Thai Business Centre

Thailand's Business Information Centre (BIC) Manama





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Thailand Business Center (TBC)

Thursday, April 27 - 2006

Premier inaugurates Thailand Business Centre


A concerted effort to strengthen the bridges in trade and economic cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Thailand as well as other Middle Eastern countries, will be realized today following the grand opening of the Thailand Business Center (TBC) in Manama, Bahrain.

Inaugurated by H.H. Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain in the presence of the Acting Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, this Center is the first of its kind in the Middle East and stems from the tireless efforts of the Bahraini and Thai governments and joint private/public sectors' endeavors to foster trade relations between the two nations.

Jointly presiding over the opening ceremony were H.H. Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain, H.E. Dr. Hassan Abdulla Fakhroo, the Minister of Commerce and Industry and H.E. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Acting Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, opening a new chapter to trade and commerce between the two friendly countries. Also present at the event were leading Bahraini and Thai figures including the Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Essam Fakhroo, the CEO of Promoseven Holdings, Mr. Akram Miknas, the Honorary Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Mr. Praphad Phodhivorakhun and the Thailand Trade Representative, Mr. Somphong Amornvivat.

H.E. Mr. Somphong Amornvivat, Thailand Trade Representative explained that

'TBC Bahrain is the very brainchild of H.H. Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain and H.E. Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, in an attempt to boost trade opportunities between the two nations. This project is under the direct supervision of the Federation of Thai Industries and started back in 2004.'

He also went on to explain that the TBC Bahrain 'will serve as a one-stop showroom & distribution center to showcase Thai products and services to Bahrain and other countries in the Middle East, an information service center to provide marketing data to Bahraini investors, and a convenient forum for businessmen to exchange their ideas for future investment links.'

Mr. Praphad Phodhivorakhun, Honorary Chairman of FTI stated that 'the Center will focus on achieving sustainable marketing effort, and building a distinctive and lasting Thai-product identity, featuring Thailand as a global key player in manufacturing, processing, and supplying quality consumer as well as industrial products and services to suit the lifestyle of the consumers and industrial requirement of the Middle East market through long-range marketing strategies.'

'The Thailand Business Center sets itself the clear goal to enhance trade relations between Bahrain and Thailand, assist Bahraini investors for mutual investment opportunities, and highlight Thailand tourism through the establishment of an official showroom and distribution centre' continued the chairman.

TBC is located at 185 Government Avenue in Manama, capital of Bahrain and occupies a three-floor office space in a prestigious area in the central business district of Manama with a combined floor area of 1,200 square meters for product display, business meeting, administration, and information-service purposes.

At present six major industry categories take an active part in showcasing their products and service at TBC including a Food Sector (Thai restaurants and Thai Food & Fruit Products), Fashion and Accessories Sector (garment, leather products, gems and jewelry), Industrial products and services Sector (waste-to-energy management, construction materials, electronic and electrical appliances, power generation/distribution/transmission, machinery and equipment, building and landscape design and decorative products and furniture etc), Spa and Beauty products Sector (Spa products and Thai herbal products), Tourism and Healthcare Sector (tour operators, and Thai health care services), Human Resources Sector (supply of Thai labors, professionals and talents).

The Center will build confidence for Thai products and services, appealing to the hearts and minds of the consumers, leading businessmen and industrialists in the Middle Eastern region.




From the opening of Thailand Business Center in Bahrain.

Bahrain Bank, CP to form strategic alliance for agro-industrial

By THE NATION Published on June 23, 2009


Bahrain-based Al Salam Bank yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with Charoen Pokphand Group to form a strategic alliance for agro-industrial investments.

As the bank diversifies into the agricultural sector it will support the CP Group to further expand its business interests in the Middle East and North Africa, which consists of 20 countries with a combined population of 300 million.

Both Al Salam and CP Group will jointly identify suitable ventures that will generate high returns on investment, while playing a proactive role in addressing food security in the region.


The alliance will carry out detailed feasibility studies to gauge the viability in various target agribusiness sectors, including livestock, staple foods, aquaculture and perishables.

The studies will cover technical, financial, markets and employ due diligence, to identify target markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

Yousif Abdulla Taqi, board member and chief executive officer of Al Salam Bank-Bahrain, said that forming a partnership with CP Group, a major agro-industrial conglomerate, would improve the bank's competitiveness through its technical expertise.

"This alliance is in line with Al Salam's mission to provide unique investment opportunities that meet investors' objectives and risk appetite. We are also proud to support the region in addressing the critical issue of food security," he said.

"Although Bahrain will be used as a hub, our target market will cover the Mena [Middle East and North Africa] region. The projects will play an important role in creating job opportunities for Bahrainis."

Mena comprises Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Group, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

The region has a gross economic product of US$1.53 trillion (Bt52.4 trillion).

Eam Ngamdamronk, vice chairman of CP Group, said it was a flexible agreement in which investment could be made in Bahrain, Thailand and also in third countries.

Both sides will jointly set up working groups to study potential business opportunities.


"Investment in any project will be supplied by Bahrain, while CP Group will provide knowledge and expertise to support them," Eam said.

Eam added that the partnership with Al Salam Bank signified the intent to establish Bahrain as the "Halal Food Hub" of the Mena region.

This alliance represents CP Group's first joint venture with an Islamic bank as part of the Kingdom's vision to become "The Kitchen of the World".

Setting up an integrated halal food company that invests in farming, food processing, packaging and distribution is an example of CP Group's plans to establish a specialised management team with an extensive track record in the agricultural and food industries, said Eam.

Bahrain Prime Minister to visit Thailand


BANGKOK, Aug 6 (TNA) - Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, will pay an official visit to Thailand from August 9-11 at the invitation of the Thai government, according to Vimon Kidchob, Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of Information.

During his visit, the Prime Minister of Bahrain has requested audiences with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Shaikh Khalifa will meet with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for bilateral discussions at Government House, followed by a luncheon hosted in his honour. The discussion will mainly focus on cooperation in food security, trade and investment.

In addition, Prince of Songkhla University will confer an honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science on the visiting prime minister.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has been Prime Minister of Bahrain since 1971. He has played a crucial role in continuously fostering excellent relations between Thailand and Bahrain.

The upcoming visit of the sheikh to Thailand on this occasion will further strengthen the close relations existing between the two kingdoms especially in the economic sphere, according to the foreign ministry. (TNA)

Bahraini prime minister arrives Thailand


BANGKOK, Aug 9 (TNA) - Bahrain’s Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa arrived here Sunday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of the Thai government.

He was welcomed upon arrival at the Royal Thai Air Force airbase at Don Muaeng by senior officials including Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu and Minister attached to Prime Minister’s Office Virachai Virameteekul.

Sheikh Khalifa is scheduled meet with his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday at Government House and Mr. Abhisit will host a luncheon for him.

The discussion is expected to focus on cooperation in food security, trade and investment between the two countries.

Sheikh Khalifa has been prime minister of Bahrain since 1971. He has played a crucial role in continuously fostering excellent relations between Thailand and Bahrain.

His visit will further strengthen the close relations existing between the two kingdoms, especially in the economic sphere, according to the Thai foreign ministry. (TNA)

THAIS ARE A CUT ABOVE IN BAHRAIN

Bangkokpost Published Published: 9/08/2009 at 12:00 AM


Prasarn fled poverty at home, with only 88 baht to her name; today her family owns profitable hairdressing salons in Manama

Few Thais who go "gold mining" overseas end up living their dream life, particularly in an Arab country. Many return home disappointed, while others are stranded in a foreign land.

Still, there are at least two success stories of Thai families who decided to leave their home country almost 30 years ago to pursue their dream of a better life in Manama, the capital of Bahrain.

Driven mainly by poverty at home in Udon Thani, Prasarn Kijharn left her eldest son with her mother and ventured out to the Middle East with her husband with only 88 baht in her pocket.

Through a job agency in Thailand she landed her first job in Bahrain working as a hairdresser while her husband worked as an air-conditioner repair man.

"When I decided to come here, I didn't even know the name of the country. But I didn't think I would be swindled. I didn't think much at that time because poverty made me forget even about death," recalled Mrs Prasarn, 56.

After two years, in which she taught herself Arabic, and with relative success in her work, she decided to persuade her five younger sisters to join her. Six years later, she owned her first barber shop in Bahrain and another two younger brothers followed her to live there.

"Now my sisters and brothers own at least five barber shops each here. There are 30 ladies' shops and 10 men's barber rooms with more than 100 staff," she said.

And Mrs Prasarn is planning to open more as many of her remaining family in Udon Thani are queuing to work in Bahrain.

"The customers, most of them Bahrainis, are proud of us if we can speak their language and they are considerate to us. They don't like to use English," said Mrs Prasarn, who makes more than 100,000 baht every month. She said life in Bahrain 29 years ago was much easier than today as things were cheaper.

"Doing business here today is more difficult and needs more money," she said.

Another success story is a Thai engineer who left Thailand almost 30 years ago.

Nattawut Booncharoen, 57, who is now chief engineer of Ahmadi Industries, Pepsi Cola Bahrain, said a big attraction of the country is the mixed cultures, the vision of King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, a good relationship between Thailand and Bahrain and the kindness of the people.

"Before I came here, I knew only that Bahrain was the island located near Saudi Arabia and one of the oil and gas producer countries," said Mr Nattawut.

Since the 1970s, Bahrain has been functioning mainly by bringing workers from around the globe as it could not build up the workforce to keep pace with the fast development of the country, he said.

"When I arrived in Bahrain in October 1979, the daily life of a Bahraini was very quiet and simple. The sea was clean and there was no pollution. People were very kind and no crimes were reported, you could park your car without even locking the door," he said. "But now things have changed."

In the next four years, Mr Nattawut is planning to retire and return to Thailand. But he still has a desire to work and plans to set up a drinking water production business.

"I've done some market research and there are good opportunities in Thailand," he said.




SUCCESS STORY: Prasarn Kijharn and her hairdressing shop in Manama, Bahrain.

Thais eye Bahrain as halal hub

Bangkokpost Published: 22/08/2009 at 12:00 AM


MANAMA, BAHRAIN : Thailand is eyeing Bahrain as a gateway for exporting halal food and southern products to Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states using the good relationship between the two countries.

Thailand has to shift its export focus from the US and Europe to other markets such as the GCC states because of the severe impact of the global financial crisis, said Assoc Prof Dr Winai Dahlan, the director of the Halal Science Centre of Chulalongkorn University. Thailand could gain significant market share from Brazil, Europe, the US, Canada, France and the Netherlands, he added.

"Our obstacle is we have constraints in expanding our markets and often trade with familiar markets like the US. We always thought the US and European markets would not be hit hard by financial problems but we were wrong," he said.

"The discord between the Muslim and Western countries since 9/11 has become good for the Muslim countries because they have experienced fewer effects from this crisis - except for the United Arab Emirates, which has many business interest with the US."

Thailand has neglected Muslim countries and invested too much in Western countries, despite Muslim markets being stronger, he said.

In his view, Bahrain has high potential for importing halal food and would make a good hub for Thai halal food because it is visited by Muslims from nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. As well as being a gateway for the GCC, Bahrain could become the gateway for exports to North Africa and Central Asia.

The GCC - which consists of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman - has a population of 38.5 million.

Thailand is ranked the fifth-largest halal food exporter but the world's seventh largest food exporter.

In the GCC, Thailand will compete on quality rather than price, said Dr Winai.

"We certainly cannot compete with China, India and Brazil on price and we cannot compete with the US, New Zealand and Australia solely on the matter of quality. But we have chosen to stay balanced between price and quality. Our products might not be the high-end but the prices are lower. I believe we can sell our goods here," he said.

Dr Winai will introduce halal science to open the market and plans to show his achievements in Germany this October, he said.

"Science can give advantages in production while it does not increase the cost of production," he said.

Halal food is produced in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Ratchaburi and Nakhon Pathom provinces.

"We have at least 8,000 factories to produce the food but have only 200 exporters. If we want to expand the halal food market, we have to roll out another 7,800 factories," he said.

Meanwhile, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) is seeking overseas markets for local producers.

Sommitre Silprasert, director of SBPAC's policy co-ordinating centre on economic and social development, said the organisation is seeking new markets for local products from Thailand's five southernmost provinces.

"The GCC markets have more opportunities to expand because they are higher-income markets, and Thailand and Thai foods are favourable to Bahraini leaders," he said.

The centre has already exported canned tuna to Lebanon and Syria; Batik clothes from Narathiwat to Europe; and artificial flowers made of rubber from Pattani to Japan and China.

Potential exports include home decoration items, basketry from Narathiwat, Muslim-style dresses and accessories, pearls from Satun, as well as fruits such as longan and durian from Yala, he said.

Due to unrest, few tourists visit the south of Thailand so overseas markets could help raise the area's incomes, he said.

Mr Sommitre said he also planned to export rambutan and mangosteen to GCC markets. Similar products are on sale in the region's markets for 600 baht per kilogramme, considerably more than their prices in Thailand.

Thai export centre planned for Bahrain

Bangkokpost Published: 19/09/2009 at 12:00 AM


A Thai distribution centre is set to open in Bahrain next year to supply Thai products to countries in the Persian Gulf.

"The new centre will handle stock worth about 30-40 billion baht for about three months," said Kiat Sittheeamorn, head of the Thailand Trade Representative office.

The first-ever regional distribution centre is a co-investment by the private sectors in Thailand and Bahrain, but will be managed by the Thai side, he said. The trade office will design it and construction is expected to be completed next year. The investment cost is not yet available.

The centre will focus initially on handling construction materials, rice, tapioca and halal food.

It is part of the government's ambitious plan to expand Thai exports to new markets, particularly the Middle East.

Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot said recently that Thailand was poised to establish joint ventures with Gulf states - either government-to-government or business-to-business - to secure rice, processed agricultural products and food supplies for the oil-rich countries.

At the first ministerial meeting between Asean and The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) in late June in Bahrain, Thailand focused on Bahrain as well-placed to become a regional food production and stockpiling centre, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates as a potential trading and distribution centre for the region, he said.

The food price scare - which receded as commodity prices slid in the global downturn - pushed many oil-rich and food-poor Gulf states to seek long-term lease rights to overseas farmlands.

The Gulf states have focused growing interest on farmland in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand.

In a separate development, Mr Kiat said Thailand plans to organise a forum for about 400-500 business leaders prior to the World Economic Forum set for Vietnam on June 6, 2010.

Bahrain-Thailand sign deal to bolster trade

Bangkokpost Posted on » Thursday, April 01, 2010


MANAMA: Bahrain and Thailand yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding to boost trade and investment.

It was sealed by Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Dr Essam Fakhro and Thai Business Council (TBC) director general Farish Burbayasry.

The deal will boost bilateral trade and economic co-operation and investments.

The two sides hope to increase the volume of trade exchanges, encourage investments and joint ventures in commerce, industry and services sectors.

Under the agreement, the two sides commit to exchange trade, economic and investment information, intensify business visits and hold joint exhibitions.

The business community yesterday pledged to take advantage of the economic opportunities from growing co-operation between Bahrain and Thailand.

"The increasing co-operation must yield joint ventures and a substantial growth in the volume of trade exchanges," Dr Fakhro said.

He was speaking as he received at Beit Al Tijjar Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who was accompanied by a high-level business delegation.

He described the visit as crucial to promote economic co-operation and cement the partnership between the two countries.

"Bahrain is a key financial hub in the Middle East and can serve as a gate for Thailand to reach regional market," Dr Fakhro said.

He also pointed out key areas for Bahrain to benefit from Thai expertise, particularly agriculture, food security, health, education, training, services and tourism.

Mr Vijjajiva hailed efforts to promote bilateral co-operation, highlighting Bahrain economic strides and competitiveness as a key investment hub in the region.

"My government is keen to remove obstacles hindering co-operation between the private sectors," he said.

BCCI member Jawad Yusif Al Hawaj stressed the need to support the newly-established Bahrain-Thai Business Council for potential opportunities to be transformed into tangible joint ventures.

He also hailed plans to open a Thai business office in Manama to widen the scope of partnership with the Gulf and the Middle East.

"The initiative will contribute to transforming Bahrain into a gateway for Thailand to reach the Arab markets," he said.

He stressed the importance of establishing a specialised centre to distribute and re-export Thai products.

Thai and Mideast ties expanding

Bangkokpost Published: 2/04/2010 at 12:00 AM


Thailand's two-way trade with the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states is expected to surge over the next five years, as the two parties are committed to trade and investment.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who just ended a two-day visit to Bahrain on Wednesday, said Thailand aimed to use Bahrain as a gateway to build up shipments to the GCC, especially for agricultural products.

The Bahraini government has been urged to make use of Thailand as a base to expand into the Asean market of over 600 million, as well as making use of regional free trade area agreements that have been implemented with several countries including China, Japan and South Korea.

The premier said Bahrain offered investment opportunities for Thai companies, particularly construction and construction material firms.

The GCC is made up of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

Thailand's exports to the GCC states were worth $5.52 billion in 2009, down 8.72% from $6.05 billion in 2008, according to statistics from the Commerce Ministry.

For the first two months of the year, Thailand's shipments to the region rose 9.06% to $993.8 million.

Pairuch Burapachaisri, secretary to the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said it entered into two memorandums of understanding with the Bahraini Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

They will set up a joint business council to boost trade and investment and establish a food warehouse and trade distribution centre in Bahrain within this year.

Mr Pairuch said the priority for shipments to the GCC would be rice, sugar, frozen food and halal food.

However, there is a great opportunity for automotive and construction materials, he added.

Three Thai construction companies have a presence in the GCC.

He added home furnishings offer promise, especially for furniture, lighting and decorating.

Thai construction firms likely winners of B20bn in Bahrain contracts

Bangkokpost Published: 23/08/2010 at 12:00 AM


Thai construction companies led by Italian-Thai Development look poised to win a 20-billion-baht contract to build the first phase of 4,500 housing units in Bahrain.

They are also highly likely to win the bidding for other projects in the Persian Gulf state, including a new parliament building and high-rises, said Kiat Sittheeamorn, president of the Thailand Trade Representative Office (TTR).

He said the TTR and five Thai construction firms had worked closely together for more than a year to tap the Bahraini construction market.

The companies have a relatively high competitive edge in the international market, given their long experience constructing high-rises, public infrastructure and housing projects, as well as in design and decoration work.

Mr Kiat said the government was also focusing on other Middle East markets plus India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Thai construction firms have to date signed on for more than 100 billion baht worth of construction projects in India, including the Kolkata airport, mass transit systems, bridges and road networks.

The TTR is also preparing to lead a trade mission to Sri Lanka and Vietnam next month to tap their construction industries. Sri Lanka wants to develop its water supply system, housing and infrastructure, while Vietnam plans an active expansion of its basic infrastructure and housing, said Mr Kiat.

In a related development, he said the design for Thailand's first food warehouse and trade distribution centre in Bahrain was almost complete, with construction to start soon.

The centre could open as early as next year to supply Thai products throughout the Persian Gulf region, initially construction materials, rice, tapioca and halal foods.

It will be privately funded and managed, with state authorities acting only as a facilitator.

It is part of an ambitious government plan to expand Thai exports into new markets, particularly the Middle East.

Bahrain PM visits Yingluck

September 5, 2011 12:00 am

Bahrain Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa visited his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra at the Government House Monday.

The Bahrain prime minister made an official visit to congratulate Yingluck for having become Thailand's first female prime minister.

The prince told Yingluck that he believed the new government under her leadership would enjoy stability as it was elected by the majority people.

The prince said a lot of Bahrain tourists visited Thailand each year and to receive medical treatment in Thailand.

The prince also invited Yingluck to visit Bahrain.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Bahrain-PM-visits-Yingluck-30164523.html

HRH the PM meets Thailand\'s Prime Minister

02 : 07 PM - 12/03/2012

Bangkok, March 12 (BNA) -- His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa met here today Thai Prime Minister Mrs. Yingluck Shinawatra.

During the meeting stages of the progressive Bahraini-Thai relationships and comprehensive, advanced bilateral cooperation were discussed. The meeting also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern.

HRH the Premier emphasized the Kingdom of Bahrain’s keenness on boosting cooperation with the friendly Kingdom of Thailand constructing on the foundations already laid down through these relationships in terms development and progress for the best interest of both friendly countries and peoples.

HRH the Prime Minister expressed pleasure at the keenness of Thailand's government headed by Mrs. Yingluck Shinawatra efforts in supporting the bonds of cooperation and increasing the Bahraini-Thai coordination and expanding its radius and introducing more areas within bilateral cooperation between both countries.

HRH the Prime Minister re-invited the Kingdom of Thailand’s Prime Minister to visit the Kingdom of Bahrain and stressed the significance of mutual visits in order to realize substantial advancement towards development of bilateral relationships.

On the other hand, Thailand’s Prime Minister welcomed the visit of HRH the Prime Minister to Thailand within the framework of the solid friendly bilateral bonds. She hailed the great role of HRH Prince Khalifa in laying down the strong foundations for these relationships.

Thailand’s PM Mrs. Yingluck Shinawatra expressed her country's aspiration for boosting the cooperation between the two countries in various fields by furthering the horizons and supporting and developing bilateral relationships in the various political and economic fields.

http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/498344

King of Bahrain meets with Thai PM

BANGKOK, April 15 – King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain on Sunday met Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to strengthen bilateral relations between the two kingdoms.

King Hamad, who is on a private visit to Thailand and his first visit to Asia, held talks with Ms Yingluck and Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.

In the one-hour discussion, both sides discussed a wide range of topics covering cooperation, strong relations and friendship between the two kingdoms, as well as regional and international developments and other issues of mutual concern.

The Thai premier's plan to visit Bahrain during May 13-15 was also on the agenda.

Ms Yingluck invited Thai businesspeople to join the trip to exchange experiences with their Bahraini counterparts and explore opportunities to invest in Bahrain. She also invited King Hamad to officially visit Thailand in the future.

Prior to this, Prime Minister of Bahrain Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa had visited Thailand and met Prime Minister Yingluck at Government House on March 13. Their discussion mainly focused on the importance of Bahraini investments in Thailand. (MCOT online news)

http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/353915.html

Thai PM visits Bahrain, Qatar to boost cooperation

BANGKOK, May 13 -- Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra would officially visit Bahrain and Qatar between May 13-16 to foster relations and seek cooperation and particularly investments from the Middle Eastern countries.

Ms Yingluck and her entourages would leave Thailand at 12.50 pm on Sunday for Manama and visit Bahrain during May 13-25. She then would fly to Doha to visit Qatar during May 15-16.

The primary purposes of the visit is to strengthen ties at all level and promote good cooperation in all dimensions.

During her visit to Bahrain, Ms Yingluck was scheduled to pay a courtesy call to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Khalifam.

The Thai premier would later bring a delegation of officials and business representatives to pay a courtesy visit to Bahrain Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa and attend a plenary session between Thailand and Bahrain.

The bilateral discussion would cover bilateral and multilateral issues where Thailand and Bahrain have mutual benefits. Thailand would thank Bahrain for its support with Thailand's handling of problems in the three southernmost provinces at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) arena.

Thailand would push for increased private sector roles in construction projects in Bahrain and cooperation in healthcare services.

On this occasion, Thai and Bahrain would sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation between the two governments.

Ms Yingluck would also give an opening address at the Thai-Bahraini business meeting and would meet with the Thai community in Bahrain.

This was the first visit to the Middle Eastern region for the premier and would mark the 35th anniversary of Thai-Bahraini diplomatic ties.

At Doha, Ms Yingluck would pay a courtesy call on Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the ruling Emir of the State of Qatar, at Amiri Diwan Palace before holding bilateral discussions with Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar.

Medical cooperation will be on the agenda for discussion between the Thai premier and Qatari leaders, as Thailand's health care services is considered well-developed and of high standards, particularly for orthopedic surgery.

Ms Yingluck was scheduled to return to Thailand on May 17. (MCOT online news)

http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/363974.html

Thai PM has audience with King of Bahrain

BANGKOK, May 14 -- Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday was granted an audience with HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain at the Al Rowdah Palace in a visit intended to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

The prime minister was accompanied by Cabinet members including Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Minister of Industry Pongsvas Svasti, Minister of Commerce Boonsong Teriyapirom, and Minister of Public Health Wittaya Buranasiri, as well as some private sector representatives, arrived at Bahrain’s Manama International Airport on Sunday.

Receiving the Thai PM was Prince Kalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain. The Bahraini premier accompanied Ms Yingluck in an official motorcade to the Ritz Carlton Hotel, the official accommodation prepared by the Bahraini government.

In the evening, Ms Yingluck was granted an audience with HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince of Bahrain at the Al Rowdah Palace.

Ms Yingluck informed the King of Bahrain regarding aspects of the close relationship between the two countries, saying that the Thai government is supportive of the government and people of Bahrain.

Furthermore, Thailand supports the process of national reconciliation and believes that Bahrain has embarked on the right path.

In 2011, there were demonstrations seeking economic and political reforms in Bahrain. When the situation returned to normal, the government of Bahrain tried to build peace in its society through national dialogue and a fact finding commission to investigate the incidents to bring about reconciliation.

Regarding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, the Thai and Bahraini prime ministers were to discuss strengthening the economic and business partnership of the two countries. The two sides will also seek regional cooperation opportunities as Thailand will be a part of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, while the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) and the ASEAN- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are set to expand their scope of cooperation.

Bahrain is considered the closest friend of Thailand in the Middle East and it has played the role of bridge builder, connecting Thailand to the Middle East. (MCOT online news)

http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/364427.html