Thailand and South Africa are Strategic Partners
10 December 2024
On 5 December the Kingdom of Thailand celebrates its National Day, the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, and Father’s Day. At the celebration in Pretoria, Mr Mungkorn Pratoomkaew, Thailand’s Ambassador to South Africa highlighted the significant milestones achieved in the bilateral relations between the two nations over the past three decades. Since formal ties were established in 1993, Thailand and South Africa have cultivated a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and economic collaboration.
“This year, we celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations, and I am optimistic about the future of our partnership,” said Ambassador Pratoomkaew. “Our shared priorities, South Africa’s economic diplomacy-led foreign policy and Thailand’s economic diplomacy targeting South Africa, have paved the way for even stronger ties.”
The Ambassador emphasised the robust economic relationship, noting that trade and investment between the two countries continue to thrive. Thai businesses, particularly in the automotive parts, food, and hospitality sectors, are increasingly investing in South Africa, viewing it as a strategic gateway to the African continent and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Ambassador Pratoomkaew expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming 6th Joint Trade Committee Meeting in February, which is expected to boost bilateral trade and investment. He also highlighted the success of recent negotiations that have granted South African fruits market access to Thailand, calling it “a step toward even greater opportunities for both countries’ agricultural sectors.”
The possibility of resuming direct flights between Bangkok, Johannesburg, and Cape Town was described as a promising development. “Improved connectivity will not only strengthen economic ties but also foster closer connections between our peoples,” the Ambassador remarked.
He also pointed to collaboration in other strategic areas, such as port management, where the Port of Cape Town is keen to learn from Thailand’s world-renowned Port of Laem Chabang, recognised globally as a leading example of public-private partnership in cargo terminal management. Thailand is also eager to share its expertise in universal health coverage, which could inform South Africa’s own National Health Insurance policy.
Thailand’s commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation was another key theme. Ambassador Pratoomkaew lauded South Africa’s efforts in expanding the BRICS partnership and expressed confidence in its upcoming G20 presidency, noting that both nations are “bridge-builders among diverse groups.”
Collaboration in the field of human rights was also highlighted, with particular reference to the inauguration of the Nelson Mandela Centre for Conflict Resolution, Atrocity Prevention, and Human Security at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok earlier this year.
In closing, the Ambassador reaffirmed Thailand’s dedication to deepening its partnership with South Africa. “I am confident that our cordial ties will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said, proposing a toast to the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Ms. Thandi Fadane, Acting Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, echoed these sentiments. “As we mark 30 years of formal diplomatic relations, a solid foundation has been laid. We have become each other’s most significant trade partners in our respective regions,” she said.
TDS