Thailand’s relations with Saudi Arabia are “improving”, according to its new Consul General, Sukasem Yothasamutr. “We now have better bilateral relations as private sector representatives in both countries are interacting,” he told Arab News.
Yothasamutr, who recently assumed the post after Suvat Chirapant was transferred to Riyadh, said that there is great potential for the two countries to promote trade cooperation.
The total volume of bilateral trade increased by 31.3% in the year 2003 from the previous year, reaching a value of $2.12 billion.
Yothasamutr said that approximately 8,800 Thai Muslims performed last year’s Hajj, compared to 8,374 the previous year. He expressed Thailand’s gratitude to the Kingdom for extending excellent services and facilities to pilgrims from his country year upon year. “Thailand would be happy to contribute towards the welfare of pilgrims,” he said.
Islamic studies in the Kingdom have also attracted Thai students, 109 of whom study in Madinah and 13 in Makkah. Approximately 20,000 Thai expatriates work in various regions of the Kingdom, 15,000 in the Western Province alone.
Source: SPA
