Islamabad (TDI): The Thai Embassy in Islamabad hosted a reception to mark the National Day of Thailand, which also commemorates the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), celebrated in Thailand as Father’s Day.
The event also paid tribute to the late monarch’s legacy and observed the national mourning period for Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
The reception was attended by Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Federal Minister Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh, Ambassador Rongvudhi Virabutr, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives from Pakistan’s government and private sector.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani congratulated the government and people of Thailand on the National Day and reiterated the commitment to promote cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Kayani expressed satisfaction at the current level of excellent bilateral relations and said the partnership between the two countries “is founded on the principles of mutual trust, cooperation, and the common goals of global peace and development.”
He stressed the importance of promoting comprehensive and long-term partnerships in areas including trade and investment, education, defense, security, culture, and tourism.
He appreciated the importance of close cooperation between Pakistan and Thailand in multilateral forums, ranging from climate change and food insecurity to economic and regional security issues. The Minister appreciated the services of Ambassador Rongwuddi Wirabbitar in improving relations between Thailand and Pakistan.
Earlier, Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of Thailand, said that December 5 is an auspicious occasion as we commemorate National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Birthday Anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and Thailand’s Father’s Day.
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“Today event is taking place during the period of national mourning for the passing of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of the Kingdom of Thailand,” he said. “This evening, we also recall the immense and lasting legacy of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Throughout his 70-year reign, he dedicated his life to the well-being of his people, initiating over four thousand Royal Projects,” the envoy said.
He said that this auspicious day is also recognized by the United Nations as “World Soil Day,” acknowledging the late King’s remarkable contributions to soil science, a clear example of science applied directly to improve people’s livelihoods. This philosophy, that the people’s suffering cannot wait, is the principle guiding our enduring friendship with Pakistan, particularly as we approach the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relationship in 2026.
“The year 2025 has been a year of intense progress, and our commitment to our partners here is driven by that simple, profound goal: to bring the happiest possible smiles to the faces of our Pakistani friends.”
The ambassador highlighted Thailand’s ongoing collaboration with UN Women to uplift women in Swabi and Sialkot, with special focus on beauty & livelihood training for home-based income generation, and regenerative agriculture programs to strengthen rural women’s economic roles.
He introduced Jennifer Innes Taylor (Khun Jane) of Udon Organic Farm, who helped train women in sustainable farming practices. “These activities are only the beginning, from small seeds, great forests grow,” he said.
Ambassador Virabutr emphasized the need to accelerate economic ties, noting that bilateral trade reached USD 1.6 billion last year. He stressed that the Pakistan–Thailand Free Trade Agreement should be concluded “at the earliest” to unlock the next phase of growth.
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He further highlighted Thailand’s interest in expanding collaboration in high-value halal industries, leveraging its global reputation in high-standard food production.
As the current chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, Thailand is also working to enhance ASEAN–Pakistan cooperation and support Pakistan’s aspirations for deeper engagement with the regional bloc.
The evening concluded with a reaffirmation of the warm and growing partnership between Thailand and Pakistan. “As true friends,” Ambassador Virabutr said, “Thailand will continue to work hand-in-hand with Pakistan for the happiness and prosperity of our peoples.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
