State agency-backed digital platform helps keep SMEs competitive in tourism sector
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) has vowed to continue supporting the private sector develop digital platforms that are helpful to tourists.
Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, president/CEO of Depa, told a press conference held online on Monday that the country’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the tourism sector are currently required to create some creative and distinctive content to display online in order to attract tourists.
He revealed that it was one of the strategies for keeping SMEs competitive with big business.
Depa has partnered with Safe T Travel, a Thailand travel platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to analyse tourists’ preferences and travel demands, to effectively support SMEs.
The platform will provide comprehensive tourism information in digital content that meets the needs of both groups. As a result, Thailand’s SMEs now can access a quality affordable platform while other startups can plug in to offer their services.
Safe T, he explained, is an abbreviation for Safe Thailand. It means that local SMEs must contribute to the preservation of the country’s tourism industry by developing their own distinct identity and promoting it to the rest of the world.
“This is accomplished by gathering accurate information, which is then processed and presented using digital technology. Digital technology assists tourists in making more informed decisions. Similarly, digital technology helps to stimulate qualitative tourism while also boosting Thailand’s tourism sector,” said Nuttapon.
Safe T Travel’s chief marketing officer, Phanumet Setthasirisoonthron, said that the company’s 100 per cent Thai digital platform service provider offers tourism-related information such as accommodation, transportation, restaurants, local guides, activities, souvenir shops, and self-care locations.
Tourists can make advance reservations and payments through the QueQ application, which is another collaborator in this project. Aside from restaurants, the online service can be used at tourist attractions and park areas.
Furthermore, the QueQ application provides notification service, alerting tourists when the booking time approaches.
Senior marketing officer of Queue Q (Thailand), Suwimon Boontan, added that the application reduces density in high-demand areas, handles unlimited users, and benefits restaurants and Thailand tourism.
Nuttapon stated that Depa will provide and support knowledge development for entrepreneurs who lack the skills and understanding required to create digital content about their businesses using digital technology. This is done to help Thai businesses gain exposure and broaden tourists’ perceptions.
“The platform will increase tourists’ trust in using safe and standard-compliant services,” he concluded. “It opens up new opportunities for attracting new groups of tourists and provides dispersed visits to secondary city areas. This is regarded as a source of income for various Thai communities.”
Depa anticipates that more than 10,000 entrepreneurs will join the platform, increasing their business competitiveness, adding value to the tourism industry, reducing reliance on foreign platforms, and assisting in the transformation of the country’s economy into the next phase of the digital economy and society.
Bangkok governor promises to keep partygoers safe on Halloween, Loy Krathong
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2022
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has instructed all relevant state agencies to ensure the capital does not see a repeat of Seoul’s Halloween tragedy.
He said on Monday that all night entertainment venues had been checked three months ahead of Halloween as there was a concern about their entry points.
Many events are being held across the capital to mark Halloween today, and Loy Kratong on November 8.
Chadchart said the fatal Itaewon Halloween stampede took place because the venue was small and overcrowded. People had rushed to the event because it had been suspended for two years due to the pandemic, he said.
In Bangkok, he said, there are a few risky points that need to be looked at, such as Silom Soi 2, where the entry point is narrow and the lane is filled with shops.
“I coordinated with BMA advisers yesterday and have inspected the area. I urge all sides, including partygoers and operators, to help each other. Everyone is cooperating because they understand there will be a great tragedy if steps are not taken to ensure safety,” he said.
He added that he has instructed his deputies to ensure all safety measures are in place for the Loy Krathong festivities next week.
The governor said all entry points should be clear and the number of stalls reduced to ensure there are clear exit paths.
Chadchart has also ordered strict control on activities like fireworks and measures to stop people from falling into waterbodies while releasing their floats.
He also advised the authorities to install surveillance cameras and set up a command centre to keep an eye on entry points. All district offices have also been instructed to submit a preparation plan.
As a long-term measure, Chadchart said, training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will be provided to members of the public and BMA staff to ensure immediate help is available in times of crisis.
Thailand improves anti-money laundering law in bid to upgrade TIP rating
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2022
Thailand’s law against money laundering is being improved in an effort to boost the country’s standing in the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, the government said.
Spokesperson Ratchada Dhnadirek said on Monday that the amended version of the Anti-Money Laundering Act will focus on three points:
Compensating victims for damage done to life, body, mind, freedom, hygiene and fame via actions that are part of a larger crime.
Giving victims the right to seek compensation and appeal in court if they have unknowingly become involved in criminal activities.
Allowing the court to instruct the Anti-Money Laundering Office to sell wrongly accumulated assets, transfer the money to the country’s treasury, and provide compensations.
The amended law was published on the Royal Gazette website last Tuesday and will go into effect in 60 days.
Ratchada said these amendments were in line with the international anti-money laundering law and efforts to tackle the financing of terrorism. The law has also been amended to help improve Thailand’s TIP standing.
She said related state agencies were working on the organic law to set up criteria, processes and conditions. This way, she said, victims will have easier access to justice, while the authorities can deal with money laundering more efficiently and improve the country’s image.
Thailand has been working hard in its fight against human trafficking after it was downgraded to Tier 2 Watchlist in 2021 from Tier 2 in 2020.
The hard work has paid off because the country was upgraded to Tier 2 this year, though Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has said he hopes Thailand will be upgraded to Tier 1 soon.
Thai, Myanmar police target precursor smugglers in bid to halt meth tide
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022
The Royal Thai Police is upping efforts with Myanmar to halt the tide of chemicals used to make methamphetamine and amphetamine that flows between the two countries.
Thai national police deputy chief Chinnapat Sarasin said the two sides met in Yangon this week for talks amid Thailand’s worsening drug situation.
Chinnapat said one tonne of sodium cyanide can be used to make 20 million tablets of amphetamine.
“Over the past four years, many metric tonnes of sodium cyanide have been transported from Thailand to Myanmar,” he added.
Fuelled by cheap and abundant supplies of precursor chemicals, the street price of methamphetamine has plummeted to around 15 baht per pill, according to Thailand’s Office of Narcotics Control Board. The chemicals are smuggled to Myanmar’s Golden Triangle, where labs controlled by the rebel United Wa State Army churn out methamphetamine that floods Southeast Asia.
According to the United Nations, 594 million meth tablets, 18,000kgs of crystal meth and 1,500 tonnes of precursor chemicals were seized in Mekong countries from last October to August this year. The seizures failed to dent the low street price, indicating they were just a tiny fraction of the supply.
Chinnapat, who doubles as director of the Police Narcotics Control Management Centre, said Thailand and Myanmar police have tightened monitoring on the use of all precursor chemicals.
Myanmar authorities are screening imports of the chemicals in a bid to weed out smuggling, he added.
“Thailand and Myanmar will exchange information to ensure that precursor chemicals are not misused,” he said.
Chinnapat added that Myanmar police expressed willingness to arrest drug suspects that flee over the border from Thailand.
He said the suspects usually hide among ethnic groups living along the border.
“Suspects who commit crimes in both countries will be punished under Myanmar laws before they are sent back to Thailand,” he said.
The cooperation with Myanmar authorities comes after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered a drugs crackdown following a mass shooting by a reported drug addict and former policeman earlier this month. Panya Khamrab killed 38 people, mainly young children, on October 6 just hours after appearing in court on a drugs charge.
Thai chefs battle to wow world leaders at Apec summit
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022
Thailand’s latest soft-power weapon will be “future food”, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said on Saturday.
Don was speaking at the final of the “Plate to Planet Competition”, held ahead of next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Bangkok.
The contest challenged 2,000 chefs to create new dishes to enhance Thai cuisine’s reputation. The winning team will receive 1 million baht and have its dishes served to world leaders at the summit.
Praising the 21 finalists at CentralWorld in Bangkok, Don said their efforts were also part of Thailand’s drive towards sustainability.
“Thailand is recognised internationally for its food expertise, so we should be proud of it,” he said.
Don Pramudwinai
He also vowed to add future food to the Land of Smiles’ global soft-power reach.
Future food is defined as sustainable food, including plant-based products.
Future food is a growing trend in the 300-trillion-baht global food industry, now accounting for 1.6 trillion baht, said Prime Minister’s Office Minister Anucha Nakasai.
“This [trend] is an opportunity for new generations to develop businesses and use our resources to the fullest to boost the country’s economy,” he said.
Anucha Nakasai
He also invited people to vote for their favourite dish among the 21 finalists at www.futurefoodapec.com.
LTR, 40m baht investment necessary for foreigners to buy land in Thailand: govt
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2022
Only foreigners qualifying for Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa will be allowed to buy up to 1 rai of land, the government announced on Friday to clarify the confusion.
On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved the proposal to let foreigners purchase houses and up to a rai of land provided, they can show an investment of at least 40 million baht in Thailand. They are also required to maintain the investment for a minimum of three years starting from the day they submit an application for the purchase.
The directive will be in effect for five years once it has been published in the Royal Gazette, which will be soon, the government said.
Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Friday that once the news came out, many misunderstood the measure and accused the government of “selling off the country”.
Anucha said this measure was not new and had been implemented after the 1997 financial crisis in a bid to attract wealthy foreigners to invest in Thailand.
“The government revived this measure again as we are facing a similar situation due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. “This time, conditions have been adjusted to only cover those who are qualified for the LTR visa.”
Since last month, Thailand has halved the application fee for the 10-year LTR visa from 100,000 baht to 50,000 baht to lure four groups of foreigners – the wealthy, retirees, those who want to work in Thailand and experts with special skills.
Apart from investing 40 million baht in specific businesses and meeting other requirements, eligible foreigners can only purchase land and/or houses in Bangkok, Pattaya and other municipal areas or zones marked out as residential areas in provinces.
The draft also specifies that foreigners can only buy a rai of land once, and the limit will apply even if the foreigner sells parts or all of the land.
“If the buyers fail to comply with any criteria, the Department of Land’s director-general can issue an order revoking their rights,” Anucha said.
State agency offers THB200m grants to startups in big push for innovation in Thailand
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA) will grant more than 200 million baht to innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs in an effort to become a “country of innovation”.
The grant is part of the “Thematic Innovation” programme, which aims to encourage targeted strategic industrial sectors with up to 5 million baht per business.
Therefore, approximately 20 innovative businesses will benefit from this type of assistance, said Vichian Suksoir, NIA’s deputy executive director.
During an exclusive interview with a small group of invited media, he explained that the “Thematic Innovation” programme is the NIA’s support for Thai entrepreneurs so that industry could be the motor of the national economy.
Thematic Innovation, now in its fifth year, has recategorised innovation into six categories, from two categories — food and ARI Tech (automation, robotics and immersive technology) — in previous years.
Furthermore, for the first time this year, NIA has decided to include electric vehicles (EV) and related technologies in the programme.
Therefore, the assistance is focused on six sectors: high-value food for export; food security; circular and low-carbon economy; clean energy; digital technology incorporating AI, robotics, augmented or virtual reality (ARI Tech); electric vehicles and related technology.
Vichian Suksoir, deputy executive director of NIA
“The NIA has a policy to encourage and support Thai startups and entrepreneurs who have developed their own technology and innovations that are capable of competing on a global scale. We help S-Curve industries that have the potential to drive the national economy,” Vichian noted.
He differentiated this programme from other supportive programmes by various public sector agencies. He stated that companies interested in applying must have at least three years of experience in those industries.
To qualify, the company must be a legally registered juristic person with at least 51 per cent Thai ownership. It must own the technology used in the programme or have a licence to use the intellectual property. To efficiently scale up the programme, it must have a clear business model and operational plans. To make retroactive payments, it must have cash on hand.
Vichian added that upon acceptance into the programme, the NIA would provide numerous support mechanisms, such as connecting experts in each business field for know-how to develop products and services that are market-ready, business matching with investors for innovation that is in demand from various sectors, and support in business planning and intellectual property consulting.
“It underpins the government’s economic plans, which are aimed at reviving the economy by deploying creative ideas, research, and manpower capable of developing innovations that meet the needs of global markets,” Vichian explained.
The programme is now accepting applications online until November 30. The NIA will then take time to consider their qualifications before offering the grant in the first quarter of the following year.
Kiatipong Ariyapruchya, senior economist for Thailand at the World Bank, had stated earlier that the adoption of digital technologies and innovations has the potential to support Thailand’s post-pandemic recovery while enhancing its competitiveness over the long term.
While the Thai government has already shown a strong commitment to taking the digital agenda forward under the banner of Industry 4.0, he believes that more can be done to develop digital services and business digitalisation.
This includes efforts to increase competition from businesses of all sizes and to ensure a level playing field in order to promote market contestability and digital system interoperability.
Vichian said that the goals have been set to achieve commercially deployable products, processes, or services in a minimum of 40 programmes with a minimum economic value of 40 million baht.
Currently, there are over 92 innovation programmes aimed at meeting industry needs, ranging from medicine and healthcare to agriculture and food, with a total value of approximately 530 million baht.
Thailand targets 1 million highly skilled foreigners under long-term visa
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022
Thailand aims to attract 1 million highly skilled foreigners within five years with a Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa.
Government spokesman Anucha Buraphachaisri said on Thursday that the kingdom is focusing on policies to support investment by attracting highly skilled workers.
Around 1,000 people applied for the LTR Visa from September 1 to October 20, according to the Board of Investment.
Anucha said the visa would be given to four groups of people. He detailed the groups and the number of applicants so far:
Wealthy individuals: 88 applicants
Wealthy Pensioners: 430
Work from Thailand: 366
Highly skilled professionals: 160.
Meanwhile, another 144 were applicants’ spouses and children.
The top five countries from which these applicants hail are:
United States: 232
China: 140
United Kingdom: 109
Germany: 68
Australia: 51
“Prime Minister [Prayut Chan-o-cha] aims to use Thailand’s advantage to attract several groups of highly skilled foreigners in a bid to stimulate spending and investment, drive competitiveness and increase economic growth,” Anucha said.
“This type of visa will be one of the key factors in attracting investors and those who are skilled to live in Thailand,” he added.
Apec Summit 2022 — setting the agenda for sustainable economic growth
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
The countdown to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2022 has already begun. It may be one of many international summits held this year, but it could serve as the actual transit point on the long road to a globally sustainable economy.
At least, that’s what Thailand, the host country, expects to achieve.
“For nearly 30 years, we have only focused on increasing profits and remaining at the forefront of the economy. We have neglected our community and the environment. That is why we are currently facing numerous challenges,” said Cherdchai Chaivaivid, director-general of the Department of International Economics Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In an exclusive interview with the Nation Group, he admitted that it is impossible to reach 10-20 agreements in just two days. Therefore, the major focus of this year’s APEC Summit 2022 will be on presenting a roadmap for a sustainable future based on the ‘Bio-Circular-Green’ (BCG) economy model.
Thani Thongpakdi, permanent secretary at Thailand
The statement was in line with a previous one by Thani Thongpakdi, permanent secretary at Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, in which he claimed that APEC economies had once more reached a crucial turning point in the world’s strategic and economic landscape.
He said this time, however, it is against the backdrop of an unprecedented public health crisis and devastation of the global economy, which has now lasted two years and counting.
“The only silver lining is perhaps that it has uncovered the imbalances in our way of life and business conduct and provided strong impetus to adjust our sails,” said Thani.
APEC sustainability and inclusivity Cherdchai revealed that the 21 Apec economies have been concerned about the environment and vulnerable people even before the Covid-19 pandemic began.
Cherdchai Chaivaivid, director-general of the Department of International Economics Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
These issues were first raised at the APEC Summit in 2012 with the APEC Environmental Goods List. The leaders committed to reducing tariff rates on 54 goods to 5 per cent or less by the end of 2020, with the goal of improving access to environmental technologies and contributing to green growth and trade liberalisation.
Solar panels, wind turbines, bamboo flooring, and environmental monitoring, analysis, and assessment equipment are among the items on the list.
Since then, the APEC Summit agenda has been centred on the environment and people, with initiatives such as the La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth in 2019, the Putrajaya Vision 2040 in 2020, a set of priorities for Apec’s next two decades centred on quality growth and responsibility, and the Food Security Roadmap Towards 2030 in 2021.
As this APEC Summit agreement is not legally binding, it is up to each member to adopt and implement their commitment. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and the economic slowdown, the progress of those actions has been suspended.
Sustainable prosperity Cherdchai pointed out that countries all over the world have been stunned and disrupted over the last two years by the pandemic. Most have finally realised what the true essential path is for developing the country and the world as a whole.
“Therefore, there is no better time than now for us all to gather and talk to each other in order to find the proper solution so that no one is left behind,” Cherdchai said.
He noted that the significance of this year’s APEC Summit is not only that it will be the first time in three years that the leaders of the 21 economies will meet face-to-face, but also that it will provide an opportunity to set the right commitment to balance the world.
The theme of this APEC Summit 2022 is “Open. Connect. Balance”. The three main words are brief summaries of concepts that reflect the pressing main agenda that the 21 APEC members must prioritise.
Cherdchai explained that the goal of “Open” is to facilitate trade and investment by reviving the conversation about the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Agreement (FTAAP). “Connect” denotes safe and seamless connectivity, and “Balance” indicates the global economy’s recovery with mutual quality and inclusive responsibility.
Meanwhile, Cherdchai stated that Thailand intends to elaborate the country’s BCG economy model in order to provide a more precise picture of how to administer the country’s economy with excellent quality and great responsibility.
“After November 19th, our collaboration would be focused on the Bangkok Goal Declaration on BCG. It would be Apec’s signal to the world that if your business is not environmentally and socially responsible, it would be rejected,” Cherdchai said.
The Bangkok Goal Declaration on BCG will serve as a business code of conduct for the 21 Apec members in terms of trade and investment. It will focus on creating four enablers, which are:
Conducive regulatory framework
Capacity building and human capital development
Facility and infrastructure
Global network
He insisted on thinking about how to run a sustainable business while also living in harmony with the community and the environment. Everyone must find a way to balance business expansion and environmental sensitivity.
“I am confident that the idea will be accepted by the Apec leaders because environmental and climate change is currently the most pressing global issue,” Cherdchai said. “I also hope that the summit will inspire the way the world trades and invests, as it did the World Trade Organization on tax tariff exemption to encourage free trade zones.”
APEC Summit 2022 will be held in Bangkok on November 18-19, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Hundreds of leaders and delegations from the 21 APEC member economies and their allies are expected to attend.
This year’s summit logo is a woven bamboo basket used to transport goods and gifts to visitors.
APEC, like a chalom — a Thai bamboo basket — will weave diverse strengths together and join efforts to build a strong, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Asia-Pacific for future generations, Cherdchai concluded.
Russia-Thailand: 125 years of friendship and cooperation
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022
The year 2022 marks the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Thailand.
The year 2022 marks the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Thailand. The relationship, spanning more than a century between our two nations, can be traced back to as early as the 1860s when two Russian Imperial Navy Pacific Squadron ships anchored in Chao Phraya River. The Russian sailors were later granted an audience with then King Mongkut of Siam (King Rama IV). The King handed over his message with name cards for Russian Emperor Alexander II. It marked the beginning of formal communication between the monarchs of Russia and Siam.
For a century thereafter, Russian vessels were more frequent visitors to Siam. With the growing knowledge of each other and between our societies, contacts between the two nations grew closer and paved the way for the visit to Siam in 1891 of Crown Prince Nicholas during his Eastern Journey. He was graciously received by King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V).
Russia and Siam signed the Treaty of Friendship and Maritime Navigation, establishing diplomatic relations, during the visit of King Chulalongkorn to St. Petersburg in July 1897, when the Thai King again met his Russian counterpart, Emperor Nicholas II. Later, the first Russian diplomatic mission in Bangkok held its grand opening in May 1898.
There were other significant events that united Russia and Thailand. Prince Chula Chakrabongse, the son of King Chulalongkorn, studied and graduated from the Russian Imperial Military Academy and married Russian lady Ekaterina Desnitskaya. In 1888, the Siam Royal Anthem music, the Kingdom’s official national anthem until 1932, was composed by Russian composer Pyotr Shshurovsky. In 1911, the delegation of the Russian Imperial House of Romanov onboard the Aurora Russian Imperial Navy Cruiser took part in the coronation ceremony of the King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI).
Despite the long break in official contacts between the two countries after the 1917 October Revolution in Russia, it was a period when the systematic teaching of the language, culture and history of Thailand began in Russian higher educational institutions. In 1954, the first group of Thai language students commenced their studies at Moscow State Institute for International Relations under the direction of Lev Morev – author of the classic “Thai-Russian Dictionary”. Two years later, the Thai language was first taught at the Institute of Oriental Languages (now Institute of Asian and African Studies) of Lomonosov Moscow State University, and in 1961 at the Oriental Department of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) University.
Over the years, members of the Thai Royal Family repeatedly visited Russia, including Her Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit in 2007. In 2003, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid an official visit to Thailand. The leaders of the two countries also have met many times during multilateral events at various summits.
Today, Russia and Thailand enjoy constructive and mutually beneficial interaction through various multilateral mechanisms. Thailand is a long-standing and reliable partner of Russia. There are no political disputes on our agenda that could potentially hinder the development of our cooperation. Both sides appreciate active interaction, openness and willingness to further develop bilateral ties.
With the easing of Covid-19-related restrictions, the two nations resumed exchange of delegations. On May 21-22, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov participated in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meeting on Trade in Bangkok. Contacts between our foreign ministers also remain consistent: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his Thai counterpart, Don Pramudwinai, in Phnom Penh during ASEAN events on August 5 and in Moscow during a working visit on September 6.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Don Pramudwinai on the sidelines of the ASEAN ministerial events in Phnom Penh on August 5. They paid special attention to holding cultural events in both countries to mark the 125th anniversary of Russia-Thailand diplomatic relations in 2022.
Bilateral trade and economic ties have now revived after suffering the negative effects of the pandemic. According to data from the Federal Customs Service of Russia, in 2021 Russia-Thailand trade volume reached US$2.3 billion (up 29 percent). Russian exports amounted to $494 million (up 40 percent) while imports from Thailand were worth $1.8 billion (up 26 percent). However, in the first half of 2022, trade dropped by 10 percent to $982 million, resulting from disruptions in the logistics chain and banking services.
There are good prospects for increasing cooperation in the energy and agro-industrial sectors. One is a multi-year project with Thailand’s leading holding company, CP Group. It is a successful example of bilateral cooperation in investment and agriculture. The company’s investment in the Russian agro-industrial complex is worth $1.8 billion totally. In November 2021, the chairman of CP Group, Soopakij Chearavanont, was appointed as honorary consul of the Russian Federation in Chiang Mai with a consular district that includes Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son provinces. Russia now maintains Honorary Consulates in Pattaya and on Koh Samui as well as a General Consulate in Phuket.
Besides trade and economic cooperation in agriculture and food, other promising areas of cooperation are biology and space technologies, peaceful use of nuclear energy, shipbuilding, environmental protection, manufacture of construction materials and aviation as well as IT services and software solutions. Currently, Russian vaccines “Sputnik V” and “Sputnik Lite” are included in the list of vaccines granting the right for unimpeded entry to Thailand, which contributes to an increase in tourist flows.
Russia and Thailand maintain contacts on global international platforms and leading regional multilateral associations. Within the UN, our countries cooperate constructively on a wide range of issues on the global agenda. We coordinate approaches to various international and regional initiatives. We prioritize the central coordinating role of the UN and the promotion of its goals in full accordance with the UN Charter. We note the consonance of our positions on the current challenges to global stability. One of the recent manifestations of Thailand’s global clout as an influential representative of developing nations was the participation of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on June 23 in the High-Level Dialogue on Global Development in the “BRICS Plus” format.
In the context of Thailand’s chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, we support the agenda promoted by Bangkok, including the concept of a “bio-circular-green economy” (BCG).
Here in Thailand, Russian foreign policy has another dimension related to multilateral diplomacy. As you know, Bangkok hosts the headquarters of the largest regional economic commission of the UN-ESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific). For the Russian Federation, which has 77 percent of its territory in Asia, working in this UN format is a strategic priority.
The Russian Federation is making a significant expert contribution to developing strategies within ESCAP to enhance the sustainability of socio-economic infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region and to develop collective solutions to ensure the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030) approved by the United Nations. Our country assists interested states in the region in strengthening their capacities by implementing technical assistance projects in almost all sectoral areas of the Commission’s activities – transport and energy, economy and statistics, environment and climate change, natural disasters, etc., through Russia’s voluntary contribution to the ESCAP budget. Over the entire period of the project cooperation between the Russian Federation and ESCAP, 54 projects have been implemented with a total funding of about $12.5 million.
In the cultural and humanitarian spheres, cooperation between Russia and Thailand is steadily developing. Every year, at least 50 candidates from Thailand are selected to study at Russian universities on Russian government scholarships. At present, Russian language programs are provided at Chulalongkorn, Thammasat and Ramkhamhaeng universities while about 10 secondary schools in Thailand have optional Russian language courses.
In 2021, Russia and Thailand held the first Forum of Rectors of both countries’ universities. Later in the same year, the two sides held the third Russian-Thai round table on the education of gifted children titled “Education in the Covid-19 pandemic: From crisis to new opportunities” under the auspices of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
H.E. Mr. Evgeny Tomikhin, Russian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand presided over an exhibition of kid’s drawings on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Thailand at Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center on July 8, 2022
On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a variety of events have been organized, starting with a contest for best logo for the anniversary year at the end of 2021.
In February 2022, the Moscow State Institute for International Relations of Russia’s Foreign Ministry and Thammasat University held a video conference on the history and current development of Russian-Thai relations.
Then in April a delegation of the Moscow Kremlin Museums, led by director-general Elena Gagarina, visited Thailand. They had meetings at the Ministry of Culture of Thailand as well as a number of museums and exhibition centres. The two sides agreed to hold the first-ever exhibition of art objects of Moscow Kremlin Museums in Bangkok.
One of the largest events to mark this special anniversary of diplomatic relations so far was the gala show “Russia-Thailand: 125 years of Friendship” held on June 5 at the National Theater in Bangkok. It featured performances of Russian and Thai dance groups, a presentation of Russian students on the history of Russian-Thai relations, an award ceremony for the winners of the contest for the best children’s drawing on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of bilateral relations.
A gala show “Russia-Thailand: 125 years of Friendship” was held at the National Theatre to mark a milestone in diplomatic relations between the two countries on June 5, 2022.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai and H.E. Mr. Evgeny Tomikhin, the Ambassador of Russia to Thailand, are seen at a reception organized on July 4, 2022 by the Russian Embassy in Thailand on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Mr. Don Pramudwinai viewed an art exhibition on July 4, 2022 about the 125-year relationship between Russia and Thailand
Recently in August, the Annual Festival of Thai Culture took place in Moscow. In September, as part of the Bangkok International Festival of Music and Dance, dancers from Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Musical Theatre as well as Alla Dukhova’s contemporary dance group “Todes”, performed at the Thailand Cultural Center. Artists from the Igor Butman Jazz Ensemble were invited to perform here later this year. On the first weekend of December Bangkok will also host the first ever Russian Movie weekend.
Given the long years of friendship and cooperation between Russia and Thailand, we are convinced that the economic and geopolitical challenges that our countries are facing today are temporary and can certainly be overcome. Based on mutual trust between the leaders and peoples of our countries, the relations between Russia and Thailand have been strong for several generations and we are confident that they will continue to remain robust and have a bright future.
Don Pramudwinai
Anucha Nakasai
Vichian Suksoir, deputy executive director of NIA
Cherdchai Chaivaivid, director-general of the Department of International Economics Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Don Pramudwinai on the sidelines of the ASEAN ministerial events in Phnom Penh on August 5. They paid special attention to holding cultural events in both countries to mark the 125th anniversary of Russia-Thailand diplomatic relations in 2022.
H.E. Mr. Evgeny Tomikhin, Russian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand presided over an exhibition of kid’s drawings on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Thailand at Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center on July 8, 2022
A gala show “Russia-Thailand: 125 years of Friendship” was held at the National Theatre to mark a milestone in diplomatic relations between the two countries on June 5, 2022. 
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai and H.E. Mr. Evgeny Tomikhin, the Ambassador of Russia to Thailand, are seen at a reception organized on July 4, 2022 by the Russian Embassy in Thailand on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 
Mr. Don Pramudwinai viewed an art exhibition on July 4, 2022 about the 125-year relationship between Russia and Thailand
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