On 21 October 2024, Mr. Pichaya Lapasthamrong, Consul represented the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata in participating in a panel discussion titled ‘New Horizon? Understanding India-Thailand Ties’ organized by Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Kolkata Centre. The panelists include: Professor Reena Marwah, Jesus and Mary’s College, Delhi University; Dr. James Gomez, Regional Director, Asia Centre; and, Assistant Professor Kanopporn Wongkalasin, Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia (RILCA), Mahidol University. Around 30 participants attended the panel discussion.

Mr. Lapasthamrong shared his view on Indo-Thai relations which is underpinned by Buddhism. This is evident in the generosity of the Indian Government to lend the holy relics of Lord Buddha and his two main disciples for temporary exhibition in Thailand earlier this year, which were paid respect by more than 4 million Thai Buddhists. At the same time, Hinduism also plays a significant role in shaping the spiritual beliefs in Thai society. On bilateral cooperation, there are many potential areas that India and Thailand can promote deeper collaboration, especially on improving land and sea connectivity through the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project and the connection of ports in the Bay of Bengal respectively. Moreover, Thailand is also interested in enhancing cooperation with India’s Northeastern Region, which is a strategic area that connects India with several neighbouring countries.

ORF is an Indian think-tank with its Headquarters in New Delhi. Its mandates include making policy recommendations for the Indian Government and countries in nearby regions and serving as a discussion platform on global issues such as the improvement of governance, geopolitical competition, economic diplomacy, digital transformation, sustainable development, and climate change.