While pandemic acute situation persists on a global scale, the 45 th anniversary (May 8) of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK) and the Kingdom of Thailand is celebrated both in Pyongyang and Bangkok in a meaningful way as a joint commemoration event.

Friendly messages of congratulations of meaningful contents are exchanged between the heads of government and the foreign ministers of two countries, and internet photo exhibition showing the history of bilateral relations is held successfully at the Institute of East Asian Studies of the Thai Thammasat University, a national university with a long history.

Authoritative newspapers of both countries carried commemorative special articles and a TV channel of Thailand featured a special program on May 8, showing pictures of the DPRK including the statues of the great Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on Mansu Hill in Pyongyang, Ryomyong Street and Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and the Kingdom of Thailand 45 years ago was a historic event which represented a new landmark in the history of friendship between the peoples of two countries, both located in Asia.

Now nearly half a century since, the peoples of two countries have invariably developed the good-neighborly relations of mutual support, solidarity and close cooperation on the principles of independence, equality and mutual benefit.

Comrade Kim Il Sung , the Great Leader of our people, forged a special bond with Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, H.M. the King, and the royal family of the Kingdom of Thailand and provided for a precious historic tradition of true friendship between the peoples of two countries.

In March 1992 and in June 1993, the great Comrade Kim Il Sung personally met with Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, H.M. the King, the then Crown Prince, who visited our country. In his speech at a banquet given in honor of the delegation, he said that the DPRK and Thailand are both Asian countries that value independence, and that the peoples of two countries are dear friends who are working together for peace, stability and prosperity of Asia.

The King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun also expressed his warm and passionate feelings of friendship, saying that he is very much pleased and satisfied with his visit to the DPRK and he harbors high hope that the visit will lead to further strengthening the bond of friendship between the Kingdom of Thailand and the DPRK.

The great Comrade Kim Il Sung opened a new avenue for the development of multi-faceted bilateral relations by meeting and having amicable talks not only with members of the Thai royal family but also with all political, social and economic personages one by one who visited Pyongyang – their numbers being hundreds – and by giving them invaluable instructions.

The friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and the Kingdom of Thailand are marking a continuous and dynamic development with the turn of a new century as well.

The two countries have increased close communication through the exchanges of high-level delegations including the state visit of the President of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK to Thailand in 2002, followed by the visit of the President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Thailand to Pyongyang and mutual visits by the Foreign Ministers of two countries thereafter. The two countries have also strengthened mutual support and cooperation at the United Nations and in other international fora.

Expanding and developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and the Kingdom of Thailand in all fields, as required by the new era, fully accord with the interests of the peoples of two countries and constitute a significant contribution to ensuring peace, stability, common progress and prosperity of Asia and by extension, of the world.

Comrade Kim Jong Un , Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK, expressed his conviction in his congratulatory message sent in December last year to Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, H.M. the King, that the long-standing and traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries would further strengthen and develop in the future.

The Korean people will, as ever, strengthen the ties of unity and cooperation shoulder to shoulder with the friendly Thai people and make active efforts to build an independent, peaceful and prosperous Asia.

Korea-Asia Association