On 2-4 March 2025, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will pay a visit to the State of Qatar. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, to express appreciation for Qatar’s support in facilitating negotiations and coordinating with relevant parties to secure the safe release of five Thai nationals on 30 January 2025, as well as to seek continued assistance in securing the release of one remaining Thai hostage and the retrieval of the bodies of two deceased Thai hostages.

Since the beginning of the Israel-Palestinian conflict on 7 October 2023, Qatar has been playing a leading role as a mediator in the negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas, alongside the United States and Egypt. These efforts have led to the successful release of many hostages in the Gaza Strip, including 28 Thai nationals, all of whom have safely returned to Thailand.

The Minister will also take this opportunity to discuss with the Qatari side ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Qatar. Key bilateral areas include renewable and alternative energy, food security and halal industry, medical and wellness tourism, as well as technology and innovation.