Thailand’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, recently paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel. The meeting was centered around expressing Thailand’s deep appreciation for Israel’s assistance in the care and release of Thai hostages held in Israel. FM Sangiampongsa conveyed gratitude to the Israeli authorities for their efforts in ensuring the safe return of the hostages, acknowledging the Israeli side’s compassion and swift action during this difficult time.
In addition to expressing thanks, FM Sangiampongsa sought continued support from Israel in securing the release of the remaining Thai hostage and the retrieval of the bodies of two deceased Thai nationals who were tragically lost in the ordeal. FM Sangiampongsa emphasized that the recent cooperation between the two countries, based on longstanding diplomatic ties, is not only rooted in government relations but also deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people of both nations.
The meeting was also marked by positive discussions on strengthening Thailand and Israel’s bilateral relations. The Thai Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of this cooperation, which continues to evolve, fostering goodwill and deeper connections between the two countries.
On a related note, the Department of Consular Affairs of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs successfully coordinated the travel of four family members of the five recently released Thai hostages to Tel Aviv, Israel. These family members were scheduled to depart Thailand on February 3, 2025, and will visit the five Thai nationals currently recovering at Al-Shamir Medical Center.
FM Maris Sangiampongsa Discusses Strengthening Ties with Japan’s Ambassador
In a separate meeting, FM Sangiampongsa also engaged in a discussion with the Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, focusing on ways to promote and enhance the already strong bilateral relations between the two countries. The talks revolved around the launch of the Energy and Industry Dialogue (EID) and the possibility of future high-level exchanges between the governments of Thailand and Japan.
Both sides expressed enthusiasm for continued cooperation in energy, industry, and various other sectors, signaling a commitment to further deepen the partnership between Thailand and Japan in the years to come.
FM Sangiampongsa’s meetings with both Israel and Japan reflect Thailand’s active diplomacy and focus on nurturing strong international relationships across the globe.