Japan and Thailand: Shared vision for 140 years of diplomacy!

Japan and Thailand: Shared vision for 140 years of diplomacy!

The 10th Japan-Thailand Political Partnership Consultation (JTPPC) took place on November 28, 2025, and interest in closer cooperation between these two countries is stronger than ever. The meeting was co-chaired by Thailand's Permanent Secretary Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi and Japan's Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Namazu Hiroyuki. The location of the event? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

The agenda was packed with topics ranging from political and economic cooperation to people-to-people exchanges. Sub-regional cooperation was also discussed and opinions on current regional situations were exchanged. The aim of the consultation was to reaffirm the shared commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership, with a view to the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Strengthen common interests

A key concern was exploring opportunities for high-level visits between the two countries. The importance of existing bilateral mechanisms such as the High-Level Joint Commission (HLJC) and the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) was also highlighted. These structures are intended to help improve Thailand's long-term research capability, innovation and competitiveness. In this context, particular focus was placed on the KOSEN program and the promotion of synchrotron technology.

However, the JTPPC is just one of many mechanisms that promote exchanges between Thailand and Japan. Since the first meeting took place in 2004, both countries have continuously worked to deepen their relations. Historically, the exchange between the two nations goes back a long way: Japan became an important economic partner for Thailand as early as the 19th century after the first trade contacts were established.

A look into the past and future

The historical roots of Japan-Thailand relations are deep. From the first contacts through trade with Red Seal ships to the settlement of Japanese communities in Siam, both countries have developed a close connection. Japan has always stood by Thailand in its efforts to maintain national sovereignty. The two countries were also allies during the Second World War, which took relations to a new level, although they were marked by conflicts and changes over time.

But the key steps toward today's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership were only recently taken when Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha signed a Strategic Economic Cooperation Agreement. This engagement demonstrates the commitment of both nations to further develop their bilateral relations, particularly in terms of investment and human capital development.

The cooperation also includes important news from security and defense policy, which has recently become more important. Both leaders stressed the need to respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Facing regional challenges such as the East and South China Seas and the situation in Myanmar, Thailand and Japan are working together to create a better future for both peoples.

As further developments will show, the signs point to even closer cooperation and a shared future: both economically and politically. The public can look forward to seeing what successes the next discussions and visits will bring.

One thing is clear for Japan-Thailand relations: cooperation will be firmly rooted in history and aims to become even more important in the future. The cities, the nations and the people benefit from this strong bond between Japan and Thailand - and that is the path to a thriving, precious partnership.

For more information on this important political meeting, please visit mfa.go.th, on the recent talks between the prime ministers japan.kantei.go.jp and on the historical development of Japan-Thailand relations en.m.wikipedia.org.