On 19 December 2016, H.E. Mr. Shiro Sadoshima, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mrs. Busaya Mathelin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of her recent assumption of duty. At the outset, the Japanese Ambassador expressed, on behalf of the Imperial Family, government and people of Japan, his condolences on the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and congratulations on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun’s accession to the throne.

Both sides also discussed bilateral cooperation, especially the joint preparation to mark the 130th anniversary of Thailand – Japan establishment of diplomatic relations in 2017. Promotion of cooperation on investment in Thailand’s target industries and infrastructure projects as well as human resources development cooperation were also among the issues discussed by the two sides. The Permanent Secretary also exchanged views with the Japanese Ambassador on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including trilateral cooperation for the development of the Mekong Sub-region and cooperation under the ASEAN framework.