Bangladesh - Thailand Political Relations

Diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand was established following Thailand’s recognition of Bangladesh on 5 October 1972. Thailand opened its Embassy in Dhaka in 1974 and Bangladesh established its Embassy in Bangkok in 1975 at the ambassadorial level. Since the establishment of resident Missions, both countries have been working for strengthening their bilateral relations for mutual benefits. Bangladesh and Thailand enjoy excellent bilateral relationship which is deeply rooted in religious, cultural and linguistic linkages of the two countries. Shared commitment to democracy, development and international peace and security has brought the two countries to work closely in many areas of mutual interest.

Since assuming office in 2009, the priority of the present government in Bangladesh has been to deepen and strengthen relations with the neighbouring countries. Thailand indeed occupies an important place in Bangladesh’s foreign policy priority. The renewed momentum in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Thailand is manifested in high number of visits at political level, official interactions, and increased people-to-people contact during the last four years.

The year 2012 was a very significant year in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Thailand. This year was the 40th anniversary year of establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Thailand. Prime Minister of Thailand Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra paid an Official Visit to Bangladesh on 21-22 December 2012 at the invitation of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This was the first Official Visit by a Thai Head of Government to Bangladesh in almost a decade. The Thai Prime Minister led a 108-member official and business delegation, which included, among others, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Commerce, Minister of Industry and other Ministers. This visit has imparted significant boost to the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Thailand.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s very successful visits to Bangladesh thrice in less than two years in December 2011, February 2010 and in May 2018, have also added greater momentum to the cooperative engagement between the two countries.

Bangladesh and Thailand are close partners and greatly value each other in their respective foreign policy matrix. Mr. Kasit Piromya, former Foreign Minister of Thailand visited Bangladesh in June 2009 to hold bilateral consultations on issues of common interests. A return visit by the Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. Dipu Moni to Thailand took place in July 2009 and December 2010. Foreign Ministerial interactions during these visits further strengthened the bilateral ties and expanded the horizon of our bilateral relations.