Celebrating the 138th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Thailand
2025/9/26
Celebrating the 138th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Thailand
OTAKA Masato, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Thailand
Today, September 26, marks the 138th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Thailand, commemorating the signing of the “Declaration of Amity and Commerce between Japan and Siam.” in 1887. The relationship built upon exchanges that began over 600 years ago between the Ryukyu Kingdom and the Ayutthaya Dynasty. Over the years, the two countries have supported and cooperated with each other across numerous fields, including economics, trade, culture, education, and technology, fostering continuous exchange, which has cultivated deep friendship between the people of Japan and Thailand, fostering mutual understanding and respect for each other's culture.
In the economic field, Japanese direct investment in Thailand has reached a cumulative total of approximately 4 trillion baht, contributing to Thailand's economic growth in a wide range of fields. Today, Thailand stands as one of Japan's foremost investment destinations and production bases in Asia. As partners in economic development, both nations support each other. Amid growing global economic uncertainty, Japan and Thailand are also strengthening cooperation in enhancing supply chain resilience and fostering new industries. Collaboration in strategic sectors such as automobiles, EV battery, renewable energy, environment and waste management related industry, and DX related industries will form the pillars in shaping the future of both countries.
The earthquake at the end of March this year also caused significant damage within Thailand. I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to all those affected. As a country that has faced natural disasters many times, Japan will draw on its experience to support the Thai people's recovery and reconstruction efforts to the fullest extent possible.
Regarding the military clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border, I would like to express our deepest condolences for those who lost their lives, and extend my heartfelt sympathies to the injured and those affected. Japan expects that both countries will continue to observe the ceasefire agreement and the tension between Thailand and Cambodia will be eased peacefully through dialogue. We remain firmly committed to providing all necessary cooperation for the stability of the region.
Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are also deepening the bonds between our two countries, particularly among the younger generation. In the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 started from April, Thailand has been participating with a pavilion under the theme “THAILAND Connecting Lives for Greatest Happiness” showcasing its cultural appeal and efforts toward building an advanced society. This has provided an opportunity for mutual learning between the peoples of both countries, yielding results in sharing insights and further deepening mutual understanding as Japan and Thailand work toward building sustainable societies.
As we mark these significant milestones, we reflect on the longstanding friendship between Japan and Thailand and will continue our efforts to further strengthen this tie between Japan and Thailand. Looking ahead to the 140th anniversary in 2027, we sincerely hope that Japan and Thailand will join hands to further deepen economic development, regional peace, and the bonds between people, forging a new era together.
In the economic field, Japanese direct investment in Thailand has reached a cumulative total of approximately 4 trillion baht, contributing to Thailand's economic growth in a wide range of fields. Today, Thailand stands as one of Japan's foremost investment destinations and production bases in Asia. As partners in economic development, both nations support each other. Amid growing global economic uncertainty, Japan and Thailand are also strengthening cooperation in enhancing supply chain resilience and fostering new industries. Collaboration in strategic sectors such as automobiles, EV battery, renewable energy, environment and waste management related industry, and DX related industries will form the pillars in shaping the future of both countries.
The earthquake at the end of March this year also caused significant damage within Thailand. I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to all those affected. As a country that has faced natural disasters many times, Japan will draw on its experience to support the Thai people's recovery and reconstruction efforts to the fullest extent possible.
Regarding the military clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border, I would like to express our deepest condolences for those who lost their lives, and extend my heartfelt sympathies to the injured and those affected. Japan expects that both countries will continue to observe the ceasefire agreement and the tension between Thailand and Cambodia will be eased peacefully through dialogue. We remain firmly committed to providing all necessary cooperation for the stability of the region.
Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are also deepening the bonds between our two countries, particularly among the younger generation. In the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 started from April, Thailand has been participating with a pavilion under the theme “THAILAND Connecting Lives for Greatest Happiness” showcasing its cultural appeal and efforts toward building an advanced society. This has provided an opportunity for mutual learning between the peoples of both countries, yielding results in sharing insights and further deepening mutual understanding as Japan and Thailand work toward building sustainable societies.
As we mark these significant milestones, we reflect on the longstanding friendship between Japan and Thailand and will continue our efforts to further strengthen this tie between Japan and Thailand. Looking ahead to the 140th anniversary in 2027, we sincerely hope that Japan and Thailand will join hands to further deepen economic development, regional peace, and the bonds between people, forging a new era together.
