HE’S as cool as the early morning mist and warm as the glow of the setting sun.

I believe Thailand ambassador to the Philippines Tull Traisorat made lots of friends in the country—both from the government and private sectors – because he can make anybody comfortable with him.

He flashes a great smile to start a conversation which he intends to prolong as he can to establish a good relationship. And he makes it better by trying to meet a new-found friend the second, third or more time around.

Ambassador Traisorat visited the Bureau of Communications Services (BCS), an attached agency of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), late last year and won the heart of the entire organization.

Recently, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the Ambassador’s contributions to enhancing bilateral ties between the Philippines and Thailand.

During a farewell call on the President at Malacañan Palace, the Chief Executive thanked Traisorat for the strengthened alliance between the two Asian neighbors.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for everything you have done to bring our countries closer. Thailand and the Philippines have forged many new agreements and many new alliances in the past years,” President Marcos said.

The President said that Philippines-Thailand cooperation in post-pandemic recovery, economic policies, and diplomatic engagements has brought significant progress in these areas during the ambassador’s tour of duty here.

The Thai ambassador said he appreciated his “very fruitful and rewarding” time in the country.

The Philippines and Thailand have signed 54 bilateral agreements covering various sectors, including air services, agriculture, the abolition of entry visas, tourism, and technical, scientific, and cultural cooperation.

Both countries also agreed on illicit trafficking prevention, trade and industry, and defense logistics.

In 2023, Thailand was the Philippines’ seventh major trading partner, eighth largest export market, and sixth largest import supplier.

Total trade between the two nations amounted to $10.81 billion, with $2.93 billion in Philippine exports and $7.87 billion in Philippine imports.

The same year, the remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Thailand reached $64.72 million. As of October 2023, 32,950 Filipinos were living and working in Thailand.

This year, the Philippines and Thailand will mark the 76th year of diplomatic relations since June 14, 1949.

Farewell to the good ambassador of Thailand.

**

For comments, please call or text 09569012811 or email [email protected]

AUTHOR PROFILE

Mario Fetalino Jr.