Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with senior Vatican diplomats on October 19, reaffirming Thailand and the Holy See’s commitment to global peace, sustainable development and humanitarian cooperation.
The meeting was hosted by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state of the Holy See, together with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for relations with states and international organizations.
The talks highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Holy See, which spans more than 350 years.
Both sides recalled key milestones in their relations, including the 1960 royal visit of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great to the Vatican and Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to Thailand in 2019.
During the discussion, Sihasak expressed appreciation for the Holy See’s contributions to Thai society, particularly through Catholic-run educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
Vatican officials, for their part, praised Thailand for its cultural diversity and commitment to religious freedom.
The two sides also discussed progress toward a prospective bilateral agreement on visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and official passports, aimed at facilitating future high-level exchanges and diplomatic coordination.
