Thai Ambassador Commends Pakistan’s Strategic Importance in South Asia
Naveed Ahmed Khan
ISLAMABAD— The Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan, Rongvudhi Virabutr, lauded Pakistan’s crucial role in ensuring regional peace and security, particularly amidst the current global volatility. He made these remarks while addressing a distinguished gathering at the Thai Armed Forces Day celebration in Islamabad. The event was attended by Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar, as the chief guest. Also in attendance were ambassadors, high commissioners, defense attachés, media representatives, and other dignitaries.
Ambassador Virabutr highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between Thailand and Pakistan, which span over 71 years since the establishment of relations in 1951. He emphasized the deepening cooperation in defense and security, underscoring Pakistan’s role as a pivotal player in South Asia.
Colonel Thanaei Permpul, the Defence and Military Attaché of Thailand outlined the growing defense collaboration between the two nations. He recalled the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation in 2021, which covers joint military training, intelligence exchange, and research in defense technology.
“Thailand continues to send military officers to the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP),” Colonel Permpul noted. He further highlighted joint military exercises, including ‘Trisul’—a counterterrorism exercise between both countries’ armed forces—as well as participation in the Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) competitions in 2023 and 2024.
Naval cooperation has also been expanding, with senior naval commanders from both sides exchanging visits. Thai observers have participated in Pakistan’s AMAN naval exercise, and Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff has taken part in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium hosted by Thailand.
“In the field of air defense, we continue to strengthen engagements, including high-level exchanges between the Royal Thai Air Force and the Pakistan Air Force,” Colonel Permpul stated.
In a significant move, Thailand and Pakistan recently signed a joint venture agreement for the production of the Hissar 4×4 Armored Carrier, a collaboration between the Thai defense industry and Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila. This marks a new chapter in defense-industrial cooperation between the two nations.
The event also showcased Thailand’s cultural diversity, with a traditional “Dikir Hulu” performance by Thai students from the International Islamic University Islamabad. Ambassador Virabutr underscored Thailand’s commitment to preserving local arts and promoting cultural harmony, emphasizing that Thailand is a Muslim-friendly country that values its multicultural heritage.
As the evening concluded, the Thai envoy expressed optimism about further strengthening diplomatic, defense, and cultural ties between the two countries, reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to mutual cooperation with Pakistan.