Thailand and the Holy See have welcomed the longstanding relations between the two countries, spanning over 350 years, including through the exchange of high-level visits, particularly the royal visit to the Vatican by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great in 1960 and the official visit to Thailand by His Holiness Pope Francis in 2019.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow on 19 October 2026 paid a courtesy call on His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, in Vatican City. The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See.

The Thai side expressed appreciation to the Holy See for its humanitarian contributions in Thailand and support for education as well as healthcare through various Catholic hospitals, while the Holy See commended Thailand for its cultural diversity and religious freedom. 

Both sides also welcomed the prospect of concluding an agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports between Thailand and the Holy See, and will continue coordination on this matter. The Thai side also shared updates on important developments in the country, including its recent hosting of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

On this occasion, both sides discussed the importance of multilateralism and the rules-based international order and exchanged views on key international developments, including the situation in the Middle East, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Thailand - Cambodia situation, and developments in Myanmar.

The meeting underscored Thailand and the Holy See’s shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across various fields, particularly in advancing humanitarian values, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.