Thailand, Iran Pledge to Strengthen Tourism Cooperation
Bangkok—Iran is actively pursuing stronger ties with Thailand, particularly focusing on boosting tourism, Iranian Ambassador Nassereddin Heidari announced Tuesday. Speaking at an event commemorating Iran’s National Day and the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok, Mr. Heidari highlighted the growing tourism exchange.
Over 50,000 Iranian tourists visited Thailand last year, solidifying the kingdom’s position as a prime vacation destination for Iranian citizens. The ambassador expressed his desire to further increase these numbers, signifying promising growth for Thailand’s tourism sector. He emphasized Tehran’s reciprocal goal of attracting more Thai visitors to Iran, outlining plans for promotional events to showcase Iran’s attractions.
The Iranian embassy’s proactive approach is mirrored by the Thai government’s initiatives to promote Thailand within the Iranian travel market. A recent tourism promotion event hosted by the embassy included representatives from approximately 30 Thai tour agencies, reflecting the concerted effort to facilitate travel between the two nations. This collaboration highlights the mutual benefits of increased tourism.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations between Iran and Thailand—a significant milestone in their diplomatic history. To commemorate this, the Iranian embassy in Thailand and the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran are preparing events to celebrate this anniversary and foster stronger people-to-people connections. These cultural exchanges will enrich the relationship and lay a foundation for future collaboration.
However, the interconnectedness between the two nations predates the official establishment of diplomatic ties. Ambassador Heidari noted historical links extending back roughly four centuries. During this period, Persian merchants and scholars traveled to Siam (present-day Thailand), exploring new trade routes and disseminating cultural influences and valuable commodities. This historical context adds depth to current diplomatic efforts, demonstrating a longstanding connection.
Mr. Heidari reiterated Thailand’s importance to Iran, stating, «The kingdom of Thailand is a significant country for Iran.» He underscored the eagerness to enhance bilateral cooperation across cultural, political, and economic spheres, with tourism playing a prominent role. This multifaceted approach suggests a commitment to a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership. The focus on tourism, alongside the commemorative events and historical context, indicates a relationship poised for continued growth and strengthening in the coming years. This renewed emphasis on cultural and economic exchange through tourism could significantly deepen ties between Thailand and Iran, paving the way for a more robust and multifaceted partnership.
