DUBAI: Thailand’s prime minister arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for the first high-level meeting since relations between the nations soured three decades ago over a sensational jewellary heist that led to a diplomatic row and string of mysterious killings.

The official visit by Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to Riyadh signals the nations are seeking to thaw ties, long chilled by the 1989 scandal. Saudi Arabia downgraded its diplomatic relations with Thailand over the theft that became known as the Blue Diamond affair. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gave Prayuth of a royal welcome, guiding the prime minister down the lavender carpet rolled out for important state visits and taking him to the kings Al-Yamamah Palace for talks.

The Saudi government statement about the visit was vague, saying only it showed the kingdom’s “keenness to strengthen joint relations and build bridges of communication with all countries around the world.

A priceless 50-carat blue diamond was among an estimated $20 million worth of gems and jewelry pilfered by a Thai janitor from a Saudi princes palace in the heist that wrecked relations between the countries. The kingdom stopped issuing and renewing visas for hundreds of thousands of Thai workers, suspended permits for thousands of Thai Muslims hoping to make the annual Haj and warned its citizens not to travel to Thailand.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2022