Thailand’s newly appointed ambassador to Turkey, Chaturont Chaiyakam, has expressed optimism for the year 2028 as a landmark for the establishment of a strategic partnership between Thailand and Turkey. Highlighting defense industry cooperation as a crucial focus, Chaiyakam aims to strengthen bilateral relations during his tenure.
First Impressions of Turkey
Chaiyakam, who presented his credentials to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on September 8, shared insights into his experiences in Turkey. Reflecting on his first visit 15 years ago, he noted that his previous exposure to the country was limited. Since his recent arrival, he has been pleasantly surprised by Turkey’s growth, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors. He emphasized that, although interactions between Turkish and Thai citizens remain scarce, both nations serve as appealing tourist destinations for each other.
Exploring Turkish Culture and Cuisine
The ambassador expressed enthusiasm about his assignment in Turkey, having only visited the country once before. He conveyed his interest in Ottoman history and mentioned his initial steps to learn the Turkish language, albeit with a focus on familiarizing himself with the local culture rather than fluency. Chaiyakam recounted trying traditional foods such as kebabs and hummus, noting the surprising scarcity of Thai cuisine in Turkey. His travels have also taken him to Cappadocia and Antalya, where he recognized the potential for tourism growth but lamented the low number of Thai visitors.
Shared Traditions Between Thailand and Turkey
Despite their geographical distance, Chaiyakam pointed out cultural similarities between Thailand and Turkey. He reflected on the Turkish custom of escorting brides, which resembles a similar Thai tradition where the bride is paraded to the groom’s home. This shared practice highlights familial values, hospitality, and culinary traditions, reinforcing a bond between the two nations that transcends borders.
The Path to a Strategic Partnership
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1958, Thailand and Turkey are set to celebrate their 70th anniversary in 2028. Chaiyakam acknowledged that current ties, particularly in trade and tourism, fall short of their potential, with annual trade volume hovering around $2 billion. He emphasized the need to enhance bilateral trade and improve tourism collaboration.
Looking ahead, Chaiyakam envisions numerous activities for 2028, including annual economic meetings to elevate discussions to the level of foreign ministers. High-level visits are also planned, especially following Turkey’s status as a Dialogue Partner with ASEAN, a decision that could give impetus to stronger relations.
Focusing on Defense Industry Cooperation
Chaiyakam highlighted Istanbul’s prominence as a key aviation hub in Europe, noting that tourism initiatives could pave the way for both countries to foster a deeper understanding of each other. He reaffirmed that defense industry cooperation remains a top priority in diplomatic discussions. Thailand plans to send high-ranking naval officials to Turkey in November to explore collaboration opportunities, signifying an important step toward strengthening defense ties. Chaiyakam’s commitment to enhancing relations between Thailand and Turkey is evident as he looks forward to furthering both nations’ shared interests in various sectors.