The Royal Thai Embassy in Brunei Darussalam hosted a National Day reception commemorating the birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.
The event, held in honour of Thailand’s National Day and Father’s Day, underscored the enduring and multifaceted partnership between the two countries.
In his address, Chargé d’Affaires Kittivudh Pinyowit expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown by the Brunei Royal Family following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
He noted the message of condolence from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the visit by HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, to the embassy, stating these gestures exemplify the cordial relations between the royal families and the two countries, marked by mutual respect and cooperation.
Kittivudh highlighted the October meeting between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and His Majesty the Sultan on the sidelines of the 2025 APEC summit. The meeting advanced key initiatives, including a joint investment plan between Thailand’s Government Pension Fund and the Brunei Investment Agency, and a Double Taxation Agreement that is now ready for signing early next year.
On the economy, he noted that preliminary 2025 bilateral trade exceeded USD 800 million in the first nine months, already surpassing the numbers for the whole of 2024. The recent arrival of the largest Thai trade delegation to Brunei in recent years was cited as a clear reflection of the mutual desire to deepen economic linkages in sectors such as public health, wellness tourism, the halal industry, food security, and sustainable development.
The Chargé d’Affaires also announced a milestone in defence cooperation, revealing that for the first time, a Thai officer cadet has enrolled at the Officer Cadet School of the Defence Academy Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
“I am certain that the friendship forged at the academy will foster a lifelong spirit of trust and cooperation,” he said, emphasising the shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
On cultural and people-to-people ties, he pointed to the success of the embassy’s trade fairs, the Thailand Bazaar and cultural weeks in promoting Thai food, film, fashion and Muay Thai.
“These efforts help promote our bilateral ties to grow beyond mere statistics by fostering mutual understanding and friendship,” he said.
He added that the increase in direct flights to five times weekly by Royal Brunei Airlines has supported a continued growth in Bruneian visitors to Thailand.
Looking ahead, Kittivudh extended a warm welcome to the Bruneian contingent for the upcoming 2025 SEA Games, which Thailand will host in December and expressed hope for a successful and enjoyable event for all.
In closing, he affirmed his confidence in the future of the bilateral relationship. “The Thai Embassy remains fully committed to working with our counterparts for the mutual benefit and prosperity of both our countries and peoples,” he said.
The reception started with the national anthems of Brunei Darussalam and Thailand, followed by a minute of silence in respectful memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
A five-minute documentary tribute honouring Her Majesty was also screened. The event included a cake-cutting ceremony led by the Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Energy) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohamad Azmi Haji Mohamad Hanifah as the guest of honour and his spouse, Datin Hajah Azriana Haji Zahari.
THE BRUNEIAN | BRUNEI-MUARA
