Thailand is keen to boost economic and people-to-people ties with the Sultanate, said Ambassador of Thailand to Brunei Darussalam Boosara Kanchanalai at the Thai National Day Reception yesterday.
The ambassador said the total trade between the two countries stood at USD593.20 million as of October 2023, with Thailand starting to import urea fertiliser from Brunei in February last year, becoming their second largest import from Brunei after crude oil.
Meanwhile, Thailand received more than 10,000 Brunei tourists up until October, a significant increase from over 3,000 last year.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad and spouse Datin Hajah Binanun binti Haji Bungsu attended the event at the Royal Thai Embassy.
Kanchanalai also pointed out several high level exchanges this year “including visits by several members of the Brunei royal family to Thailand, as well as a visit by the Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces”.
She added, “Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Forces of Royal Thai Armed Forces General Chalermphon Srisawasdi was in Brunei to be conferred the Most Exalted Order of Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang, 1st Class during the birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.”
She added, “Most recently, in October, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin came to Brunei for an official visit which saw a fruitful agreement from both sides to forge greater cooperation in energy, food security, agriculture, fisheries, education, tourism and health.
“The visit signifies the close ties between our two countries as we prepare to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.”
She also highlighted the Thai Embassy’s role in promoting trade and people-to-people relations through organising the Thailand Bazaar, which for the first time was held twice this year.
The Thai ambassador added, “Throughout next year, we plan to organise several projects to celebrate the significant milestone in our bilateral diplomatic relations in order to demonstrate our commitment in strengthening our ties of friendship and cooperation for the years ahead.
“And towards the end of next year, we look forward to celebrating with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore on the joint nomination of our Kebaya in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.” – James Kon
