General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, paid an official visit to Brunei Darussalam during 2 - 4 February 2015.
    The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs had an audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, at the Istana Nurul Iman Palace. His Majesty the Sultan conveyed his well wishes for the good health of His Majesty King Bhumibol. Both sides also exchanged views on the close ties between Thailand and Brunei, which spans over 31 years and covered various areas and levels of cooperation.
     The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also had an audience with His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam. The discussion included preparation for the official visit of the Prime Minister of Thailand to Brunei in March, as well as ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in all aspects. On security issues, both sides welcomed the establishment of Thailand’s Office of Defence Attaché at the Royal Thai Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan in August 2014 to promote bilateral cooperation in the area of defence. On economic issues, Thailand, already the number one exporter of rice to Brunei, is ready to increase rice export to Brunei to meet the high popularity of Thai rice in Brunei. Both sides also shared interest in research and development of halal food technology. On educational issues, both sides expressed their shared interest in educational exchange. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed his appreciation to Brunei for taking good care of the approximately 2,000 Thai workers presently in Brunei. Apart from bilateral cooperation, both sides affirmed their commitment to enhance regional cooperation, especially in realizing the ASEAN Community later this year. After the discussion, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bolkiah hosted a luncheon for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the delegation at the Balai Penghadapan Palace.
     During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also had discussion with Dato Lim Jock Seng, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam, and Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
     A visit to BioInnovation Corridor was organized for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, where an introductory tour was given by Pehin Abdullah, Minister of Communication and Acting Minister of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei. The halal themed Industrial Park focusing on halal innovation in Brunei would consist of 3 main parts, namely, halal science and innovation centre, industrial area for investors, and general public area, such as botanical garden and retail shops when completed. The centre provides an opportunity for Thai investors to enhance cooperation with Brunei on halal food and innovation. In addition, Brunei will host an investor forum on halal industry in April 2015.