Foreign Ministry

  • Politics NewsThailand-US ties remain strong despite US election outcome

    Thailand-US ties remain strong despite US election outcome

    Thailand maintains a robust diplomatic relationship with the United States, a bond that Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa believes will endure regardless of Donald Trump’s US presidential election victory. Speaking yesterday at Wing 6’s Military Terminal 2 in Bangkok’s Don Mueang district, Maris conveyed confidence in the continuity of bilateral ties, highlighting their historical strength and mutual goals. “Our relationship…

  • Thailand NewsThailand seeks OECD membership for global economic standing

    Thailand seeks OECD membership for global economic standing

    Thailand aims to elevate its global standing by seeking membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as announced by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. This move highlights the country’s strategic alignment with the OECD’s objectives, further underscored by the formal launch of Thailand’s OECD Accession Process. Maris shared these developments yesterday, October 30, during an event organised by…

  • Thailand NewsThailand joins BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, aims to boost ties

    Thailand joins BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, aims to boost ties

    Thailand will participate in the 4th BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, with Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa representing the country instead of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as announced yesterday, October 17. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Nikorn Balankura confirmed that Thailand will join the meeting, scheduled from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Tatarstan, upon the invitation of Russian President Vladimir…

  • Thailand News93 countries including Singapore will require ETA for Thai entry

    93 countries including Singapore will require ETA for Thai entry

    Soon, Singaporeans and travellers from 92 other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before their trip to the Land of Smiles. Reports suggest a pilot programme might kick off in December, with full implementation expected by June 2025. However, The Straits Times has learned that the exact launch date is still up in the…

  • Thailand NewsForeign minister: China’s banking giant to boost tech investment

    Foreign minister: China’s banking giant to boost tech investment

    Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa met with Ge Haijiao, Chairman of the Bank of China, on Wednesday, July 10, during his official visit to China. The meeting, held to bolster Thai-Chinese economic ties, saw the presence of Pongsarun Assawachaisophon, Deputy Secretary-General to the prime minister. In a strategic pitch, Maris extended an invitation to the Bank of China to…

  • Thailand NewsChinese foreign minister calls for ASEAN regional cooperation

    Chinese foreign minister calls for ASEAN regional cooperation

    During a meeting between the Thai and Chinese foreign ministers to discuss the consultation mechanisms between the two nations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised the importance of upholding the ASEAN-centered East Asian regional cooperation framework and rejecting exclusive small circles. Wang and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa co-chaired the second meeting between the foreign ministers. This two-day visit marked…

  • Thailand NewsSingapore foreign minister visits Thailand to discuss bilateral issues

    Singapore foreign minister visits Thailand to discuss bilateral issues

    Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan kicked off his official visit to Thailand today, answering the call of his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa. Today’s packed agenda includes a working luncheon with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and a formal welcome dinner hosted by Maris. According to the Thai Foreign Ministry, the two leaders are set to discuss key bilateral issues, fortifying…

  • Thailand NewsMFP minister faces tough questions on foreign policy

    MFP minister faces tough questions on foreign policy

    Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Chulapong Yukate demanded that Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reveal his vision for Thailand’s foreign policy. The call came during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting, leaving the nation eager for answers. Chulapong, who serves as the deputy chairperson of the committee stated that the public wants to know in which direction the foreign minister…

  • Thailand NewsThai foreign minister jets off to Japan for diplomatic meeting

    Thai foreign minister jets off to Japan for diplomatic meeting

    The Thai Foreign Minister is gearing up for a crucial diplomatic mission to Japan amidst mounting concerns over the potential revocation of visa-free privileges for Thai travellers. Reports suggest that Japan is contemplating this drastic measure due to a surge in Thais overstaying their welcome. In a statement released today, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara acknowledged Japan’s right to enforce its laws but…

  • Thailand NewsDeputy foreign minister backs Mekong region trade

    Deputy foreign minister backs Mekong region trade

    To revitalise cross-border commerce, the Thailand deputy foreign minister made a pivotal visit to Chiang Saen Port on Monday, accentuating its pivotal role in the lower Mekong region. With cross-border trade in Chiang Rai soaring to an estimated 100 billion baht last year, according to the Foreign Ministry, the port’s strategic location where the Kok and Mekong Rivers converge offers…

  • Thailand NewsThailand bids to host International Horticultural Expo 2029

    Thailand bids to host International Horticultural Expo 2029

    Thailand has thrown its hat into the ring to host the International Horticultural Expo in 2029. The Southeast Asian nation has set its sights on attracting up to four million visitors during the four-month-long event. The Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman, Kanchana Patarachoke, announced yesterday that the government has proposed the 25th global event to take place in Nakhon Ratchasima, with…

  • Thailand NewsAustralian governor-general to visit Thailand, strengthening ties

    Australian governor-general to visit Thailand, strengthening ties

    The longstanding ties between Thailand and Australia are set to be celebrated as Governor-General of Australia David John Hurley prepares for a visit to Thailand from February 13 to 17. The visit, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promises to be a significant event in the annals of both nations. The itinerary of the visit includes a royal…

  • Thailand NewsForeign Ministry warns against Thai consulate fraudsters

    Foreign Ministry warns against Thai consulate fraudsters

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued a red alert, cautioning citizens worldwide against a surge in scam attempts by fraudsters posing as Thai consulate officials. The warning stems from a barrage of reports concerning deceitful social media accounts and phone numbers purportedly linked to Thai consulates, spreading in Australia and Japan. According to Ministry spokesperson Kanchana Patarachoke, Australian…

  • Thailand NewsChinese foreign minister begins four-day visit to Thailand

    Chinese foreign minister begins four-day visit to Thailand

    Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will sign a Thailand-China visa exemption agreement during his much-anticipated four-day official visit to Thailand. Wang Yi and his Thai counterpart, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, are prepared to co-sign the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption. This deal will reshape the travel landscape for ordinary passport holders and passport-wielding public figures starting March 1. Starting…

  • Thailand NewsThailand and Palestine to join forces to free Thai hostages

    Thailand and Palestine to join forces to free Thai hostages

    Thailand and Palestine promised to take their 12-year relationship to new heights with discussions on tourism and trade between Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara and Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of the State of Palestine. Both sides conveyed their pleasure at the strong Thai-Palestinian relations that have flourished since August 1, 2012. With the Thai embassy in Amman, Jordan, assuming control of…

  • Thailand NewsThai-Saudi economic extravaganza: Mega Fair 2023 takes Riyadh by storm

    Thai-Saudi economic extravaganza: Mega Fair 2023 takes Riyadh by storm

    The Thailand Mega Fair 2023 descended upon the Arena Riyadh, heralding a four-day fiesta of premium Thai products and services that has the Saudi Arabian capital buzzing with excitement until Saturday, December 16. Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, doubling as deputy prime minister, kicked off the festivities with an inauguration that not only marked the start of the grand event but…

  • Thailand NewsTop Thai diplomats convene at forum to strategise foreign policy

    Top Thai diplomats convene at forum to strategise foreign policy

    Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara yesterday inaugurated a forum for top-ranking diplomats. The forum’s objective is to navigate foreign policy to protect and promote the nation’s interests amidst a progressively divided world. Held in Bangkok, the annual forum concludes on November 24, with 97 Thai ambassadors, consuls-general, charges d’affaires, heads of Thai permanent missions and trade representatives in attendance. In his…

  • Visa InformationThai e-visa system expanded, upgraded

    Thai e-visa system expanded, upgraded

    The Thai e-visa system has been expanded and upgraded, so tourists from around the world will soon be able to apply for Thai visas more easily. The Foreign Ministry has been tasked with refining the e-visa system so that it can handle the very large number of tourists who want to use it. The Foreign Ministry’s Trisulee Trisaranakul explained that…

  • Tourism NewsHotels now required to confirm paid room bookings and PCR tests with government

    Hotels now required to confirm paid room bookings and PCR tests with government

    As part of the revamped Test & Go entry scheme, hotels are now required to confirm Thailand Pass bookings within 30 hours or applications will be rejected automatically. According to a Bangkok Post report, hotels must verify room bookings and PCR test appointments with the Foreign Ministry in order for a Thailand Pass application to be approved. Yuthasak Supasorn, governor…

  • Tourism NewsSuccesses and failures in the Thailand Pass programme

    Successes and failures in the Thailand Pass programme

    Now that the Thailand Pass has been open for about a week, some successes and failures of the revised system replacing the Certificate of Entry are noticeable. The government has issued a warning against a fake registration site, Hotmail accounts not working, and why you might not receive your confirmation, while at the same time applauding more than 50,000 Thailand…

  • Covid-19 NewsForeign Ministry denies it wouldn’t work with other countries to get vaccines

    Foreign Ministry denies it wouldn’t work with other countries to get vaccines

    A Foreign Ministry spokesperson has denied claims that officials wouldn’t cooperate with other countries in the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines. According to a Nation Thailand report, Tanee Sangrat insists Thailand has worked with a number of countries in accepting donations, swapping vaccines, and other areas of cooperation. “The ministry has used various channels, such as vaccine swaps, accepting donations, and…

  • Covid-19 NewsVirologist says British strain likely brought in by people crossing Cambodian border

    Virologist says British strain likely brought in by people crossing Cambodian border

    Renowned virologist Yong Poovorawan says it’s highly probable that the UK variant was brought in by Thais or migrant workers crossing the border from Cambodia. He says the variant, officially known as the B117 strain, has been detected in over 1,500 Covid patients in Cambodia since February 20. The variant, which is 1.7 times more contagious than the original strain,…

  • Thailand NewsUS Senate support for protest movement won’t impact Thailand – Foreign Minister

    US Senate support for protest movement won’t impact Thailand – Foreign Minister

    The United States Senate’s support for Thailand’s pro-democracy movement won’t have any impact, according to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Don Pramudwinai. The US Senate recently introduced a resolution supporting the movement and calling on the Thai government to uphold human rights and refrain from “harassing, intimidating or persecuting those engaged in peaceful protests.” The US resolution is…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | No STV tourists, Boss in Dubai, border fears in Tak | October 13

    Thailand News Today | No STV tourists, Boss in Dubai, border fears in Tak | October 13

    Daily news about Thailand. Latest information, and tourism and visa news. No one in Guangzhou applied for the Special Tourist Visa, Foreign Ministry In a stunning revelation yesterday, it turns out that not a single person from Guangzhou, China, actually applied for the new Special Tourist Visa. That’s the sad and bizarre truth, according to Thai media outlet Siamrath. Around…

  • Covid-19 NewsChina closes its borders, only allowing Chinese nationals, diplomats and C visas to enter

    China closes its borders, only allowing Chinese nationals, diplomats and C visas to enter

    How the tables can turn within a month or so. Due to the rapid global spread of the Covid-19 virus, China’s Foreign Ministry has announced that they will temporarily suspend all entries into China. This will also include foreign nationals holding valid visas or residence permits in China. Doors closed, but with a few minor exceptions. “The suspension will be starting…