JEDDAH, 4 April 2004 — Thailand’s bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia are “improving,” according to its new consul general.
“We now have better bilateral relations as private sector representatives in both countries are interacting,” Sukasem Yothasamutr told Arab News.
There are plenty of opportunities and channels available for the two countries to promote cooperation in trade, said Yothasamutr, a Muslim from Bangkok, who recently assumed charge replacing Suvat Chirapant who has been transferred to Riyadh.
The total bilateral trade stood at $2.12 billion in 2003, marking a 31.3 percent increase over the previous year.
The Thai economy is projected to grow at seven to eight percent this year, though some fear that the Thai baht is overvalued and another bubble like the one preceding the 1997 Asian economic crisis could be in the offing.
The consul said about 8,800 Thais performed the last Haj as against 8,374 in the previous year, adding he was grateful to the Kingdom for extending services to his country’s pilgrims year after year.
“Thailand would be happy to contribute toward the welfare of pilgrims,” he said.
Islamic studies have been an attraction for Thai students, 109 of whom study in Madinah and 13 in Makkah.
About 20,000 Thai expats work across the Kingdom, 15,000 in the Western Province alone.
Thailand established diplomatic ties with the Kingdom in 1957, but they became strained after a series of incidents a decade ago.
