H.E Mr. Chakkrid Krachaiwong ; ” New Govs at Both Sides – High Time for Leap Forward to New Avenues of Cooperation between Thailand and Pakistan”

H.E. Mr. Chakkrid Krachaiwong, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Many Prospects of Joint Ventures can be Tapped – for that Finalization of Thailand-Pakistan FTA is Expected to be as Soon as Possible

Thailand can Link Australia, New Zealand Trade Route with Pakistan that can Connect us with Middle East, Africa

Pakistan has Strength in Counter Terrorism- Intelligence Sharing – Both Countries already contributing in peacekeeping operations.

Climate Change is Common Issue to work upon as Both are Most Affected
Thailand commends Pakistan’s efforts to enhance engagement with ASEAN, Pakistan holds Special Place in my Heart

Tourism, IT, Digitalization, Agriculture, Sports, Co-Production of Movies, Muay Thai Martial Arts are Important Sectors

Interview : Tazeen Akhtar

Pictures : Ghulam Fareed

H.E. Mr. Chakkrid Krachaiwong, Ambassador of Kingdom of Thailand to Pakistan has said that the new governments on both sides have the legacy of mutual understanding and keenness for more strengthened cooperation in all sectors. Thailand had new government in last September while we have seen elections in Pakistan and formation of new government in last days. The spirit is high at both sides and bilateral cooperation can be taken to new heights as well.

The last highest interaction between the leaders of two countries was when Nawaz Sharif was Prime Minister and now his younger brother is Prime Minister. Ambassador is optimistic about development of cooperation and looking forward to finalization of FTA for achievement of that goal. Highest value of trade between the two countries reached 1.8 billion USD. But certainly, prospects are much more and the dynamics of both countries are conducive for that.

Thailand and Pakistan can exploit their strategic location to connect the whole world. This is a unique phenomenon between the two countries that can be considered by the policy makers.

Top Thai exports to Pakistan are such as automobile parts and accessories, chemical products, threads and synthetic fiber, plastic pellets, rubber and rubber products, machinery parts, herbs, spices and agriculture seeds.

Top Pakistan’s exports to Thailand are such as fresh aquatic animals, chilled, frozen, processed aquatic animals, ready-made garments and fabrics, textiles, steel, mineral water and soft drinks, musical instruments and sports equipment.

Q – The last high level interaction was reciprocal visits of Prime Ministers in 2013. Nawaz Sharif was PM here. Now his younger brother is PM. How do you see this chemistry is helpful in taking a leap forward?

A – This is good and high time and a good start is expected. Thailand had new government in last September. Both sides can explore new avenues of working together. Thailand is moving forward with digitalization. We welcome IT experts from Pakistan.

For major breakthrough to more strengthened and meaningful cooperation, the finalization of Free Trade Agreement is expected sooner. There are many opportunities of joint ventures on both sides.

For example, I visited football factories in Sialkot. Pakistan is manufacturing football of international standard and the rubber in these balls is imported from Thailand. Pakistani experts add value to our raw rubber. This is one example. There are many other avenues where both countries can complement each other.

Thai companies, such as Charoen Pokphand and AMG-Thai Union, have already made notable investments in Pakistan, particularly in agro-industry and shrimp feed. Encouraging further investments and diversifying into additional sectors such as fruit processing, fisheries, can strengthen economic relations and contribute to shared prosperity. Such investment is beneficial for local communities as it brings employment.

Both sides have cordial political relations with already reasonable bilateral trade volume that is increasing with the passage of time.

Q – Both countries are situated at a highly strategic location where more than 70% of the total sea trade of the World passes through. Then comes connectivity that is the major accelerator in promotion of trade and tourism. Unfortunately both countries have not tapped even touched this enormous potential so far. What is your take on it ?

A – This is the best time to work upon the geographical prospects as well as connectivity opportunities available to both countries. We can see how the land and sea bridges can be built to connect the regions and the continents.

Thailand comes in the way of major trade from Australia and New Zealand to ASEAN and South China shores. We can link it with western trade route through Pakistan. This connectivity will help reach Middle East, Central Asia and South West of China.

Q – Regional stability and security are paramount for both our countries. How do you assess the current regional dynamics, and what role do you see Thailand and Pakistan playing in promoting peace and stability in the region?

A – I wish to view security in an unconventional way which involves politic, economic, and social security. With this security then comes true and sustainable peace and security. With the end of cold war, regional cooperation expanded such as EU, ASEAN, BRICS, BRI. Each regional grouping was based on mutual benefits in politics and economics creating safety net for security and peace.

We would like to see regional grouping for working more towards economic security which will lead to shared prosperity.

In a world with major power competition, a medium sized country should work together as not to be pressured to choosing sides.

Thailand is a friend to all countries and look towards working together with everyone.
Pakistan is an important country in the region. Both Thailand and Pakistan can further enhance cooperation in areas that Pakistan has strength in, such as counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing. In addition, both Thailand Pakistan contributes to peace keeping operations.

Q – Thailand has been a key player in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). How do you view Pakistan’s engagement with ASEAN, and are there opportunities for deeper cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN member states through Thailand’s facilitation?

A – Thailand sees and commends Pakistan’s efforts to enhance engagement with ASEAN.Past initiatives include digital financing workshop and training program for ASEAN diplomats, opening ASEAN Corner at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Under the ASEAN-Pakistan Sectoral Dialogue Partnership:

Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) 2024-2028 will serve as a framework and practical guide in achieving shared goals in political-security such as combating national crimes, economic cooperation such as trade and investment promotion and tourism, socio-cultural cooperation such as education and youth development, disaster management, health.

Pakistan can therefore further engage with ASEAN by its strengths such as in the fields of counter terrorism, intelligence- sharing.

Q – How would you describe the current state of bilateral relations between Thailand and Pakistan? Are there any recent developments or initiatives that you would like to highlight?

A – Thailand and Pakistan always have friendly and fruitful relations. Covid 19 was a big challenge, but now we are back on track and I can say that right now our bilateral relations are excellent.

• Why? Because we have strong foundation. We established 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2021. But the connection was more than 2000 years if we see into the deep history of ancient civilizations.

Despite all the challenges over the past few years of COVID-19 and global economic down turn, we have done several activities and new initiatives such as;

@ Political Front : H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Islamabad to participate OIC ministerial meeting. Also, we have hold Political Consultation meeting. Thai military personnel have attended the Pakistan Army Team Spirits (PATS) exercise for the second year.

@ Economic Front : our trade has reached historical height 1.8 billion dollars in 2022, Thai investments in Pakistan expanded benefit local people; Embassy took Pakistani businessmen from major Chamber of Commerce and Industries to THAIFEX 2023, which is one of Asia’s largest food and beverage trade fair; Thai Festival in Lahore in 2022 whereby more than 10,000 people attended it.

P-to-P & Connectivity : Thai Airways resumed flights to Thailand from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi after COVID-19 and it is scheduled that route Bangkok-Lahore will increase from 5 flights weekly to 6 flights weekly. Current number of Pakistan tourist traveling to Thailand is around 70,000 per year while more Thai people are also coming to Pakistan as a tourist destination. We brought Mr. Mubashir, who is a very famous youtuber to Thailand. Our Wall truck arts are famous in Pak and Thailand.

Multi Cultural Cooperation :We expand our cooperation with UN. with Embassy working with UN Women in organizing training home-based chefs in cooking Thai food and organizing a seminar on women empowerment painting.

This is my second time posting. Pakistan always holds a special place in my heart. Our staff are welcomed here. Rest assures that I and our staff at the Royal Thai embassy will work whole heartedly for our people because I believe that Foreign Affairs must benefit people. and I believe that there are much more that we can do and we must do.

Q – Thailand and Pakistan enjoy longstanding diplomatic ties. What do you see as the key areas of cooperation and potential growth between our two nations?

A – I and my team have traveled around Pakistan and see the potential of Pakistan as well as untapped opportunities.

• Economic Cooperation: Many Pakistani Products which can be of Thailand’s interests. Trade Fairs not only buy but showcase. Early conclusion of the Thailand-Pakistan Free Trade Area is crucial.

• Investment Opportunities: CP and AMG-Thai Union, have already made notable investments in Pakistan, particularly in agro- industry and shrimp feed. Encouraging further investments and diversifying into additional sectors such as fruit processing, fisheries, can strengthen economic relations and contribute to shared prosperity. Joint venture in Thailand.

• Technology and Innovation: Thai tech companies to utilize Pakistan’s IT personnel and business process outsourcing units.

Q – Thailand is known for its vibrant culture and tourism industry. How do you envision promoting cultural exchange and tourism between both countries?

A – Tourism is one of a key element in economic development of Thailand. However, there much more to tourism, create understanding, expand opportunity, correct image.

• Social media influencer Youtuber
• Sharing best practice. Hospitality.
• Pakistan show promote in Thailand. Now is the best time.
– Thai culinary institute to provide a special lecture on Thai hospitality and tourism this year.
– Hospitality
– Facilitating exchange programs
– Heritage preservation and tourism development Civilization.
– Encouraging museum exchanges,
– The Thai people residing in Pakistan play a pivotal role as cultural ambassadors

Q – Tourism is as big industry now in many countries as the main contributor in their national GDP. Thailand is one of the most visited attractions in the World. What prospects of joint ventures do you see here?

A – Pakistan too has the best attractive sites for tourists. We can share our experiences. Both countries can work on sustainable tourism.Hospitality is the basic part of tourism. We have conducted cooking trainings at different levels including Serena hotels, UN Women in Pakistan and in the institutes where students are learning hospitality. We have a University that has its own hotel to impart practical training of hospitality to the students.

Tourism consists of larger scope than touring, sight seeing , having pictures only. It is about knowing the other people and their culture , traditions, civilization etc. It builds and improves relations between the nations.

Q – Economic cooperation is crucial for both Thailand and Pakistan. What steps are being taken to enhance trade and investment between both nations? Are there any specific sectors or industries where collaboration holds particular promise?

A – Pakistan-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA): The ongoing negotiations for the Pakistan-Thailand FTA are a major step to boost trade relations. The conclusion of this agreement is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing trade barriers and facilitating increased commerce between the two countries.

• Trade Facilitation Measures: The implementation of the Pakistan National Single Window promoted through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is a strategic measure to simplify and expedite trade processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing the efficiency of cross-border trade.

• Investment Promotion: Thailand is actively promoting investments in Pakistan, and notable companies like CP, Thailand’s largest Agro Industry, have expanded their investments in areas such as chicken feed in Lahore. Initiatives like these contribute to economic growth and diversification.

Collaborations in agriculture, livestock farming, and agribusiness have been prominent. Investments in chicken feed and shrimp feed, as seen with CP and AMG-Thai Union, highlight the potential for growth in this sector.

Enhancing connectivity and infrastructure: It is worth considering the Landbridge initiative on the Thai side, which could be explored as a means to connect with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Q – With the global focus on sustainability and environmental protection, how do you see Thailand and Pakistan working together to address common challenges such as climate change?

A – Climate change is a common challenge which is why we can work together both bilaterally, regionally and under multilateral framework.

Both Thailand and Pakistan face natural disasters such as heavy floodings last year. Thailand along with international community have given financial assistance to Pakistan for rehabilitation efforts from the floods. But this is not addressing the root cause of the problem.

In Thailand, we have adopted the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, an approach to life coined by His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej which is also continue supported by the current King.

These practices aim to assist the grassroots people who are marginalized and got the most affected from climate change to be able to survive.

The Bio-Circular-Green Economic model and Thailand International Cooperation Agency has been providing training and workshops both online and physical with participants from around the world joining including Pakistan.

Both countries can work on early warning of floods. Thailand also had flood like Pakistan last year. We have developed a system to alert the people in the affected areas. This sector is common in a sense that even Thailand produces zero Carbon but is among most affected countries of climate change and disasters.

(Thailand is considered highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Extreme heat and rising sea levels threaten parts of Thailand, including the capital city of Bangkok. Erosion is considered a major problem due to climate change within the country.)

Q – Culture is the most central sector when we talk about P-to-P relations. Pakistan produced few cinema movies in 90s in Bangkok, like Miss Bangkok and Bangkok kay Sholay etc. Co-Production can be revived again?

A – We are ready for cooperation in joint production and share latest technology as well. Both sides can work upon co-production of movies like it was happening in the past. Pakistani film, drama producers can avail the state of the art facilities of special effects in Thailand. We have eye catching and fascinating locations that can be used by Pakistani film industry.

Thailand is host to a large Pakistani community. They are doing different works there. Many of them take part in acting as well. We can use them in our working for co-productions and cooperation in film and drama productions.

Muay Thai : The marshal arts of Thailand is popular in Pakistan. We are working on more promotion here. Muay Thai associations are training Pakistani youth in Rawalpindi, Lahore. (As Pakistanis are great fan of marshal arts, The Muay Thai is another factor that can promote people to people realtions. It is a full contact martial art that uses the fists, elbows, knees and feet to strike an opponent.)

Food : I like Chicken Malai Botti, Pulao and Chapal Kebab.

Here we concluded the interview inviting Ambassador and staff with families to Iftar or after Ramazan at Eid Milan where they will be served Chicken Malai Botti , Pulao and Kebab to strengthen the relations between the Embassy and our media organizations.

https://pakistanintheworld.pk/live/serena-hotels-with-royal-embassy-of-thailand-hosted-fundraising-gala-for-the-flood-affectees/