--By Suraksha Adhikari

 

Nepal and Thailand established diplomatic relations fifty years ago. The status of diplomatic representation was raised from Ministerial level to the Ambassadorial level in May 1969. Resident diplomatic missions at Charge d’Affaires level were opened in each other’s capitals in 1969, which were subsequently upgraded to Ambassadorial level in 1980.

 

Nepal and Thailand have been bound by similarity of culture and shared values. There is very good friendship, goodwill and understanding between the two countries.

 

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, in addition to other cooperation between Nepal and Thailand, Thailand has been providing a number of short-term and long-term scholarships for Nepalese students in medicine, engineering, economics, communication, agriculture and other areas under the Technical Cooperation scheme among Developing Countries through Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and other cooperation schemes.

 

In order to foster economic cooperation between the two countries, a Joint Working Group at the level of Foreign Secretaries was established for the first time in 1984. The first meeting of the Joint Working Group was held in Kathmandu in 1986. The Joint Working Group was upgraded to Joint Commission in 1990 at the Foreign Secretary level. The Joint Commission has been coordinating cooperative relations between the two countries. The first meeting of the Joint Commission took place in 1990 in Thailand and the Second one in Kathmandu in 1996. A meeting of the Joint Commission is held regularly as scheduled by both countries. Joint Commission focuses on exploring the possibilities to further expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, foreign investment, Tourism, civil aviation, and culture.

 

Since the establishment of Nepal Thailand diplomatic relations, the overall relations between two countries have always been excellent, and based on mutual trust, respect and understanding. They have close cooperation in various fields of common interest and mutual concerns. Both of the country have worked together to strengthen their relations and supported each other in international and regional forums.

 

 

Thai Cooperation in Lumbini

 Thai people and Government have tremendous goodwill towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The Thai Government has built a Temple of Thai style in Lumbini. The Royal Thai Monastery is located in the vicinity of the birthplace of Lord Buddha at the Lumbini Sacred Garden. The construction has been funded by the Royal Thai Government and the devoted Thai Buddhists followers. The project was initiated to honour the celebration of commemorating the 50th Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the Throne.

 

Exchange of Visits

Exchange of visits at high level has played important role in developing mutual understanding between Nepal and Thailand. Contacts at various levels have provided opportunity to exchange views on a range of issues of mutual interest, both bilateral and international. Besides, they have enhanced the prospects for broader political and economic relations.

 

Bilateral Trade, Tourism and Investment

Thailand’s experience basically in the field of agriculture, small and medium enterprises and Tourism can be beneficial to Nepal.  Nepal Chambers of Commerce and Thai Chambers of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding on May 20, 2004 in Bangkok for promoting bilateral trade and commerce. Thai investment has been realized in manufacturing, production of mineral water, hotel business, restaurant, etc. Thailand has become an important tourist market for Nepal in the recent years. A number of Thai people visit Nepal every year, particularly to pay pilgrimage to Lumbini. Many of them also make a tour in other parts to enjoy the scenic and natural beauty of Nepal. There are direct and regular flights operated by both Nepali and Thai airlines linking capitals of Nepal and Thailand, which greatly promote trade and Tourism between the two countries. 

 

 

Nepal - Thailand Economic and Technical Cooperation

Thailand is providing a number of short term and long term scholarships to Nepalese students in medicine, engineering, economics, communication, agriculture and other areas under Colombo Plan and Technical Cooperation scheme among Developing Countries through Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA).

 

Thailand government has supported Nepal in terms of human resource development by providing over 30 scholarships per year for higher education and short training courses for Nepali government officials in many areas as public health, agriculture, education, tourism and rural development.

 

Religious and Cultural Cooperation

Religious and cultural cooperation is also the major aspect of the long standing relationship between Nepal and Thailand. Ninety per cent of Thai people are Buddhist while Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Over 50, 000 Thai pilgrims visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, every year.  

 

Trade 

Trade relation between Nepal and Thailand is heavily in favour of Thailand. Nepal imports electrical goods, construction materials, clothing, transport and telecommunication goods from Thailand and exports to Thailand consist of handicrafts, woollen carpets and Nepalese paper products.  In terms of import trade, Thailand is one of the largest partners for Nepal, accounting to around 5 percent of the total trade. Over 80 different varieties of merchandize ranging from palm oil products, processed food to rubber products to motor vehicles, their parts and industrial goods are imported into Nepal. There has been a surge in the import trade from Thailand in the recent years. 

 

Nepal’s exports to Thailand, though very small now, show some prospect for growth. Possible areas for further exploration can be hides and skin, Himalayan herbs and herbal products, handicrafts, garments, jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones etc.

 

Nepal can take benefit from Thailand’s experience basically in the field of agriculture, small and medium enterprises and tourism. 

 

Tourism

About 94% of Thai population is Buddhist. Thousands of Thai people visit Nepal every year for religious purpose and also enjoy natural beauty of Nepal. Thailand has become an important tourist market for Nepal in the recent years. The figure of Thai tourist visiting to Nepal for last four years is as follows:

 

Investment

Thai investment has been realized in the sectors of manufacturing, production of mineral water, hotel business, restaurant, etc. Thailand has invested Rs.116.29 Million in 11 different industries creating 1159 jobs for Nepali people.