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Thailand aims to establish a strategic partnership with Türkiye by 2028, when the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations, with defense industry, trade and high-level political cooperation among the main priorities, Thai Ambassador to Ankara Chaturont Chaiyakam said.
Chaiyakam, who presented his credentials to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sept. 8, told Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency that bilateral relations remained below their potential despite growing opportunities.
“We target that Thailand and Türkiye to be strategic partnership,” he said.
Türkiye and Thailand established diplomatic relations in 1958 and will mark their 70th anniversary in 2028.
Chaiyakam said annual bilateral trade stands at about $2 billion, leaving considerable room for growth.
He said the existing joint economic and trade commission could be upgraded to the foreign minister level, allowing the two sides to discuss political, economic and geopolitical issues more broadly.
The new commission could be established as early as 2027, while efforts are also underway to organize high-level visits.
Chaiyakam also pointed to the July 21 decision to establish an ASEAN Dialogue Partnership with Türkiye, saying it could provide additional momentum for bilateral relations.
The ambassador identified defense industry cooperation as a major priority.
“For the defense industry, that's also top on our agenda,” Chaiyakam said.
Thailand plans to send senior naval officials to Türkiye in November to examine Turkish defense companies and technologies.
Chaiyakam also said he was already holding talks with several companies about a possible joint project.
Chaiyakam highlighted Istanbul Airport’s role as a major European aviation hub and Thailand’s position as a hub in mainland Southeast Asia.
Turkish Airlines and Thai Airways have signed a strategic cooperation agreement. Thai Airways operates one or two daily flights to Istanbul, while Turkish Airlines runs at least four flights a day to Bangkok.
The ambassador said stronger aviation links could help the two countries’ populations become more familiar with each other.
Tourism also has room for growth, he added. Chaiyakam has visited Cappadocia and Antalya and described Cappadocia as having strong potential, while noting that the number of Thai visitors remains limited.
He also pointed to similarities between Turkish and Thai traditions, including family values, hospitality, wedding customs and food-sharing culture.
Chaiyakam said Türkiye’s development, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors, had surprised him since his first visit to the country 15 years ago.
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