{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"Thailand on Global Stage","home_page_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th","feed_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/index\/id\/49","items":[{"id":"7b52e648ca403d8a94b029efcef8fe27","title":"Thai Delegation Joins 63rd ABU General Assembly to Shape Media in the Digital and AI Era ","content_text":"<p><strong>A Thai delegation from the Government Public Relations Department (PRD) has joined media executives and professionals from 224 organizations across 66 countries to exchange perspectives and shape media cooperation amid advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) at the 63rd Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union General Assembly and Associated Meetings (ABU GA).<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Held under the theme &ldquo;Media for Peace and Humanity: Truth, Trust, and Transformation,&rdquo; the ABU GA is taking place from 30 October to 3 November 2026 at Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event brings together ABU members, partners, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond for high-level discussions, knowledge-sharing, networking, and cooperation.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The PRD delegation, led by Ms. Pathamaporn Ratanatilaka na Bhuket, Senior Specialist for Foreign Affairs, participated in the meetings and the official opening ceremony on 1 November. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also attended the opening ceremony.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Sri Lanka&rsquo;s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, highlighted the media&rsquo;s role in bridging communities, promoting diversity, and building trust. He stressed that diplomacy alone cannot secure peace; understanding between people is also essential, with responsible media playing a key role in supporting this goal.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>This year&rsquo;s assembly highlights the role of the media in fostering understanding, reducing conflict, and strengthening public trust. Chevaan Daniel, representing The Capital Maharaja Group, Sri Lanka&rsquo;s host broadcaster, emphasized the importance of cooperation and media ethics in overcoming challenges and building unity. Meanwhile, Zhou Jihong, ABU Vice President and Director-General at China&rsquo;s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), noted that digital technology and AI are reshaping the media landscape. She called on media professionals to pursue truth, build public confidence, and use technology responsibly.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>A full member of the ABU, PRD has maintained active engagement with the ABU network through staff training, knowledge exchanges, and participation in international media competitions. At this year&rsquo;s assembly, the department shared perspectives on strengthening media credibility, presented its work and capabilities, and explored approaches to adapting to AI, while further developing cooperation with ABU member organizations across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/556407","date_published":"2026-11-01T22:38:00"},{"id":"b7d8288d4ed8e95d9a5269c07608c36c","title":"Thai Prime Minister\u2019s Bhutan Visit Spurs New Bilateral Opportunities ","content_text":"<p><strong>Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has hailed his official visit to Bhutan from 30 October to 1 November 2026, strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation while creating business opportunities for both nations.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Prime Minister on 1 November gave an interview with the Television Pool of Thailand on the success of his visit to Bhutan, saying that the two countries had signed three important documents, covering cooperation in public health, clean energy, and agricultural finance.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Prime Minister stated that although Bhutan has a population of around 800,000, it is a country rich in natural resources with significant potential for economic development, particularly in clean energy, including both hydropower and solar energy. This presents a great opportunity for the Thai private sector to invest and participate in developing energy infrastructure.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>During the visit, he said, both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation and investment opportunities in high-potential sectors in order to increase bilateral trade and investment value in the future. The visit, in particular, will open up the Thai market and promote Thai investments in Bhutan.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Concerning agriculture, which is a key economic sector of Bhutan, Thailand is ready to promote cooperation in agricultural development and technology transfer, particularly through collaboration with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives to support access to funding, enhance farmers&#39; potential, and upgrade the agricultural sector of both countries. This will also increase opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to expand their markets for goods and services into Bhutan and the South Asian region.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Regarding public health, the Prime Minister said that Thailand places great importance on continuously supporting and developing health cooperation with Bhutan, including the transfer of medical knowledge, personnel development, and providing opportunities for Bhutanese medical and nursing students to receive training in Thailand. Signing this health cooperation agreement will help elevate medical cooperation and promote the referral of patients from Bhutan for treatment in Thailand, which offers a high standard of&nbsp;medical services, benefiting the health systems of both countries.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Prime Minister also visited Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). He said that Gelephu is Bhutan&#39;s future urban development project, aimed at being developed into a special economic zone alongside the promotion of religious and cultural tourism. The Prime Minister was of the view that this project holds potential and represents a key opportunity for Thai investors wanting&nbsp;to participate in developing the city &ndash; covering infrastructure, clean energy, tourism, and service businesses &ndash; which will help open new markets for the Thai private sector and expand economic connectivity between the two countries.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/556371","date_published":"2026-11-01T15:42:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20261101370f45e21a8275bf837a90648f975aa0161528.jpeg"},{"id":"2bcb84fe79d0f03fdf332e830639cb2e","title":"Thailand Urges Bhutan to Open Infrastructure and Logistics Markets to Thai Firms","content_text":"<p><strong>Thailand has urged Bhutan to open up opportunities for the Thai private sector to participate in developing infrastructure, logistics system, clean energy, and industrial estates in Bhutan, especially in the city of Gelephu, which holds great potential for future economic development.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Prime Minister Autin Charnvirakul on 30 October 2026 had a meeting with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay during his official visit to Bhutan from 30 October to 1 November. Thailand is ready to push for the expansion of bilateral cooperation, particularly in making use of the Thai-Bhutanese free trade agreement (FTA) to increase Thai agricultural, food, and automobile exports, as well as promoting the Thai private-sector investments.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The two&nbsp;sides also discussed greater cooperation in public health and human resource development in order to create opportunities and benefits for their people. Bhutan is encouraging&nbsp;its people to seek more medical treatment in Thailand, which has many medical experts and modern establishments.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Bhutanese Prime Minister was of the view&nbsp;that the FTA would help enhance the competitiveness of Thai products in Bhutan, especially the automotive and food-processing industries. Bhutan is interested in importing more automobiles from Thailand, while Thailand may use raw materials from Bhutan to increase value of its products in food-processing.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Prime Minister Anutin noted that vast opportunities can be&nbsp;seen for the trade and investment expansion between the two countries and said that Thailand has great potential to export food and agricultural products of high quality, such as Hom Mali rice, seafood, chicken, and pork, which are in need in Bhutan.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>He proposed that a business forum be held between the private sectors of both sides to explore more business opportunities in the fields in which&nbsp;they&nbsp;have strong potential, such as technology, energy, and infrastructure.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Both sides also emphasized close relations between the Royal Families of the two countries, which is a major foundation for promoting bilateral cooperation. Also on 30 October, Prime Minister Anutin met the Thai community in Bhutan, saying that Thai people there have played a vital role in serving as &ldquo;ambassadors&rdquo; to help strengthen relations and better understanding between the peoples of both countries.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/556176","date_published":"2026-10-31T12:28:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202610317f303f805ca685f3d5ad38cede129dfe123838.jpeg"},{"id":"b3eb97642570f00851fb558928ba2c9e","title":"Radio Thailand Spotlights Programs and Initiatives at 63rd ABU General Assembly","content_text":"<p><strong>Representing Radio Thailand and the Government Public Relations Department (PRD), Ms. Panignicha Krairiksh, Director of the International Broadcasting Division, delivered a presentation titled &quot;The Sound of Humanity and Soft Power&quot; during the 63rd ABU General Assembly in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 30 October 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The 63rd ABU General Assembly and Associated Meetings are&nbsp;being held from 30 October to 3 November under the theme &quot;Media for Peace and Humanity: Truth, Trust and Transformation.&quot; Speaking at Forum A, Ms. Panignicha highlighted Radio Thailand&rsquo;s role as a global bridge through three key pillars on the international broadcasting stage: (1) Music that Connects, featuring the iconic PRD Band and its inclusive initiatives; (2) Partnerships that Unite, supporting international diplomacy; and (3) Thailand on the Global Stage, showcasing major events.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The presentation featured key cultural and public service projects that have successfully transitioned into the digital era. These included the timeless music program, which has expanded into online concerts, and the special theme song &quot;Rise of The New Horizons,&quot; which Ms. Panignicha personally penned for the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings hosted recently by Thailand.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The audience also learned about Radio Thailand&#39;s localized impact through its award-winning public service programming, which bridges the gap between citizens and government agencies, as well as FM88&#39;s digital-forward language content like &quot;Talk to Thai&quot; on short-form social video platforms.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Concluding her address, Ms. Panignicha shared Radio Thailand&rsquo;s forward-looking operational philosophy, &quot;AI to Draft, Human to Craft.&quot; While the network actively integrates AI and advanced digital tools to optimize production workflows, she emphasized that human-led storytelling, deeply rooted in empathy and creativity, remains irreplaceable. By combining technological adaptation with a profound commitment to public service, Radio Thailand reaffirmed its stance as a transformative force for truth, trust, and global harmony.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) is the largest professional association of broadcasting organizations in the Asia-Pacific region, dedicated to promoting the development of radio and television broadcasting and fostering regional cooperation. As Thailand&#39;s official state member within this prestigious union, PRD &ndash; through key arms like Radio Thailand &ndash; continues to strengthen international broadcasting ties, exchange media innovations, and elevate the country&rsquo;s media presence on the global stage.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/556153","date_published":"2026-10-31T08:41:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20261031bdbd334b5756acd9a750a23100895148090447.jpeg"},{"id":"9c247c169c41d97f0cb3ec8719a67ba7","title":"Thai Electrical Engineer Wins ABU Developing Broadcasters\u2019 Excellence Award 2026","content_text":"<p><strong>Mr. Yuthapong Panthachai, a senior electrical engineer at the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), Government Public Relations Department (PRD), has won the Developing Broadcasters&rsquo; Excellence Award 2026 from the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU).<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The award was presented on 30 October 2026 at the ABU Technical Committee Meeting, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of the 63rd ABU General Assembly and Associated Meetings.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>It recognizes his outstanding work in designing and developing an automated monitoring system for NBT Broadcasting &ndash; Second Generation Terrestrial (DVB-T2) transmission, improving abnormal-condition detection, reducing response and maintenance times, and enhancing the continuity and reliability of television broadcasting services.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The system was built in-house, from programming and testing to real-world deployment, using Python with SNMP and Modbus communication technologies.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>This achievement reflects the skills and creativity of the PRD&rsquo;s personnel in applying modern technology to real operational challenges. It elevates broadcasting standards and brings pride to the PRD on the international stage.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/556134","date_published":"2026-10-30T19:22:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20261030a1226d6fb9c86ab15d8bd5759169202e194129.jpeg"},{"id":"bc5fd331238645e1bc7f0c9e32b312ae","title":"Official Visit to Bhutan by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul","content_text":"<p><strong>Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 30 October to 1 November 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay,&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The visit marks the first official visit to Bhutan by a Thai Prime Minister in eight years and reaffirms the exceptionally close friendship between the two countries.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Prime Minister will have a bilateral meeting with his Bhutanese counterpart to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation across all areas, including high-level collaboration, trade and investment, human resource development, public health, clean energy, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>During the visit, Prime Minister Anutin will also travel to Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) on 1 November 2026 to participate in Project 108, a royal initiative of His Majesty the King of Bhutan to complete 108 Jangchub Chortens (stupas) in a single coordinated day (1 November 2026).&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>He will witness the signing of three important documents to enhance cooperation between Thailand and Bhutan. The Prime Minister will also have an audience with the King and Queen of Bhutan before returning to Thailand.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Bhutan signed a free trade agreement (FTA) on 3 April 2025, which laid the foundation for long-term economic partnership and strategic engagement between the two countries. The FTA will be effective on 1 January 2027.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/555831","date_published":"2026-10-29T23:27:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20261030e2988e5427a9fc17bf3d5a8944e98d29075901.jpeg"},{"id":"bb6efd0bff258f3d6bde8d80e01eb793","title":"Bangkok Gears Up for the Global Summit of Women 2027","content_text":"<p><strong>The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently met with the organizers of the Global Summit of Women (GSW) to discuss preparations for the 2027 summit, which will be held in Bangkok.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nThe GSW will bring together leaders from government, business, and civil society from around the world. Its goals are to empower women to drive economic growth, strengthen international cooperation, and promote sustainability.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nTo support the summit, TAT will help promote the event and introduce delegates to Thailand&#39;s premium health and beauty products and services. The aim is to give every participant a high-value experience of Thai wellness at its best.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nThe summit will take place in Bangkok on 10-12 June 2027. Hosting it shows that Thailand is ready to welcome the world as a world-class tourism hub and a Global Health &amp; Healing Destination.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><img alt=\"\" src=\"\/cms\/s285\/u1211\/Info2026\/10262026.4.png\" style=\"width: 940px; height: 788px;\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/554477","date_published":"2026-10-26T15:57:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202610261c39f4ebf8bf5d2bb25d60738cce11fc155724.png"},{"id":"74615cba924daeaaa6b2c46209994ed2","title":"Thailand and Portugal Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation","content_text":"<p><strong>Thailand and Portugal have welcomed the positive development of bilateral relations, which have a longstanding history spanning more than 515 years, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow held discussions with Mr. Paulo Rangel, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of the Portugal, at the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon on 23 October 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The discussions covered cooperation across various areas. On the economic front, both sides explored ways to promote trade and investment, including business matching in potential areas, such as renewable energy, startups, innovation and digital economy. Also discussed was promoting development cooperation in third countries under the Thailand - Africa Initiative.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Within the framework of Thailand - European Union relations, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Portugal&rsquo;s support for the Thailand - EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. He also sought Portugal&rsquo;s continued support for Thailand&rsquo;s accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and for pursuing visa exemption for Thai passport holders travelling to the Schengen Area.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>In addition, both sides exchanged views on enhancing cooperation between ASEAN and Portugal, as well as the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). They also discussed international and regional developments, including the Thailand - Cambodia border situation, the situation in Myanmar, the Russia&ndash;Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Middle East.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Both sides also signed the Thailand-Portugal Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports. The agreement will facilitate travels by government officials of both countries and further strengthen exchanges of visits and bilateral cooperation.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Thailand also congratulated Portugal on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/553912","date_published":"2026-10-24T20:35:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202610259cd7b9079ad3def477afe0f19736c748080304.jpeg"},{"id":"8c1c11f6f9e02845b5eb88e1b0142631","title":"Thailand and Spain Expand Their Relations and Cooperation","content_text":"<p><strong>Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with Mr. Jos&eacute; Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain co-chaired the 8th Thailand - Spain Political Consultations in Madrid on 21 October 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The report from the Ministry of foreign Affairs stated that it marked the first time the meeting was elevated to the ministerial level, reflecting the growing interest both sides attach to their relations and cooperation.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Both sides discussed ways to enhance political and security cooperation, including promoting high-level exchanges, as well as defense and security cooperation, particularly relating to cybersecurity and combating online scams.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>On economic cooperation, both sides discussed promoting trade and investment, which have potential for further growth, particularly in renewable energy, medical technology, nanotechnology and infrastructure development. They also supported cooperation in the defense industry, as well as research and innovation. In addition, both sides discussed promoting tourism cooperation and supporting a resumption of direct flights between Bangkok and Madrid.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Within the Thailand - European Union (EU) framework, Thailand sought Spain&rsquo;s support for advancing the Thailand - EU Free Trade Agreement. They also discussed promoting ASEAN - EU cooperation and Thailand&rsquo;s accession process to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Thailand also pursued cooperation toward visa exemption for Thai nationals travelling to the Schengen Area and sought support to Thailand&rsquo;s candidatures in the elections of international organizations.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Both sides then exchanged views on key international and regional developments, including the Russia - Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Middle East, the Thailand - Cambodia situation, and the situation in Myanmar.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>On this occasion, both sides signed the Agreement on the Exemption of Visa Requirements for Holders of Official Passports and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Diplomatic School of Spain. They also expressed support for expediting the signing of a memorandum of understanding on infrastructure and transport in the future.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak delivered a keynote address with Mr. Jos&eacute; Manuel Albares at the opening of the 4th Spain &ndash; Thailand Forum, held under the theme &quot;Innovation, Technology and Cooperation for a Shared Digital Future&quot; at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation in Madrid.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the Forum as a Track 1.5 platform building on the outcomes of the 8th Thailand&ndash;Spain Political Consultations held earlier the same day. He welcomed Spain&#39;s Asia-Pacific Strategy 2026&ndash;2029 as an opportunity to expand cooperation in science, technology and education. Amid major-power competition, Thailand and Spain, as middle powers, can jointly uphold the rules-based international order, in line with Thailand&#39;s &quot;Act from the Middle&quot; approach and Diplomacy 2.0, which seeks to engage all sectors.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Deputy Prime Minister also reiterated that the Forum will enable leading academics from Thailand and Spain to exchange views and explore avenues for cooperation in cybersecurity, smart cities, and science and technology.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Forum was co-organized by the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), the International Studies Center (ISC), and Casa Asia as the main partners with support from the Royal Thai Embassy in Madrid and the Embassy of Spain in Bangkok. Government and academic experts took part from Thammasat University, NXPO, STIPI and depa on the Thai side, and from Adigital, Elcano Royal Institute, Barcelona City Council, Anteverti, Spanish National Research Council, Center for Technological Development and Innovation, on the Spanish side.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/553641","date_published":"2026-10-23T10:10:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20261023bc7a1f8bfa006aaa1db0ea5dd4911be2114652.jpeg"},{"id":"f33b7a0a228e36a0078688f466275fde","title":"Thailand and Italy Move to Elevate Bilateral Ties to Strategic Partnership","content_text":"<p><strong>Thailand and Italy have welcomed their close relations and discussed ways to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership in conjunction with the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2028.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>On 20 October 2026, Ms. Somrudee Poopornanake, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, together with Ms. Jaithai Upakarnitikaset, Director-General of the Department of Information, held a meeting with Ms. Nicoletta Bombardiere, Director-General for Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy in Rome.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The discussions covered the promotion of trade, investment, and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including advanced industries, clean energy, agriculture, science, technology and innovation, workforce skills development, and security and defense.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Both sides exchanged views on progress in the negotiations of agreement and memorandum of understanding in the fields of agriculture and defense, and potential development cooperation with African countries through Thailand&rsquo;s Thailand&ndash;Africa Initiative and Italy&rsquo;s Mattei Plan.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>In addition, the two sides discussed Thailand&ndash;European Union relations, particularly negotiations of the Thailand&ndash;EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), potential visa cooperation for Thai nationals, and Italy&rsquo;s support for Thailand&rsquo;s accession to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). They also exchanged views on international developments and key regional issues, including the Thailand-Cambodia situation, Myanmar, and Russia-Ukraine war.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>On this occasion, the Thai side conveyed an invitation from Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, for Mr. Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, to pay an official visit to Thailand.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Meanwhile, on 21 October, Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak held a telephone discussion with Mr. Antonio Tajani, Thailand expressed appreciation to the Government of Italy for conferring the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, at the rank of Knight Grand Cross, upon H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya on 20 October.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Both deputy prime ministers reaffirmed the importance of the cordial relations between the two countries, which are important partners in the respective regions. They then discussed ways toward elevating bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership and enhancing economic cooperation, trade and investment, particularly in the areas of medical science, agriculture, clean energy, and digitalization.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/49\/iid\/553241","date_published":"2026-10-22T09:43:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20261022545d337a09d8cb89a3e8e28cd3fc6937095327.jpg"}]}