On Wednesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. paid tribute to Thai Ambassador Tull Traisorat for his significant role in enhancing bilateral ties between the Philippines and Thailand. During a heartfelt farewell call at Malacañan Palace, the President expressed his gratitude for the ambassador’s contributions to the strengthened alliance between the two nations.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for everything you have done to bring our countries closer,” President Marcos remarked. “Thailand and the Philippines have forged many new agreements and alliances in the past years.”
The President highlighted that the cooperation between the Philippines and Thailand in post-pandemic recovery, economic policies, and diplomatic engagements has seen remarkable progress during the ambassador’s tenure.
Ambassador Traisorat, in turn, expressed his appreciation for his “very fruitful and rewarding” time in the Philippines.
Over the years, the Philippines and Thailand have signed 54 bilateral agreements covering various sectors, including air services, agriculture, visa-free entry, tourism, and technical, scientific, and cultural cooperation. Both countries have also collaborated on issues such as illicit trafficking prevention, trade and industry, and defense logistics.
In 2023, Thailand emerged as the Philippines’ seventh major trading partner, eighth largest export market, and sixth largest import supplier. The total trade between the two nations amounted to $10.81 billion, with $2.93 billion in Philippine exports and $7.87 billion in imports from Thailand.
In the same year, remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Thailand reached $64.72 million, with 32,950 Filipinos living and working in Thailand as of October 2023.
This year marks the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand, a partnership that has been flourishing since June 14, 1949.
