A high-ranking Thai official said that Bangkok and Riyadh were close to implementing bilateral agreements, which were recently concluded by the two sides.
Don Pramudwinai, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, pointed to the restoration of full diplomatic relations between the two countries, saying that an official Thai delegation would visit the Kingdom next July.
These developments follow the historic visit of the Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, to Riyadh on Jan. 25, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
The Green Experience
Pramudwinai said he expected that the next phase would see the two countries strengthen bilateral economic, trade and investment relations and discuss available opportunities within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia will also benefit from the Thai experience in the green economy, and would review cooperation in the areas of digital transformation, renewable energy, environment, climate, cyber-security and digital transformation, while maintaining mutual support and coordination in international organizations and forums.
Economic Map
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Pramudwinai said: “The foreign ministers of the two kingdoms have taken persistent steps. Within just two months of establishing bilateral relations, we are close to implementing what we committed to on Jan. 25.”
He added: “The roadmap is nearing completion and I believe that there is a large number of investment opportunities.”
Thai Labor
Regarding the recruitment of skilled Thai workers to the Saudi market, Pramudwinai pointed to two separate agreements in this context, which were signed in March between the ministries of labor in the two countries.
In this regard, he noted that around 2,000 Thai workers would join the Saudi market this year, “as an actual translation of the launch of bilateral cooperation and partnerships.”
The Thai defense minister did not rule out joint military collaboration, stressing that the door to cooperation between Riyadh and Bangkok was wide open. He noted that Saudi Arabia was expected to participate in the Security and Defense Conference and Exhibition that will be held in Thailand in September.
Exploring Opportunities
Pramudwinai underlined “unremitting efforts” on the official level to move forward with “more creative talks and negotiations that would contribute to launching a roadmap that would lead the two countries to the best model partnership.”
He also stressed that the two countries enjoyed rich resources and multiple wealth, pointing to seven agreements and memoranda of understanding that were signed in the joint forum to advance tourism, healthcare, industry, hospitality, hotel, construction sector, oil and gas sector and an agreement between the Federation of Saudi Chambers and its Thai counterpart to raise the level of economic and trade cooperation and investment.
