5 December 2022 09:24 am Views - 346
Throughout 70 years of his reign, King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great had reigned with righteousness for the benefits and happiness of the Thai people. His Majesty’s lifelong dedication and hard work, culminating in well over 4,000 Royal Sponsored Projects, had immeasurably contributed to the well-being of all Thai citizens. The sufficiency Economic Philosophy bestowed by His Majesty upon the people, has fostered the spirit of self-reliance and self-immunity to withstand social changes and global economic externalities.
Since his Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua acceded the throne as the tenth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty. His Majesty has resolved to continue, preserve and build upon the legacy of His Father in generating happiness and stability for all citizens of the land. His Majesty the King initiated Volunteer Project “Doing Good Deeds for Country, Religion and the Monarchy” with a view to fostering a sense of solidarity, incubating a sense of generosity among the people and a shared sense of responsibility preserving the peace in our beloved nation.
Also on this day 5th December, the international community celebrates the “World Soil Day“ to raise awareness of the importance of soil for agriculture development and food security. The date for the World Soil Day is chosen as a fitting tribute to His Majesty the late King’s lifetime’s work on soil utilization and research, including its preservation in areas of severe deforestation. His Majesty’s works on soil benefit not only Thai people, but also peoples beyond our national boundary.
Multi-Faceted Relations
Thailand and Sri Lanka enjoy close and cordial relations. The unique cultural (Buddhist) tie long existing between Thailand and Sri Lanka has been a strong foundation for bilateral cooperation between the two countries. This year, even with the global and local political and economic challenges, we had made a few significant steps to enhance our relations.
First, earlier in March 2022, H.E. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs attended the 17th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in person in Colombo. This marked the first high-level visit from Thailand to Sri Lanka since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the meeting, The Deputy Prime Minister had met several leaders from BIMSTEC counties and stressed the importance of the region for the security, stability and prosperity of Asia and reiterated Thailand’s readiness to assume the BIMSTEC chairmanship after the successful chairmanship of Sri Lanka.
Second, on 7 June 2022, the Royal Thai Embassy, partnered with the Awarelogue Initiative, organized a seminar on Buddhist Diplomacy at the Buddhist Cultural Centre. The seminar highlighted the role that Buddhism has played to ensure longstanding diplomatic relations between both countries, and high-level connectivity over a long period of time. A book, titled ‘Buddhist Diplomacy – Sri Lanka Thailand Relations,’ by Dr George I. H. Cooke, diplomatic historian and initiator of the Awarelogue Initiative, was also launched on this occasion. The new book serves as a milestone in further advancing people-to-people relations between the two counties through the study of religious and diplomatic ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka.
In addition to the Awarelogue Initiative, from September to October 2022, the Embassy has organized a series of Hoon-Kra-Bork or traditional Thai puppet show and Traditional Thai Musical performance followed by the workshop of the Thai Puppetry Art in Colombo, Galle and Kandy. The event was organized with an aim to encourage cultural exchanges and promote cultural awareness between the two peoples. It is worth mentioning that one of the main venues for the performance is Siam Nivasa, the building which previously housed the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo, located in the vicinity of the Colombo Town Hall, which has recently been transformed by the Royal Thai Embassy into a multifunctional cultural center.
Third, since the beginning of the Sri Lankan’s economic crisis in early 2022, Thai people and civil societies have been at the forefront of providing monetary and material assistance to Sri Lankan people. Notable examples include the donation of THB 800,000 (approx. LKR 8,000,000) from Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Somdet Phra Sangharaj Wat Bovoranives Vihara Foundation under Royal Patronage, the donation of 120 tons of rice from Wat Rama IX Golden Jubilee Temple and the donation of medical supplies and other necessity items worth more than THB 1,800,000 (approx. LKR 18,000,000) from Thai Red Cross Society. It is worth mentioning that these temples handed over their contributions not only to Sri Lankan Buddhists but also to Sri Lankans of various beliefs in the pluralistic society.
Apart from the contributions from Thai private sector, the Royal Thai government has contributed more than LKR 150,000,000 to assist Sri Lankan people during this difficult time. Last month, the Royal Thai Government donated USD 367,550 (approx. LKR 133,000,000) to support UNDP projects in Sri Lanka namely Procurement of Maize Seeds and Backyard Poultry Programme. In addition, the government of Thailand is in the process of sending 3,060 units of much needed Dextran injection to help curb the spread of dengue fever in the country. The overall contribution from Thailand to Sri Lanka is estimated to be more than LKR 300 million, reflecting Thailand’s genuine efforts to provide help to a friend in need during this difficult time. Building on centuries of friendship and partnership, Thailand will continue to stand by Sri Lanka during this challenging journey to help Sri Lanka in all possible ways to respond to and recover from the ongoing humanitarian emergencies and difficulties.
Looking Ahead
We are pleased with the decision of Sri Lanka to resume negotiations on Thailand-Sri Lanka FTA in January 2023 with expected early deliverables by the end of 2023. The FTA will assuredly play a vital role in increasing trade volume between the two counties to the targeted amount of USD 1.5 billion agreed upon by the two sides during the Thai Prime Minister’s visit in 2018. A stronger economic tie between the two countries will pave the way for more comprehensive political, cultural and people-to-people bonds between Thailand and Sri Lanka.
These are just some of the many aspects of our excellent relations. Suffice to say that Thailand is a time-tested friend of Sri Lanka, that we recognize and are optimistic of the potential of this country, and that we are committed to working closely with Sri Lanka for mutual prosperity, sustainable growth, and – needless to say – long lasting friendship.