ISLAMABAD: Pakistani guests, diplomats and service members from different embassies joined the Ambassador of Thailand Chakkrid Krachaiwong on Friday night to celebrate the 95th National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The evening’s guest of honour was Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Shazia Marri.

The two speakers, photos, and video displays highlighted the common values underpinning Thai and Pakistani friendship and the shared goals of the two countries.

In their speeches, the two speakers told stories of how two great countries built their nations and their strong bonds.

Shazia Marri appreciated the Ambassador of Thailand Chakkrid Krachaiwong for further expanding the quantum of already existing cordial relations between Thailand and Pakistan.

“From the mango trees planted together 60 years ago in Lahore, to this day, we continue to cherish our ties. Relations between the two countries are moving in an upward trajectory. Our relationship is marked with close cooperation. Our bilateral trade has registered an increase of 110 percent over the last financial year,” Shazia Marri said.

Similarly, the Pakistanis had contributed to the Thai economy and seamlessly integrated and thrived in Thailand, the minister said adding, “We are happy and proud that these people have well assimilated in Thai society and proved to be an asset for both the countries. They have established their footprints in business, public service and politics contributing to the progress and prosperity of Thailand.”

The Thai ambassador highlighted the bilateral relations matured over the past six decades expanding the areas of cooperation in the best interests of two countries. He told his guests that the relationship between the two countries dated back 2,000 years. “Taxila is mentioned in all Thai books. From Thai tropes visiting Taxila to perform at one of the largest ceremonies in Taxila to senior Thai government officials participating in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), demonstrated our cooperation in multilateral aspect but also strong support to our Pakistani friends,” he said.

He was excited to share record trade volume between the two countries which had reached Rs1.8 billion. “We will break another record as trade has reached 6 percent higher until September, than last year,” he said.

He also announced that Thai airlines would resume flight operations from all major cities while the number of flights would also be increased from just once a week to several times a week. “For Many years, Thailand is proud to host travelers from Pakistan for vacation and Thai food,” he said.

The ambassador drew attention to the sharp increase in Thai travelers to Pakistan. We have seen more stories about Pakistan in Thai social media, showing natural beauty of the landscape.

Chakkrid Krachaiwong said that Pakistanis, from street vendors to close friends, had given him profound respect and to their families at the embassy.

Like the decorations surrounding the reception hall, a representation from the Thai village people, the Thai dance troupe were specially flown into Islamabad as the events featured entertainment. Later, guests enjoyed popular Thai food.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2022