Islamabad, 5 December 2025 (TDI): At the National Day reception hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy in Islamabad, Ambassador Rongvudhi Virabutr delivered an extensive address reflecting on Thailand’s national observance, the legacy of its late monarchs, and the future direction of Thailand-Pakistan relations.
Welcoming the guests, the Ambassador said it was a moment of both celebration and reflection, as the day marks the National Day of Thailand, the Birthday Anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, and Thailand’s Father’s Day.
He noted that this year’s observance carries added solemnity as it comes during the national mourning period following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother.
Read More: Farewell to Thailand’s Queen Mother
He opened his remarks by paying tribute to King Bhumibol, recalling his seven-decade reign and his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
The Ambassador highlighted the more than four thousand Royal Projects initiated during his tenure, describing them as an enduring foundation for community development across Thailand.
He referred to the philosophy of a sufficiency economy, introduced by the late King, as an approach that continues to guide Thailand’s development vision. The principle that the suffering of the people cannot wait, he added, remains deeply rooted in Thailand’s public policy and international engagement.
Read More: Thai Embassy Marks National Day
Turning to the Queen Mother, the Ambassador described her as the revered Mother of the Nation whose contributions to Thai culture and social welfare left an indelible mark.
He recalled her work to preserve traditional arts and support rural communities, particularly her leadership in promoting Thai textiles and handicrafts. He invited guests to visit the exhibition arranged in her honour, which included visual displays highlighting her cultural legacy.
The Ambassador also noted that the late King’s contributions to soil science led the United Nations to declare Thailand’s National Day as World Soil Day.
He said this stands as a reminder of the practical, science based solutions the late King championed to address community needs.
Linking these values to foreign policy, the Ambassador said that the commitment to addressing people’s welfare shapes Thailand’s engagement with Pakistan.
He described 2025 as a year of intensive progress and noted that both countries are preparing to mark the seventy fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. He added that Thailand’s goal is to bring smiles to the faces of its Pakistani friends, considering this the truest measure of partnership.
A video presentation screened at the event showcased the Embassy’s recent activities and the communities reached through its outreach efforts.
Highlighting one of Thailand’s core priorities, the Ambassador placed strong emphasis on women’s empowerment. He said Thailand believes that empowering women unlocks the full potential of a nation, given that nearly half the population is female.
He outlined the Embassy’s programmes co organised with UN Women, including upskilling initiatives in Swabi and Sialkot that focus on beauty sector training, livelihood generation, and regenerative agriculture. He explained that the training enables women to build sustainable income sources while balancing domestic responsibilities.
He also introduced a guest expert, Miss Jennifer Innes Taylor, known as Jane, who shared her work in sustainable farming and mentored participating women on converting small scale agriculture into reliable livelihoods.
“These activities are not an end but a beginning,” he said, noting that the initiatives aim to deepen the Embassy’s partnership with local authorities and communities. He added that Thailand sees the women of Swabi and Sialkot as long term partners in a shared journey of development.
The Ambassador then turned to economic cooperation, describing it as another major pillar of bilateral engagement. He noted that despite global fluctuations, two way trade has shown strong recovery.
He reaffirmed that the early conclusion of the Pakistan Thailand Free Trade Agreement remains the most important vehicle for expanding economic ties in the coming years.
He also expressed Thailand’s readiness to explore new avenues of investment, particularly in high value sectors such as the halal food industry, where Thailand already holds a strong international position.
In his role as chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad for the latter half of the year, the Ambassador said Thailand is working closely with fellow ASEAN members to increase their collective visibility and engagement in Pakistan.
He noted that enhanced cooperation with ASEAN could lay the groundwork for Pakistan’s aspiration to become a full dialogue partner in the future. The focus, he said, is on making cooperation visible, tangible and real.
Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador returned to the guiding principle of King Bhumibol’s life. He said that Thailand’s partnership with Pakistan is not defined solely by agreements but by the goodwill, trust and smiles created between the peoples of both countries.
He reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to continue working hand in hand with Pakistan for shared progress and mutual benefit.
“Thailand Pakistan Dosti Zindabad,” he said, closing his address to warm applause.
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