Embassy of Thailand
What would be your remarks on the achievements and gaps in Saudi-Thai cooperation that require joint participation?
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand, both kingdoms have enjoyed close friendship with over 300,000 Thais residing and working in the country at its peak. Over the past years, the two nations have been working tirelessly to normalize diplomatic relations and succeeded in January 2022. Since then, the parties have been compensating for the lost time by reinvigorating cooperation in all fields, especially in labor, trade, investment, tourism, and academic cooperation.
For me now as Ambassador and previously as Director General of Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this achievement can be seen as a proud moment, as I was in charge of normalizing bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia. However, I could not even imagine that in such a short time after normalizing diplomatic ties, we would manage to organize visits at the highest level, such as the visit of former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to Saudi Arabia and the visit of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Thailand. Essentially, these visits raised the confidence in developing further cooperation, promotion of people-to-people ties, and smooth transition into a new normal.
We believe that the relations have become ever stronger and will continue its positive trend. Moreover, we need to work closely to promote awareness and understanding between both Saudis and Thais about culture, traditions, strengths, and opportunities.
How can the Joint Working Group on Bilateral Cooperation increase reciprocal investment?
At present, three mechanisms aim to enhance our bilateral investment: Government to Government, Business to Government, and Business to Business.
Government to Government – The Saudi-Thai Coordination Council (STCC) established in November 2022 serves as a key mechanism to drive collaboration on issues of common interests in various fields. STCC is chaired by the ministers of foreign affairs of the two countries. It comprises five committees: The Investment Committee, The Economic and Trade Committee, The Culture and Tourism Committee, The Military and Security Committee, and The Political Committee.
Business to Government – The Thai-Saudi Investment Forum regularly organized by the Governments and the Chamber of Commerce of both kingdoms aims to explore new markets and expand the business network. The Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand are actively involved in this framework.
Business to Business – The Thai-Saudi Business Council was established to seek new areas of economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Thailand as well as continued interactions between the business sectors of both Kingdoms. This framework is being observed by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
How can the goals of Thailand’s Vision 2037 and Saudi Vision 2030 be realized in synergistic and mutually beneficial cooperation?
I believe that such common ambitions to achieve sustainable economic growth to become a high-income nation for both countries can be attained synergistically. Under Thailand’s National Strategy 2037, our vision is to become “A Secure Nation, Contented People, Continued Economic Growth, An Equal Society, and Sustainable Natural Resources.” In pursuit of a mutually beneficial model, it is necessary to boost multidimensional national competitiveness to ensure consistent economic growth, advance human capital development, improve social equality, and promote green growth.
Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green Economy model, which places an emphasis on applying science, technology, and innovation to turn Thailand’s strength in biological and cultural diversity into a competitive advantage, can complement the Saudi Green Initiative, which is a long-term sustainable action plan which aims to address climate change, support clean energy transition, and advance green economy. Therefore, Thailand is able and willing to cooperate with Saudi Arabia to realize Vision 2030 by offering our experience and knowledge, skilled labor and professionals in demanding fields such as engineers, mechanics, nurses, and tourism professionals.
Why should Saudis visit Thailand other than exploring the well-advertised spots? Conversely, what will Thai people discover in Saudi Arabia?
Since the normalization of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Saudi Arabia, over 96,000 Saudi citizens have visited Thailand in 2022. We expect the number to reach an astonishing 200,000 by the end of this year. The majority visit Thailand for tourism purposes. Apart from the usual well-known destinations, Thailand has other great offers that are rich in history and spectacle. Some examples, for instance, include the ancient cities of Ayutthaya which was once the ancient capital of Thailand, formerly known as “Siam,” the fresh and cool air in the mountainous area in the northern region, and of course the pristine beaches and sea in the southern region. Every destination in Thailand is well equipped with tourism facilities such as modern airports, an effective public transportation system, hospitals and medical facilities, luxurious and affordable hotels, accommodations, and world-renowned Thai hospitality.
On the other hand, I am sure that the Thai people who visit Saudi Arabia will be fascinated by the unique geography which is not present in Thailand, and astonished by the numerous mega-projects that are under rapid construction by the Saudi Government. They will also be warmly received by the Saudi’s kind hospitality and openness.
As of 2021, life expectancy at birth in Thailand was 78.72 years, which is higher than in Saudi Arabia, with 75.59 years. What influences the longevity and well-being of Thai people that can be reflected in the daily life of Saudi Arabia?
I believe that Thai food, among other factors, plays a major role in promoting the health of the Thai people. Thai food is recognized as a healthy cuisine with its abundant use of traditional Thai herbs which have medicinal qualities. The development of Thai healthcare and the universal health coverage scheme in Thailand also ensures that Thai citizens, foreign residents and visitors in Thailand have full access to modern and high-quality healthcare.
How does the location of the Thai Embassy in the Diplomatic Quarter promote intercultural cooperation and people-to-people ties?
Being located in the Diplomatic Quarter enables us to experience a multicultural environment. People from various countries and cultural backgrounds can share and learn about each other’s lifestyles. Our host, the Diplomatic Authority, is also attentive and kind by providing assistance, security, and the use of facilities on a complementary basis.
