On 15 - 19 July 2013, the Thailand-Mexico Parliamentarians Friendship Group led by Deputy Sanchai Wongsunthorn and comprised of 5 other members of Parliament, visited Mexico to strengthen ties between the legislative branches of the two countries.

     This is the first visit of the Thai Parliamentarians to Mexico since the establishment of the Thailand-Mexico Friendship Group in 2010, while the Mexican Parliamentarian Delegation visited Thailand in 2011.

     During the four-day visit, the Thai delegation had fruitful meetings with the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies and the Attorney General’s Office. At the Senate, the Delegation was warmly received by Senator Téofilo Torres Corzo, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission for Asia-Pacific and other distinguished members of the Commission. While at the Chamber of Deputies, the Delegation was honored with the presence of Deputy Francisco Arroyo (President of the Chamber of Deputies), Deputy Eloy Cantu Segovia (Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission) and Deputy Angelina Carreño (Chairwoman of the Mexico-Thailand Parliamentarians Friendship Group) and other distinguished members of the Mexico-Thailand Friendship Group. 

     Both sides recognized the growing geopolitical importance of each other’s region and the tremendous potential for enhanced cooperation in many areas, particularly trade, investment, culture, education and tourism. Both sides further expressed their intention to work together, through parliamentary diplomacy, to forge closer ties between the two nations, encourage more frequent exchanges of high-level visits, and promote a better understanding of their constituencies about each other’s country.

     At the Attorney General’s Office, the Thai delegation was briefed on the management and control of illicit drugs and precursors in Mexico, a topic in which both sides share a common interest and concern. The meeting provided an opportunity for Thailand and Mexico to share their experiences and learn from each other, as well as to establish contact for further cooperation in the future. 

     The warm hospitality that the Thailand-Mexico Parliamentarians Friendship Group has received from the Mexican side clearly reflects the intention of the new Mexican Government, which took office in December 2012, to project the image of Mexico as a “safe and welcoming country” who seeks to enhance ties with friends around the world, including Asia-Pacific, which Mexico sees as the emerging economic power and potential strategic partner.