Palestine–Thailand relations explained

Palestine–Thailand relations were formalized on 1 August 2012,[1] after the Kingdom of Thailand recognized the State of Palestine as a sovereign state on 18 January 2012.[2] Palestine has a non-resident embassy in Kuala Lumpur, which is accredited to the Thai side, and the Thai embassy in Amman is accredited to the Palestinian side. Both countries are members of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue and the Non-Aligned Movement.

History

During the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict, the Thai government supported a peaceful solution to the conflict and called on both Israel and Palestine to show restraint.[3] It further stated that it will continue to support both sides, but will not condone terrorist activities by either side.[4]

In 2016, President Mahmoud Abbas visited Thailand and met with then Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.[5]

As a response to the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his deepest condolences to the government and people of Israel, and condemned Hamas' attack.[6] He also put the Royal Thai Air Force on standby to evacuate its citizens if needed.[7] Deputy foreign affairs minister Jakkapong Sangmanee later said that the country's position was "one of neutrality" and that the government favoured "a solution that would allow Palestine and Israel to coexist."[8]

On 27 October 2023, Thailand was one of 121 countries to vote in favor of a General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire to the fighting between Israel and Gaza.[9]

In order to strengthen bilateral ties, His Excellency Mr. Walid Abu Ali, Palestine's ambassador to Thailand who resides in Kuala Lumpur, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, the Thai government's deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, on 12 January 2024. In addition to expressing satisfaction with the connection, which has been in place for more than 12 years, both parties stated that they are willing to work toward furthering it in any areas where there may be mutual interest, especially in the promotion of trade and tourism.[10]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: การสถาปนาความสัมพันธ์ทางการทูตระหว่างราชอาณาจักรไทยกับรัฐปาเลสไตน์ (MFA Thailand in Thai). https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/153641954675821/453435264696487 . 2022-02-26 . limited. live.
  2. Web site: 'Thailand recognizes Palestinian state'. The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com.
  3. Web site: Thai government statement of the Gaza war. 18 July 2014. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand. Press release. 2017-10-29.
  4. Web site: Thailand to continue to support both Israel and Palestine. 22 July 2014. Thai Visa. NNT. 2017-10-29.
  5. Web site: Thai Premier receives Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas. ASEAN NOW - News, Travel & Forum.
  6. News: 7 October 2023 . ไทยประณามเหตุโจมตีอิสราเอล นายกฯทวิตยันดูแลคนไทยสำคัญที่สุด . th . Thailand condemns attack on Israel The Prime Minister tweeted that taking care of Thai people is the most important thing. . Daily News . live . 7 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231007180024/https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/2788480/ . 7 October 2023.
  7. News: Goldenberg . Tia . Shurafa . Wafaa . Hamas fighters storm Israeli towns in surprise attack; Israel responds with deadly strikes on Gaza . 8 October 2023 . Associated Press . 8 October 2023 . 8 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231008051308/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71 . live .
  8. Web site: Strangio . Sebastian . October 12, 2023 . Death Toll of Thai Workers in Israel Attack Rises to 21 . 2023-10-15 . . en-US.
  9. News: Wintour . Patrick . Patrick Wintour . 2023-10-27 . Israel-Gaza war: UN general assembly calls for 'immediate, durable humanitarian truce' . .
  10. Web site: Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Kingdom of Thailand paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand . 2 March 2024 . Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.