On 14 October 2021, H.E. Mr. NASHIDA Kazuya, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister at Government House.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister extended his best regards to H.E. Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, the former Prime Minister of Japan, and congratulations to H.E. Mr. KISHIDA Fumio on the latter’s assumption of office as the new Prime Minister of Japan. As next year marks the 135th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Japan, Thailand’s APEC chairmanship as well as its tenure as country coordinator for ASEAN - Japan dialogue relations during 2021 - 2024, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Royal Thai Government to working closely with the Government of Japan to strengthen relations between Thailand and Japan in all dimensions. The Ambassador of Japan also handed to the Thai Prime Minister the note from Prime Minister KISHIDA expressing appreciation for the congratulatory note on the occasion of his assumption of office.

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for the cooperation in alleviating the COVID-19 situation in Thailand, particularly the provision of AstraZeneca vaccines manufactured in Japan, medical supplies and other related cooperation. The Prime Minister also encouraged Japan to further invest in Thailand, especially in the seven (7) fields of new industries with a view to supporting economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Both sides also discussed the easing of travel restrictions, and welcomed the successful outcomes of the 5th Meeting of the Thailand-Japan High Level Joint Commission (HLJC5) on 11 August 2021 via teleconference.

In addition, both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the situation in Myanmar, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and ASEAN - Japan relations as well as APEC. The Ambassador also reaffirmed Japan’s readiness to support Thailand’s hosting of APEC in 2022.