On 24 January 2022, Ms. Petra Sigmund, Director-General for Asia and the Pacific of the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and attended the 3rd Thailand-Germany Bilateral Political Consultations, co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Chulamanee Chartsuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during an official visit to Thailand from 23-26 January 2022.

With regard to the successful visit, both sides reiterated the close and cordial ties between Thailand and the Federal Republic of Germany, which celebrates the 160th Anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. To commemorate this special occasion, the Thai side will organize an “EV Hackathon” (a collaborative competition on innovation which takes place in a short period of time) on the topic of electric vehicles (EVs) which the German side has expertise. Furthermore, both sides also discussed ways to develop and realize various areas of cooperation, covering areas such as Covid-19, trade and investment, environment, vocational education, railways and sustainable development.

This visit reflects the importance the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs places on Thailand in moving forward cooperation in bilateral, regional and multilateral frameworks.