MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed gratitude to outgoing Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Tull Traisorat for his role in strengthening bilateral ties between the two Southeast Asian nations.

During a farewell call at Malacañang Palace, Marcos acknowledged the diplomat’s efforts in fostering cooperation between the Philippines and Thailand in key areas such as economic policies and post-pandemic recovery.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for everything you have done to bring our countries closer. Thailand and the Philippines have forged many new agreements and many new alliances in the past years,” Marcos said.

The President highlighted the progress made during Traisorat’s tenure, noting that enhanced diplomatic engagements had resulted in significant developments for both countries.

For his part, Traisorat described his time in the Philippines as “very fruitful and rewarding.”

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The Philippines and Thailand have signed 54 bilateral agreements covering a range of sectors, including air services, agriculture, tourism, and scientific and cultural cooperation. 

Additionally, the two nations have collaborated on preventing illicit trafficking, trade and industry, and defense logistics.

Thailand was the Philippines’ seventh major trading partner in 2023, ranking as the eighth largest export market and sixth largest import supplier. 

Total trade between the two countries reached $10.81 billion, with the Philippines exporting $2.93 billion worth of goods and importing $7.87 billion from Thailand.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Thailand also contributed to the economic exchange, remitting $64.72 million in 2023. 

As of October last year, approximately 32,950 Filipinos were living and working in Thailand.

This year marks the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand, which were formally established on June 14, 1949.