BANGKOK (NNT) - Nalinee Taveesin, Thailand's Trade Representative, disclosed after meeting with Mr. Darkey Ephraim Africa, Ambassador of South Africa to Thailand, that both parties expressed their pleasure at the strong and close relationship between the two countries in all dimensions.

 

She mentioned that the cooperation includes ministerial-level exchanges and tourism aspects. In 2023, the number of South African tourists traveling to Thailand increased by more than 50% compared to 2022, with a total of 60,000 visitors, while about 2,000 Thai tourists visited South Africa. 

 

Moreover, the South African Ambassador hinted at good news that within the next 1-2 years, South African Airlines is considering reopening the direct flight route from Bangkok to Johannesburg. This would significantly boost tourist numbers between the two countries. In terms of education, Chulalongkorn University will establish the Nelson Mandela Center for Conflict Resolution, honoring Mandela’s legacy as a promoter of peace and unity. These developments are a positive and sustainable sign of the relationship between Thailand and South Africa.

 

Nalinee said they also discussed promoting cooperation in sectors where each country specializes, such as the electric vehicle industry, mining and minerals, and fruit industry. 

 

Furthermore, she and the ambassador discussed the promotion of women's roles, especially in the business sector. Additionally, they talked about expanding markets, including discussions on reducing tariffs and negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), comprising Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, and the Republic of South Africa. The ambassador indicated South Africa's readiness to support Thailand's FTA negotiations with SACU.

 

By Naark Rojanasuvan

 

Source: NNT 2024-03-01

 

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So we can expect Thailand to emulate South Africa where they have daily 6+ hour power cuts, sorry they call it load shedding, polluted drinking water, hospitals without drugs, mass emigration of skilled people, a murder rate 46 times higher than the UK, and state capture of swathes or the economy. 

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

She mentioned that the cooperation includes ministerial-level exchanges and tourism aspects. In 2023, the number of South African tourists traveling to Thailand increased by more than 50% compared to 2022, with a total of 60,000 visitors, while about 2,000 Thai tourists visited South Africa.

Thai tour guides will have to brush up on Afrikaans soon.

19 minutes ago, brommers said:

So we can expect Thailand to emulate South Africa where they have daily 6+ hour power cuts, sorry they call it load shedding, polluted drinking water, hospitals without drugs, mass emigration of skilled people, a murder rate 46 times higher than the UK, and state capture of swathes or the economy. 

Gold necklace snatching by l/b's will be overshadowed by car-jacking.

They going to get 90 day Visa waivers too?

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), comprising Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, and the Republic of South Africa.

Score!

Combined population almost 70 million, just somewhat less than Thailand - 71 million.

• The customs union’s main imports from the rest of the world include value-added manufactured products (e.g. machinery, electrical equipment; and vehicles).  https://www.tralac.org/blog/article/13807-southern-african-customs-union-sacu-s-trade-and-tariff-profile.html  Major export products for Thailand.
• Market Kokoro, a well-known Asian supermarket with branches in Pretoria and Johannesburg, specializes in importing Korean, Japanese, and Thai products. Dingho Company, the largest Asian food and ingredients importer in South Africa, distributes products to supermarkets and Asian restaurants across the country. https://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/4320-thailand-and-south-africa-strengthen-bilateral-ties-through-trade-talks    Another potential major export expansion for Thailand.

Lol mixing with all the quality players. Surprised title didn’t read, ‘Thailand, the hub of all fronts’. 😋