PM Modi Meets Thailand’s Youngest Prime Minister: Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Modi Pays Tribute to Earthquake Victims, Highlights India-Thailand Relations

PM Modi began his address by offering condolences to the victims of the March 28 earthquake in Thailand. He then highlighted the centuries-old religious and cultural connections between the two nations, noting that Buddhism has united their people and that the Ramayana remains an integral part of Thai life.

Upon his arrival in Bangkok, Modi met with members of the Indian community at the airport. Later, he attended a performance of Thailand’s version of the Ramayana, known as ‘Ramakien’.

Bilateral Talks Focus on Trade, Security & Connectivity

During their bilateral meeting, PM Modi and PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra discussed key issues, including trade, defense, connectivity, and regional security. Senior officials from both nations explored ways to enhance economic cooperation and boost investment opportunities.

PM Modi Expected to Visit Bangkok’s Historic Wat Pho Temple

As part of his visit, Modi is expected to visit the renowned Wat Pho temple, famous for its giant reclining Buddha statue and over 1,000 Buddha images and 90 stupas. It is one of Thailand’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temples.

Key Agenda: Strengthening Economic & Political Partnerships

The discussions between the two leaders primarily focus on political, economic, and security cooperation. Additionally, fraudulent job scams in Myanmar targeting Indian workers is expected to be a key topic of discussion.

Modi & Paetongtarn’s Previous Meeting at the 2024 ASEAN Summit

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra, became Thailand’s Prime Minister in 2024. She and Modi had previously met in October 2024 during the ASEAN Summit in Vietnam.

PM Modi’s last visits to Thailand were in 2016, when he paid tribute to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and in 2019 for the ASEAN Summit. However, this marks his first official bilateral visit to the country.

India-Thailand Relations: A 2,000-Year-Old Bond

India and Thailand share a historical relationship spanning over 2,000 years, with Buddhism and Hindu traditions shaping Thai culture. The Ramayana (‘Ramakien’ in Thailand) remains an essential part of Thai literature, art, and traditions.

During Emperor Ashoka’s reign, Buddhist monks spread Buddha’s teachings to Thailand, which was historically referred to in Indian texts as ‘Suvannabhumi’ (Golden Land). Trade relations between India and Thailand have been strong for centuries.

After India gained independence in 1947, both nations formally established diplomatic ties. In 2022, India and Thailand celebrated 75 years of relations. Like India, Thailand remained non-aligned during the Cold War era.

Thailand: India’s Fourth-Largest Trade Partner in ASEAN

Thailand is India’s fourth-largest trading partner in ASEAN, following Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In 2021, Thailand’s Global Renewable Synergy Company Limited made one of the largest investments in India’s renewable energy sector, worth ₹3,880 crore.

In recent years, Thailand has heavily invested in India’s infrastructure, real estate, agriculture, electronics, automotive, food processing, hospitality, and renewable energy sectors.

2004 Trade Agreement & Early Harvest Scheme

To strengthen bilateral trade, India and Thailand signed an ‘Early Harvest Scheme’ (EHS) in September 2004, under the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). This agreement allowed for the immediate tariff-free exchange of select goods and services, with plans to expand it over time.

Thailand’s Role in India’s Act East Policy

Thailand plays a crucial role in India’s ‘Act East Policy’, which was launched in 2014 by PM Modi’s government, replacing the 1991 ‘Look East Policy’ introduced by PM P.V. Narasimha Rao. The policy aims to enhance trade, investment, security, and cultural ties with ASEAN and East Asian nations.

Thailand: A Top Destination for Indian Tourists

In 2024, over 2.1 million Indian tourists visited Thailand, marking a 30% increase from 2023. Thailand is the third most popular international destination for Indian travelers, after Malaysia and China.

Meanwhile, according to India’s Tourism Ministry’s 2023 report, 64,196 Thai tourists visited India in 2022, primarily for Buddhist pilgrimage sites such as Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Sarnath and Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh), and Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh).

With PM Modi’s visit, both nations aim to further strengthen their cultural, economic, and strategic partnerships, reinforcing the historic and enduring ties between India and Thailand.