On 20 - 21 June 2013, H.E. Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs paid an official visit to the Republic of the Philippines in conjunction with the 5th Meeting of Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) between Thailand and the Philippines in Manila.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs  paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines and had a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Albert F. Del Rosario, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. He also co-chaired the 5th JCBC meeting with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, to be followed by luncheon hosted by the Philippines’ Foreign Secretary in honour of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

The 5th JCBC produced satisfying, fruitful outcome, once again reinforcing the long-standing close partnership between Thailand and the Philippines. Both sides managed to make progress in several cooperation areas. On trade and investment, the First Joint Trade Committee Meeting will be convened in September 2013 in the Philippines to discuss ways to enhance economic collaboration between the two countries. On education, both sides looked forward to the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Exchange of Professional Teachers in July of this year in the Philippines. With regard to defense cooperation, Thailand agreed to the request of the Philippines to donate the spare parts of OV-10 aircraft to the Philippines Armed Forces as a symbol of longstanding friendship between the two countries. The Philippines will convene the First Joint Commission on Defense Cooperation next year. On labour cooperation, Thailand hopes to learn more about the best practices of the Philippines on the administration of overseas workers’ welfare and protection.

On this occasion, three important documents were signed between Thailand and the Philippines; namely, (1) the Convention between the Philippines and Thailand for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (2) the Joint Statement for the Establishment of an Energy Forum, and (3) the Memorandum of Understanding on the Cooperation between the Thailand - Philippines and the Philippines - Thailand Business Councils.

Both sides also exchanged views on the strategic landscape of the region, including the roles of major powers and ways to strengthen their constructive engagement in the regional architecture. 

Thailand will host Sixth Meeting of the JCBC in 2015.