Thailand’s overtures to the Kingdom

Tariq A. Al-Maeena

THAILAND’S relationship with Saudi Arabia has been somewhat strained for more than two decades.  But steps toward normalizing relations to previous levels seem to be taking hold.  In September of this year, the first official bilateral talks were held for the first time in more than two decades between officials from the foreign ministries of both countries on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York giving hope to many that relations are bound to ease.  Thailand’s leadership has promised all along to resolve any remaining differences between the two countries.

Recently, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Jeddah celebrated the occasion of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 85th birthday.  The event, which was attended by Saudis and diplomatic figures of various countries, featured an insight into the achievements of the much revered King of Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Thai Consul General Chalee Sakolvari stressed the significance of the event which also included the celebration of the National Day of Thailand.

Shedding some light on the Thai people’s reverence for their king, Consul General Sakolvari said, “For the past six decades, celebration has been held throughout the day, but the evening best captures the spirit and loyalty that the Thai people have for their revered king as they unanimously congregate to light up candles around the Grand Palace and other notable landmarks throughout Bangkok.” 

Consul General Sakolvari said that King Bhumibol, upon ascending to the throne some 60 years ago, promised, “We shall reign with righteousness for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people”. The Consul General added, “His Majesty’s consistent involvement with the public is deeply ingrained in the Thai way of life. Thai people show admiration and profound respect for him, not merely by the symbolic eminence of his kingship, but they truly respect his amicable qualities of humbleness and genuine concern for the well-being of his subjects of all races and religions within the kingdom.”

The world’s longest-serving head of state, King Bhumibol (Poom-mi-phon), meaning “Strength of the Land”, fulfilled the prophecy of his name and carried out his promise to the people by honoring them through countless royal projects and initiatives founded on the principle of building a strong social foundation to ensure sustainability in key areas of development, such as education, public health, irrigation, farming, crop substitution, flood alleviation and even “rainmaking” for drought affected areas.

This noble king also introduced the philosophical concept of “sufficiency economy”, a universal principle based on practicing moderation, stressing the qualities of modesty and humbleness, which can be applied in all areas of life. He recognized that economic prosperity alone cannot sustain development; people need to learn to be self-sufficient, as well. Such philosophies are reflected in the various development initiatives which he has become known for.

King Bhumibol is also known to be a patron of Islam. Some 10 million Muslims in Thailand receive support from the king as well as from the Thai government for the development of their livelihood, hand in hand with the encouragement of free religious practices. Muslim communities are free to practice their faith in complete freedom.

The Consul General concluded by acknowledging the support of Saudi Arabia toward Thai pilgrims in particular.  “On this auspicious occasion, the Thai people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would like to express their deep gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for patronizing, among other things, Haj for Muslims around the world, and for His Majesty’s guidance to the Saudi government’s supportive role in helping in various aspects of its affairs. This has made it possible for about 13,000 Thai Muslim pilgrims, which represent approximately 10 million people residing mostly in the southern part of Thailand, to come to Haj each year in order to realize their life-long dream of spiritual fulfillment. No words could describe our heartfelt gratitude for such a kind gesture.”

And finally, “We, the Thai people, look forward to strengthening the relationship between the two Kingdoms. May Allah the Almighty bless His Majesty King Abdullah with a speedy recovery and soundness of health and spirit.”

Coming from a citizen of the only country in Southeast Asia that has not been occupied by a Western colonial power, such words did indeed sound sincere.  Many Saudis welcome such overtures and would agree with the honorable Consul General that it is time that relations were further strengthened between the two countries.