“We are Prepared to Forge Stronger Ties with Tehran.” Highlights Thai Ambassador to Iran

Mr. Pichit Boonsud, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Iran, in an interview with AVA Diplomatic, describes Iran as a strategic country in the Middle East and the Global South. Pointing to his 35-year diplomatic career, he emphasizes the significance of a field presence to deeply understand the realities of Iran. Recalling his country’s title as “Kitchen of the World”, he considers food products, especially rice exports, as one of the most important existing economic capacities for ensuring Iran’s food security and complementing this country’s domestic production. In regard with culture and tourism, he calls four hundred years of ties the axis of friendship and on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he assures that the Thai Embassy in Tehran, in cooperation with Iranian authorities, will work tirelessly to further develop relations in all areas.

 AVA Diplomatic’s Exclusive Interview with Mr. Pichit Boonsud,
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Iran 

Can you tell us about yourself, your postings and positions over the years at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand? And what do you think of your current position in Iran?

I am a career diplomat working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand for 35 years now and being in various departments and embassies. Speaking of my experience abroad, I was first served in Moscow and my last post was in Phnom Penh. I was looking forward to my posting in Iran to learn more about the country and its people and it is actually a privilege for a diplomat to be able to stay for a while in a foreign country to get to know things first-hand and to experience it in person rather than just obtaining information from secondary sources.

What is the position of Iran in Thailand’s foreign policy? How do you assess the prospects for cooperation between Iran and Thailand in international and multilateral organizations?

Thailand views Iran as a strategically important country in the Middle East given its size, population, geopolitics and economic potentials. Iran can play a constructive role in maintaining and promoting peace and security in the region as well as being in the forefront of countries in the Global South in shaping the world to become more just and equitable in the distribution of wealth. Hence, we always keep tabs on the situation and development of this country while considering it necessary to enhance Thailand-Iran relations, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Since I have been Ambassador here, many things have occurred and revolved around Iran, particularly since the event on 7 October 2023. It was a tough time for us as, out of the blue, our nationals had been captured and taken hostage along with others despite Thailand not being part of the conflict. My government had to reach out to friendly countries to help bring those unfortunates back home to their anxious families. In the end, we were lucky enough to get assistance from our friends, including Iran that had contributed to the release of Thai hostages.

When it comes to multilateral fora, it is noticeable that Iran has been superactive in a number of regional and international organisations. One of the outstanding examples is ACD. This pan-Asia organisation was established in Thailand some 20 years ago and Iran has always expressed eagerness to strengthen the organisation, working closely with Thailand and others from the start. At present, Iran is also a BRICS member and we were hoping that Thailand, as a BRICS Partner Country, would have the opportunity to explore and exchange ideas on relevant issues with Iran more frequently, and perhaps get a chance to elevate our engagements with BRICS in the future.

How do you evaluate the current economic and trade relations between Thailand and Iran? Which areas have high potential for bilateral cooperation?

Due to multiple factors, our economic and trade relations are still limited at present. However, potentials are there to enhance them if both sides have the will to do so. One area that I think has an immense potential is food products. As you might be aware, Thailand is a major food producer. We pride ourselves in being ‘Kitchen of the World’, the term that arises from the fact that Thailand serves various kinds of food products to countries in different parts of the world annually, including rice which is among our flagship export items. Indeed, Thailand is in the top 3 of the world’s major rice exporters all along. Many countries love our rice and import it in large quantity each year to attend to the need of their peoples, thanks to our product’s quality and varieties. Therefore, if the Iranian authorities so wish, our rice could complement the domestic supply of rice in Iran and ensure food security, especially given that nowadays supply fluctuation is the norm. I also wish to underline that in order to qualify for export, a rigorous test has been conducted to ensure that our rice will reach consumers in the best of quality and up to stringent international health standards.

In light of the 400 years of relations between Iran and Thailand, what do you think has made it possible to maintain such cordial ties and what initiatives do you have in mind to enhance mutual understanding?

I am proud to mention that cultural relation is the core of our longstanding friendly relations. Thais and Iranians have known each other for over 400 years since Sheikh Ahmad, a renowned Persian merchant, sailed over seas to set foot in Thailand, then called ‘Siam’, in 1605. Afterwards, there has been cultural immersion of different kinds as reflected, for example, by several constructions in Thailand that were influenced by Persian architecture, particularly in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Lopburi. There is also one dish in Thailand that might have the influence from Persian cuisine, that is ‘Khao Mok Gai’ which was introduced to Thailand by Persian merchants centuries ago and was also mentioned in a Thai classic literature from the 18^th century.

In the meantime, while serving in Iran, I also see traces of Thai culture here as well, like Thai food which is prepared and served at a Thai restaurant that is run by Thai chef-owner. Thai spa that offers traditional Thai massage to relief stress and pain for weary customers. MuayThai that is practiced and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Iranians nationwide as an excellent exercise for a strong body and mind as well as for self-defence. Recently, MuayThai athletes also make Iran proud by winning countless medals at international tournaments across the region and beyond. These cultural exchanges have assured me that Thailand and Iran, irrespective of geography and distance, are closer than one would imagine and this cultural bond will certainly bind us together in as many years to come.

Given the growing role of tourism in strengthening ties between nations, what is your assessment of the capacities of the two countries of Iran and Thailand in this regard? In your opinion, what factors have made Thailand a popular destination for Iranian tourists? After the experience of being in Iran, what characteristics of Iran do you consider likely to attract Thai tourists?

In terms of tourism, I would categorise it as people-to-people connectivity and it is undeniable that when peoples from different countries and cultures come across and get to know each other more, it would forge understanding between them. Diversity is not an issue and it does not hinder trust as long as we genuinely try to approach it with open mind. On this note, I am happy to share with you that over 60,000 Iranians visited Thailand for tourist purposes last year, making Thailand the most sought-after travel destination in Southeast Asia for Iranians. There is everything for everyone, whether food, fun, fair or shopping. Thai people are very friendly and hospitable and you may have heard that Thailand is nicknamed the ‘Land of Smile’. That is because we welcome foreign visitors with our heart and we just want to help them feel at home while in Thailand.

When it comes to Iran, I have to admit that before I commenced my duties here two years ago, I had little idea about this country and I have never been posted to this region previously. But I have found the warm and friendly faces of the Iranian people since my arrival. They are kind-hearted and show generosity to me which really helps me adjust myself to the new environment with ease. Iran also possesses in abundance magnificent historical architecture throughout the country that are rooted in more than 4,000 years of civilisation. I am convinced that foreign tourists, including from Thailand, are eyeing Iran with keen interest and place Iran high among travel destinations in the bucket list.

What is specific about this year for the relations of the two countries and how do you see the future of these relations? What new opportunities exist for developing cooperation in the various fields?

This year is an auspicious year and a milestone for our official relation as we celebrate the 70^th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relation between Thailand and Iran. It was back on 9 November 1955 that the two countries, having interacted with each other at the people level for around 400 years, officially established ties. Subsequently, there have been lots of exchanges in various forms at the government level, such as visits, treaties and MoUs signing. This momentous occasion is therefore a time to reflect on the past as well as look ahead to the future. It is natural that opportunities and challenges are two sides of the same coin and I am hopeful that, with the spirit of collaboration, Thailand and Iran would be able to overcome whatever challenges there may be to seize opportunities that would bring about the mutual benefit of their respective country and people. I also wish to reassure that my Embassy is ready and willing to work tirelessly with the relevant Iranian authorities to help navigate our relations to further flourish in the next decade and beyond.