Thailand, Holy See deepen ties on peace, development and humanitarian cooperation

Thailand and the Holy See reaffirmed their commitment to global peace, sustainable development, and humanitarian cooperation during a meeting on October 19. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with Vatican diplomats Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for relations with states and international organizations.

Sihasak thanked the Holy See for its work in Thai society, specifically through Catholic schools and hospitals. Vatican officials responded by praising Thailand for its religious freedom and cultural diversity. The leaders also discussed progress on a proposed bilateral agreement to exempt holders of diplomatic and official passports from visa requirements to make high level diplomatic exchanges easier.

The meeting noted the 350 year relationship between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Holy See, citing the 1960 visit of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great to the Vatican and Pope Francis' 2019 visit to Thailand as important milestones.