on Inclusive Innovation (ICIIM) 2012 in Bangkok,

Thailand hosted by United Nation of Environmental Programme (UNEP). The purpose of the ICIIM 2012 was to serve as a platform for knowledge and experience sharing among expers and scholoars all over the world in order to strenthen worldwide awareness of inclusive innovation and innovative managment for inclusive development and inclusive growth.

H.E. Ambassador Ms Ruby Marks, South African Ambassador accredited to the Kingdom of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar attended the Opening Ceremony of the 7th Cambodia Import-Export One Province One Product in Phnom Penh, Cambodia amongst other VIP guests from other foreign countries.

As part of promoting tourism to South Africa, the South African Embassy in Thailand organised a familiarisation tour to Cape Town.  The objective of the tour was to expose South Africa to the Thai community and to market South African products such as wine.  The tour included a visit to the Winelands to meet black owned wine companies with a view to expand the current available range in Thailand.  The visiting group consisted of a television crew, lifestyle magazine and newspaper, of who has access to wide coverage in Bangkok, Thailand.  The TV coverage will be exclusicey produced into 3X30 minutes episodesm tentatively called "Must Go! Cape Town, South Africa".

H.E. Ms Ruby Marks, in collaboration with the Foreign Correspondence Club of Thailand (FCCT), hosted the film screening: Otelo Burning on September 27 2012 at the FCCT. 

The film tells the story of a group of township kids who discover the joy of surfing. It is set in 1989, against a backdrop of brewing conflict between two political groups in Lamontville. When 16-year-old Otelo Buthelezi takes to the water for the first time, it is clear that he was born to surf. Then tragedy strikes. On the day that Nelson Mandela is released from prison, Otelo is forced to choose between surfing success and justice. This beautifully made, insightful and entertaining film captures a turbulent time in the history of South Africa.

On 6 September 2012,H.E. Ambassador Ms Ruby Marks visited South African Pavillion at the Food and Hotel Thailand 2012 Exhibition at BITEC. The Embassy's participation in FHT exhibition in an effort of branding SA wines was considered successful.  Waterstone Wines from South Africa participated with two local representatives of South African wines namely, Mont Clair and Hilderbrand Wines.

Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Mrs Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League of Democracy and Ms Ruby Marks, South African Ambassador to Thailand (also accredited to Myanmar) shared a light moment at the conclusion of the Meeting at the home of the NLD leader, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 4 September 2012.

The South African School’ Debating Team paid a courtesy call on H.E. Ambassador Ms. Ruby Marks at the Mission on 30 August 2012. The team participated in the 3rd Annual Thai World Schools Debating Competition at Anglo-Singapore School in Bangkok.

The team proceeded up to the quarter final and won the following positions: General Knowledge Quiz and Top 5 Best Speakers position 2th (Mr. Joshua Broomberg)/ 3rd (Mr. Joseph Khan) and 5th (Ms. Emma Gates Pottinger) on the final results.  The SA Team will participate in the World Championships in Turkey in January 2013 and also in the 4th Annual Thai World Schools Debating Competition in 2014.

(Front: Hon. Mxolisi Maskson Dimaza (Chairperson: Portfolio Committee on Health) and South African Ambassador to Thailand H. E. Ms. Ruby Marks)

A South African delebation of the Members of Portfolio Committee on Health from Eastern Cape Province paid a courtesy call on H.E Ambassador Ms. Ruby Marks at the Embassy on 30 August 2012. The purpose of the visit to Thailand was to conduct a study tour on the Primary Health Care system and health promotion in Thailand.

On 14 August 2012 H.E. Nonsiri Buranasiri, Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of South Africa in Pretoria paid a courtesy call to South African Ambassador in Thailand, H.E. Ms Ruby Marks at the chancery.

On 6 August 2012 the Embassy, in collaboration with Bravo Voyage held a tourism seminar themed, "Take Child to see Whales". The guest speaker was Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat who worked on a documentary about marine and aquatic animals and has visited South Africa several times. 

He also explored the South African maritime.  Ambassador Ruby Marks delivered a recorded welcoming keynote message to all attendees who represented travel and tourism media.  The purpose of the seminar was to create awareness to tourists to explore South Africa's marine life.

H. E. Minister Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane presided over the Asian Regional Conference of South African’s Heads of Mission. The Conference was held in Beijing from 21 to 24 July 2012. H. E Ambassador Robina P. Marks together with other Heads of Mission in the Asia region attended the conference.

H.E. Ms Ruby Marks, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa presented Credentials to H.E. Mr. Choummaly SAYASONE, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic at Presidentail Palace "HO KHAM" on 20 July 2012.

On 16 July 2012 Ambassador Robina Marks delivered a lecture on "Reconciliation; International Friends' Expereinces" organised by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.  The Standing Committee regards South Africa's reconciliation process as a best practice example and will be used as reference for the White Paper on Reconciliation.  Ambassador Marks also engaged with the media on South Africa's reconciliation process.

The South African Embassy in bangkok, Thailand celebrated Nelson Mandela International Day with a Women's Shelter managed by the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women (APSW).  The home cares for women who are sexually, physically and mentally abused by their partners, as well as providing a home for women with HIV and AIDS. In addition to spending 67 minutes with the shelter, the Mission also donated a washing machine and an amount of THB 30 000 (R 7 500) obtained from various sponsors.

Ambassador Robina Marks presenting a washing machine and a THB 30 000 (R 7 500) cheque to committee members of the APSW

Mr. Bryan Ramkilawan, CEO Cape Town Fashion Council, led a group of delegation which consisted of members of Fashion Council from Cape Town and KwaZulu Natal, SA media and representatives of the Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria to pay a courtesy call to Ambassador Ruby Marks on June 28, 2012 at the chancery.

In commemoration of Africa Day, the African Heads of Mission resident in Bangkok participated in a joint radio interview on 19 May 2012 as well as a television interview on 24 May 2012.  The purpose of the two interviews was to convey the importance of Africa Day which is celebrated on 25 May every year.  The date commemorates the establishment of the erstwhile Organisation of African as the Unity (OAU), now reconstituted as the African Union (AU).

Front row from left: Mr. Danjuma Tarfa (Chargé d Affaires of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria), H.E. Ms Ruby Marks (Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa), H.E. Mr. Shamel Elsayed Nasser (Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt) and H. E. Ambassador Dr. Richard Titus Ekai (Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya and Dean of Diplomatic Corps) 

From left: Khun Tulip (Presenter of ASEAN Talks), H. E. Ambassador Dr. Richard Titus Ekai (Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya and Dean of Diplomatic Corps), H.E. Mr. Shamel Elsayed Nasser (Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt), H.E. Ms Ruby Marks (Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa) and Mr. Danjuma Tarfa (Chargé d Affaires of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) 

The South African Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand celebrated Freedom Day on 27 April 2012, at the Conrad Hotel, Bangkok.  The event was successfully held with more than 400 people in attendance.  The event also marked the first public hosting by H.E Ambassdor Robina Patricia Marks. 

The celebration also received wide media coverage including from two major newspaper, two TV interviews and one radio interview.  To entertain guests the Embassy invited Max-Hoba, an upcoming young South African artist and a Thai group called Viva to perform.

H.E. Ambassador Ruby Marks attended a Special Visiting Programme for members of diplomatic corps in Thailand to the Historic City of Ayutthaya on 23-24 March 2012. 

The programme was organised by Ministry of Culture. This visiting programme gave an opportunity to all honourable guests to learn about the past of Ayutthaya as well as sharing experiences on the restoration and conservation of the cultural heritage sites.

(Picture: H.E. Ambassador Ruby Marks, South African Ambassador to Thailand and H.E. Ms. Sukumol Khunpluem, Minister of Culture)

The South African Embassy in Bangkok hosted a press conference aimed at introducing H.E. Ms. Robina P Marks, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar through media. The Ambassador conveyed South Africa’s interest in enhancing important areas of bilateral co-operation during the Press Conference held on 10th April 2012 a the Chancery.

South African Minister of Defense and Military Veterans, H.E. Ms. Lindiwe Sisulu led a delegation to Bangkok, Thailand to take part in the Defence & Military Exhibition 2012.  During her visit Minister Sisulu paid a courtesy call on Thai Defence Minister ACM Sukampon Suwannatat, during which they discussed areas of Cooperation between South Africa and Thailand.  H.E. Minister Sisulu was interviewed by various media including City Life, a Channel 7 TV Programme.

(From left: Ms. Salinee Punyarachun from Variety City Life, H.E. Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, Ambassador Rubi Marks, Ms. M. Chowglay: PA to the Minister and Ms. M. S Dube: Head of Protocol – Office of the Minister)

The Embassy participated in the 45th Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar 2012 at the Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon on Saturday 3rd March 2012.  South African products were showcased and sold.

The South African Embassy in collaboration with the Rembrandt Hotel, Emirates Airline and the South African Sandton SUn Hotel hosted a South African Food Festival from 12-21 January 2012.  Held at the Rembrandt Hotel, the Food Festival kick started with an exclusive Gala Dinner on 12 January which was attended by key people including hoteliers, those from business, airlines and the media.  To mark this event htree chefs, led by South African top chef, Nicky Gibbs flew from South Africa in order to cook different South African dishes.  The Festival was sponsored by different companies importing South African Wines which were then served to the those who came to enjoy the South African cuisine.

In the picture, top row: Ross Edward Marks Central Wines sponsor of Joy wines, Khalid Bardan Manager Emirates Airline Thailand and Indochina; Allan Riddell South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce; His Excellency Mr. Douglas Gibson the South African Ambassador to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Myanmar; Eric Hallin General Manager Rembrandt Hotel; Ray Manzini First Secretary South African Embassy; Bob Coombes sponsor Choice Foods.

South African Embassy in collaboration with Bangkok Beer & Bevarages hosted a South African wine tasting and dinner at Le Meridian Hotel in Chiang Mai on Saturday 3 December 2011.  The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Ambassador Douglas Gibson.  VIPs included the Vice Governor of Chiang Mai Mr. Vorakarn Yokying and President of the Payap University Mr. Pradit Takerngrangsarit.