MFA Press Statement: Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Thailand

    The Republic of Singapore and the Kingdom of Thailand established diplomatic relations on 20 September 1965.  To commemorate the 50^th anniversary of that event, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as well as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam exchanged messages with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai.  The texts of the messages from PM Lee and Minister Shanmugam are appended.

    As part of the events to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, our respective postal authorities jointly issued a commemorative stamp.  The Singapore Wind Symphony and Thailand’s Silpakorn University, with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Bangkok, will also stage a joint musical performance on 21 September 2015, at an event hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

21 SEPTEMBER 2015

Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha

20 September 2015

Dear Prime Minister Prayut,

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore, I convey my best wishes to Your Excellency and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand on the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Singapore and the Kingdom of Thailand. 

Singapore and Thailand enjoy a close friendship.  Thailand was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Singapore, shortly after we gained independence.  Since then, our friendship has grown from strength to strength.  We have built a comprehensive relationship on multiple fronts and through various platforms such as the Leaders’ Retreat, the Civil Service Exchange Programme, and the Singapore-Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship (STEER).  Bilateral trade has grown steadily over the years, and Singapore continues to be one of Thailand’s largest investors. 

Our close friendship extends beyond our bilateral relationship.  Within the ASEAN family, we are close partners and work hand in hand on issues of concern to the region. 

I look forward to working with you to bring our relations to greater heights.  I wish you good health and success, and look forward to seeing you before too long.

Yours sincerely

Lee Hsien Loong

His Excellency General Prayut Chan-o-cha

Prime Minister

Kingdom of Thailand

Letter from Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam to Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai

20 September 2015

His Excellency Don Pramudwinai

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Kingdom of Thailand

Dear Excellency,

I would like to convey my warmest wishes to you on this joyous occasion of the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Singapore and the Kingdom of Thailand.

Singapore and Thailand enjoy long-standing and close relations.  When Singapore gained independence 50 years ago, Thailand was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with us.  Over the years, our two countries have worked closely together in many areas.  The upcoming launch of the Joint Stamp Issue to commemorate our 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, along with various commemorative events both in Singapore and Thailand, are testament to our enduring friendship.

I look forward to working with you to strengthen our bilateral relations and cooperation within ASEAN.

Yours sincerely,

K Shanmugam