Thai Ambassador to 'Al-Siyasa': 'Kuwait 2035' is a roadmap for our shared prosperity

Trade volume approaches $1 billion in 2025

87,000 Kuwaitis visited Bangkok last year, with five direct flights weekly between the two countries

We aim to hold the second round of political consultations in Kuwait and enhance bilateral agreements

Over 580,000 international visitors benefited from medical tourism services in 2025

Food security is one of the most promising areas for realizing genuine partnership between the two countries

Thai Ambassador Songchai Chaibatiyut affirmed that Kuwait-Thailand relations are entering a new phase of development, built on 63 years of diplomatic ties founded on mutual trust and respect. He noted that both countries aspire to elevate cooperation from a traditional commercial partnership to a strategic one encompassing food security, investment, healthcare, education, and tourism, in alignment with the objectives of Kuwait Vision 2035.

In an interview with "Al-Siyasa," Ambassador Chaibatiyut revealed that bilateral trade volume reached approximately $947 million in 2025, while Thailand welcomed around 87,000 Kuwaiti visitors last year. He emphasized ongoing efforts to expand bilateral cooperation, increase direct air connectivity, and attract more mutual investments. The following are the details of the interview:

The time is right

How do you assess the current state of Kuwait-Thailand relations, and what are your priorities during your tenure as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Kuwait?

Generally, Thailand and Kuwait enjoy long-standing diplomatic relations spanning 63 years. Amid the rapid changes the world is currently witnessing, this is an exceptionally opportune moment for our two countries to work together. Both nations possess significant potential, and if we strengthen our cooperation in a genuine manner, we will be able to achieve much good, not only for our peoples but for the world as a whole.

Over more than six decades of friendship, Thailand and Kuwait have experienced several milestones that have marked significant highlights in their diplomatic relations. At the highest levels, our relationship is rooted in deep mutual respect between the leaderships of both countries and is underpinned by close ties between our peoples. This foundation continues to guide my priorities during my tenure as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Kuwait.

Are there any official visits anticipated or new agreements expected between the two countries in the near future? Are there any new projects or agreements that may be announced soon between Kuwait and Thailand?

Since it has been two years since the first round of political consultations between our countries, I hope to work with my Kuwaiti counterparts to plan for the second meeting here in Kuwait. Beyond discussions between the foreign ministries of both countries, I also aim to explore opportunities for cooperation among various government entities and create a conducive environment to advance negotiations on bilateral agreements.

Trade Volume

How do you assess the current volume of trade between Kuwait and Thailand? What are the main goods and products exchanged between the two countries? Do you have recent statistics on the volume of trade and mutual investments between Kuwait and Thailand?

Thailand and Kuwait already possess a robust trade foundation, with bilateral trade volume reaching $947 million in 2025. Our key exports to Kuwait currently include automobiles, auto parts, wood products, as well as gemstones and jewelry. Conversely, our primary imports from Kuwait consist of refined petroleum products, crude oil, and chemical products. Looking ahead, I believe the true opportunity lies in transitioning from a traditional buyer-seller relationship to a strategic partnership based on added value, thereby achieving sustainable growth for both countries. Thailand aims to become a long-term strategic partner for Kuwait, particularly in sectors that support the priorities of Kuwait Vision 2035. Areas such as food security, health and wellness, and tourism hold significant potential for future cooperation.

What are the most promising investment opportunities available to Kuwaiti investors in Thailand? What is the current volume of Kuwaiti investments in Thailand? And do you anticipate growth in this sector in the coming years?

Thailand offers a wide range of investment opportunities that align with Kuwait’s long-term development priorities. We see substantial potential in sectors such as food manufacturing and agribusiness, healthcare and wellness, as well as tourism and hospitality. Furthermore, Thailand boasts a sophisticated investment system, supported by attractive incentives offered by the Board of Investment (BOI), alongside modern infrastructure and a strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia, which provides investors access to the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market.

Although the volume of bilateral investments remains relatively limited, we see considerable room for growth. The Embassy is working to enhance mutual investment flows between Thailand and Kuwait, including plans to engage with the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) to facilitate and encourage Thai investments in Kuwait.

At the same time, we are also conducting discussions to strengthen communication between the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) and the Thai Board of Investment (BOI), with the aim of exploring new opportunities for joint Kuwaiti investments in Thailand.

Tourism in Thailand

Thailand continues to attract large numbers of Kuwaiti tourists. Could you provide us with statistics on the number of Kuwaiti visitors last year? And what has been the growth rate of Kuwaiti tourists visiting Thailand in recent years?

Kuwaiti citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand for tourism or short-term business visits. Last year, we welcomed approximately 87,000 travelers from Kuwait, equivalent to about 5.8 percent of Kuwait’s total population. We are pleased with the growth in the number of Kuwaiti visitors in recent years, as the figure has gradually increased from around 44,000 travelers in 2022.

Regarding residents of other nationalities in Kuwait, as well as other visa types for Kuwaitis, Thailand officially launched the e-Visa system in January 2025 via the website thaievisa.go.th, significantly simplifying the visa application process, while several nationalities remain exempt from visa requirements for tourism purposes.

* Thailand is one of the leading global destinations for medical tourism. How significant is this sector in your country? How many patients from Gulf countries visit Thailand annually for treatment? And what proportion of them are Kuwaitis?

Medical services and wellness tourism represent two of Thailand’s most prominent strengths and constitute a vital pillar of our tourism industry. We have more than 61 hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), and Thailand annually welcomes a large number of international patients from across the Gulf region, including many from Kuwait, who come to access a wide range of specialized medical treatments, from routine health check-ups to complex surgeries and rehabilitation services. It is estimated that Thailand’s health tourism sector received over 580,000 international visitors in 2025.

Food Security and Agriculture

How many direct weekly flights currently operate between Kuwait and Thailand? Are there plans to increase the number of flights in the future?

There are currently five direct weekly flights between Kuwait and Thailand. The Embassy is also actively working with relevant authorities and airlines in Kuwait to explore opportunities to expand direct flights to other popular tourist destinations in Thailand, such as Phuket and Chiang Mai.

How can cooperation between the two countries be enhanced in the fields of food security and agriculture?

We view Kuwait Vision 2035 as an important roadmap, not only for Kuwait but also for our shared prosperity. Thailand and Kuwait have a genuine opportunity to deepen their cooperation in ways that yield long-term benefits for both countries. Food security is one of the most promising areas where this partnership can be realized in practice. Thailand is a major food-exporting nation, but we do not wish to be merely a supplier; rather, we aspire to be a true partner in providing solutions for Kuwait.

Regional Developments

How does Thailand view the current political and economic developments in the region and the world?

We are closely monitoring regional developments, particularly those concerning the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global stability. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Kuwaiti government and people for ensuring the safety of Thai nationals residing here. Thailand consistently calls for respect for international law to protect civilian lives and preserve supply chains. We warmly welcome the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, and we appreciate the efforts of all concerned parties in pursuing dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions. It is crucial to ensure that all parties exercise tolerance and respect the principle of good neighborliness.

What message would you like to convey to the Kuwaiti people and to citizens considering visiting Thailand for tourism, medical treatment, or investment?

My message to the Kuwaiti people is simple: Thailand is a true friend. Our two countries have enjoyed more than six decades of close and friendly relations, built on mutual trust, respect, and strong bonds between our peoples. We deeply cherish this friendship and remain committed to further strengthening our partnership across all fields. To our Kuwaiti friends who are considering visiting Thailand, whether for leisure, medical treatment, education, or business, I warmly invite you to discover the best that Thailand has to offer. From our world-renowned hospitality and world-class healthcare services to our rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landmarks, and diverse investment opportunities, Thailand has something for everyone. The Embassy stands ready to assist in supporting and enhancing the close ties between our two countries, and I am confident that together, we will continue to build a stronger and more prosperous Thai-Kuwaiti partnership in the years ahead.

Embassy Services

The Thai ambassador confirmed that the embassy provides consular services related to passports, emergency travel documents, and official documents. It also assists members of the Thai community in protecting their rights. In addition, the embassy periodically hosts gatherings that bring together members of the community, enabling them to receive useful advice, connect with fellow countrymen, and experience a sense of home while abroad.

1,080 Thais in Kuwait

In response to a question regarding the number of Thai nationals currently residing in Kuwait and the main sectors in which they work, the ambassador stated that there are approximately 1,080 Thai citizens in Kuwait, including women married to Kuwaiti nationals and residing in the country.