His Excellency Vutti Vuttisant

Thaialand Ambassador to Nepal

Since 1959, the diplomatic relations between Thailand and Nepal have always been excellent, based on mutual trust, respect and understanding. This year is an auspicious occasion to commemorate the 88th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej as well as the Anniversary Celebration of His Majesty’s 69th year on the throne which consider to be the longest reign at present.

Throughout his 69 years in the throne, His Majesty has carried out his duties and responsibilities as a constitutional monarch under the constitution. He has dedicated himself to the benefit and happiness of the Thai people which more than four thousand royally initiated projects was successfully operated and uplifting the lives of all Thai people, particularly those in rural areas. The King’s projects covered all aspects of development, concentrating on water resources, agriculture, environmental conservation, etc. under the concept of a sufficiency economy. His Majesty is truly a pillar of national stability and unity. Therefore in this year, the 88th Birthday Anniversary and 69th Anniversary of His Majesty on the throne is very much memorable for all Thai and all people around the world.

Thailand and Nepal have a long-standing relationship as we share many similarities such as culture, religious and commonalities. This year is a specific year for Nepal encountering hard times, from the massive Earthquake on 25 April and 12 May 2015 which cost more than 9,000 precious lives and 900,000 houses, schools and government buildings were destroyed and also the power and fuel shortage which is a difficult task for Nepal to come over. Thailand, as good old friend to Nepal, is ready to render assistance and full support in many aspects, such as sending rescue and medical team during the Earthquake time for rehabilitation, cooperation in restoration of historical site, cooperation in developing agricultural sector with Thai experts, assistant in providing necessity humanitarian medical supplies, etc.

Thailand is ready for continuously working together with Nepal to strengthen the partnership in bilaterally and regionally with Nepal. Our bilateral relations have flourished through mutual understanding, goodwill and respect. Thailand’s foreign policy toward Nepal puts emphasis on peace, humanitarian, religious, cultural, technical, tourism, economic and BIMSIEC cooperation. On economic side, our bilateral trade has reached 58.89 Million US Dollars and the growth trade volume expands continuously every year in good rate which will be the best chance to encourage more Thai investors to take more roles in Nepal in the future.

For cultural cooperation, Thailand and Nepal have shared common value in cultures and Buddhism. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and one of the most important sacred place for all Thai pilgrimage to be visited. Thailand has continuously devote to development of Lumbini such as the construction of pavement, construction of Little Buddha Statue and Lumbini World peace Visitor Center and in near future will also be involved in the project on the restoration of Mayadevi temple’s roof. Furthermore, the Royal Kathina Robes bestowed by His Majesty the King of Thailand have been offered to Nepal continuously for 7 years since 2009.

On technical cooperation, Thailand has been providing a number of scholarships and short-course trainings for the Government of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and also many hundreds of Nepali students now are studying in famous Thai’s world class University such as AlT, ABAC, Webster etc. and the number of the students expand continuously every year. Apart from this, Thailand also involve in humanitarian assistance in Nepal which the Embassy has rendered its support to many Buddhist monasteries in Nepal as well as non-profit social organizations in Nepal, such as Youth Eye Service and Children’s Forum Nepal.

I would like to thank the Nepalese Government, private sectors and all relevant agencies for their contribution to the excellent cooperation and relationship that Nepal and Thailand have enjoyed from the past. It is my strong desire to further extend our cordial relations .in the future, especially on activities to deepen and broaden our cooperative endeavors for the mutual benefit between the two countries and peoples.

Last but not least, I believe that the cooperation between our two countries will be further enhanced and encouraged to become more proactive and forward-looking in the years ahead.

Distinguished authors’ message on Thailand national day, December 5, 2015 held in Kathmandu. Nepal Vice President Nand Kishor Pun Pasang also graced the occasion: Ed.

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