Ireland's relationship with Thailand
Thailand is known as ‘The Land of Smiles’, while Ireland bears the moniker ‘The Land of a Thousand Welcomes’. Being characterised by their warmth and the hospitality of their people are badges both Irish and Thai people wear proudly.
Ireland’s Embassy in Bangkok opened in 2014, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Thailand. Our education and economic relations are thriving, and our people-to-people links are stronger than ever before.
Diaspora links
There is a well-established Irish community in Thailand who do great work to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Ireland and Thailand. The Thailand GAA Club is particularly vibrant and there is also an active Irish Thai Chamber of Commerce, a St. Patrick’s Society that has been in existence since the 1960s, and an Irish Women’s Group.
A number of Irish people have made significant contributions to life in Thailand. An early 20th century doctor turned botanist, Dr Arthur Kerr, sometimes known as the ‘Father of Thai Botany’, opened the National Herbarium in Bangkok and was awarded the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant 4th Class for his services to Thai botany.
Cork-born Sister Louise Horgan founded the Fatima Self Help Centre in Bangkok in 1978, and has spent the last 57 years supporting vulnerable Thai women and girls through education and skills training.
The Thai community in Ireland is also growing and is increasingly active in promoting cultural and people-to-people links and exchanges. The Thai-Ireland Association, established by the Thai community in Ireland, provides language and community support and coordinate social activities. There are also three Thai Buddhist temples in Ireland, located in Cork, Dublin and Limerick.
Economic relations
Ireland and Thailand enjoy a strong and growing trade relationship, with a two-way trade in goods and services of well over 40 billion Thai Baht per annum. Thailand is a very popular destination for Irish holidaymakers, with around 70,000 Irish tourists visiting Thailand each year.
Ireland is a member of the European Union, which is one of Thailand’s most important economic partners. The EU and Thailand are currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement which envisages a deeper trading relationship between the EU and Thailand.
Education links
Education is an important shared priority for our two countries, and increasing numbers of Thai students are choosing to study in Ireland, particularly in the fields of medicine and science.
A Memorandum of Understanding on Education was signed between the Irish and Thai governments in 2015. Several of Ireland’s leading Universities have strong and growing exchange and collaboration programmes with Thai counterpart institutions.
Thai alumni and graduates of Irish Universities are playing an increasingly active and important role in the bilateral relationship.
Cultural connections
Ireland and Thailand both have a rich and vibrant cultural history, with strong traditions of music, dance, film, storytelling and artisanship. There is great scope to deepen the cultural exchange between our two countries.
Many popular Irish artists have toured in Thailand, including Westlife, The Script and Niall Horan. Thirteen Irish authors have also had their works translated into Thai, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Roddy Doyle, John Boyne and Sally Rooney.