Thai Ambassador: I Experienced Kuwait's Generosity, Safety, and Hospitality
Songchai Chaiphatiwat, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Kuwait, expressed his deep gratitude to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the Kuwaiti leadership for their friendship and support for Thailand and its embassy. He affirmed that the relations between the two countries, spanning more than 63 years, continue to grow and develop across various fields.
Speaking at a farewell reception he hosted for media representatives prior to his departure from Kuwait, Chaiphatiwat said he was leaving the country carrying warm memories and profound feelings of gratitude. He emphasized that although his stay in Kuwait was short, it made him feel at home, thanks to the hospitality, security, and sincerity of human relations he experienced.
The ambassador thanked the journalists for their friendship and cooperation, and for their role in introducing the Kuwaiti public to Thailand, its culture, and the activities of its embassy. He also praised the role of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a close and active partner in enhancing bilateral cooperation and broadening the horizons of relations between the two countries.
Chaiphatiwat noted that Thai-Kuwaiti relations are witnessing diplomatic momentum that reflects both countries’ commitment to developing their partnership. He pointed out that last month saw the visit of two high-level Thai delegations to Kuwait: the first headed by the Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and the second headed by the Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who participated in the Co-Chairmanship of the second round of political consultations between the two countries.
He explained that the visit of two high-level delegations within a single week reflects Bangkok’s emphasis on its relations with Kuwait. He added that both sides are working to establish a joint committee co-chaired by the foreign ministers, expressing hope that the agreement establishing it will be signed soon, thereby providing a stronger institutional framework to develop bilateral cooperation.
He also mentioned visits by Kuwaiti delegations to Bangkok, including participation in the THAIFEX–Anuga Asia exhibition in May and the Grand Halal Bangkok exhibition in July. These visits, he clarified, provided opportunities to explore broader areas of cooperation in the food, trade, halal standards, and healthcare sectors.
Furthermore, he noted that several senior Kuwaiti officials and personalities will visit Thailand later this month to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, scheduled to be held in Bangkok from October 12 to 18.
Recalling the circumstances of his arrival in Kuwait, the ambassador explained that his arrival was exceptional, as he entered by land in March due to the closure of airspace. He said that what remained most vividly in his memory from his arrival at the Nuwaisib border crossing was the calmness and courtesy displayed by the officials who received him. He added, “Even in that difficult moment, I felt safe and welcomed.”
He affirmed that this impression was reinforced during his stay in the country, noting that despite regional tensions, he observed people heading to work, shops opening their doors, and daily life continuing normally. He expressed admiration for what he described as the “quiet resilience” of the Kuwaiti people.
He commended the Kuwaiti leadership’s efforts to ensure the safety of citizens and residents, emphasizing that this concern holds special significance for the approximately 1,080 Thai nationals residing in Kuwait, who consider it their second home.
