In remarks markings the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand held in Pretoria, South Africa on 5 December 2017, Mr. Paisit Boonparlit, Charge d’Affaire a.i. informed the gathering of over 250 guests who weathered the rain to celebrate our national day that there exist much potential for people-to-people cooperation between Thailand and South Africa. He thanked H.E. Mrs. Susan Shabangu, Minister of Women in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa for graciously representing her government at the celebration held at the Thai House.

            Mr. Boonparlit and Minister Shabangu acknowledge the close ties existing between the two countries that will be enhanced in 2018 as the two countries celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations. They recognize the potential cooperating in the IORA sphere where both countries are committed to cooperate especially after South Africa has assumed the IORA chairmanship since October this year.

            Thailand has lined up a number of activities to mark the milestone in the relationship, indicated the Charge d’Affairs. Acknowledging that the 80,000 South African Tourist that visited Thailand last year has laid the foundation towards closer friendship and understanding. He further expressed the Thai sides willingness to ensure more investment and cooperation in areas including Tourism, Science and Technology, Defense, and Trade. The Thai present head of mission called for closer cooperation in the public and private sector to find concrete ways to remove trade and investment barriers by both sides.

            Mr. Boonparlit shared with South African friends, the legacy of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is beloved and revered by his subject because of his 70 years of devotion and dedication to bettering the lives of Thais in the Kingdom. His Majesty’s sacrifice and achievements were recognized with the United Nations’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 and continues to be honoured by the World Soil Day celebrated annually on H.M. Birthday of 5^th December. King Vajiralongkorn has promulgated that the 5^th of December in Thailand is celebrated as Father’s Day, H.M. the late King’s Birthday and the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand.