On 17 March 2015 at 18.30 hrs, General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, presided over the reception to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of the establishment of Thai-Irish Diplomatic Relations at Vithes Samosorn Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ofThailand and the Irish Embassy in Bangkok to celebrate the longstanding bilateral cooperation,particularly in the areas of trade and investment, tourism, and education. As a testament to the huge potential in expanding cooperation between the two countries, the Irish Government opened the Irish Embassy in Bangkok early this year. The celebrations coincided with the auspicious St. Patrick’s Day, being also the Irish National day.   

The evening’s activities featured a photography exhibition on the Royal Visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to Ireland on 6-7 September 2014, the first by a Thai Royal Family member. An exhibit of Thai-Irish cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 27 June 1975 was on view. There was also an Irish folk music performance.

Ireland’s strength lies in science, technology, and innovation, which are areas that Thailand could benefit from in improving our education and national economic competitiveness.  In the past two years, scientists and researchers frequented Ireland to study Irish policies and systems in promoting scientific and innovative excellence, as well as to seek further avenues for research cooperation. Furthermore, the Thai-Irish MOU on Education Cooperation was signed on 27 February 2015 by Admiral Narong Pipatanasai, Minister of Education and H.E. Mr. Brendan Rogers, Ambassador of Ireland to Thailand.