The historical context illuminates the motivations behind this shift. Thailand’s traditional engagement with Africa, largely driven by religious organizations and philanthropic endeavors, has gradually evolved over the past two decades. However, the rise of China’s economic and political dominance in the region – marked by substantial infrastructure investment and trade deals – prompted a reassessment of Thailand’s approach. The Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI), launched in 2023, aimed to establish Thailand as a key partner, moving beyond purely charitable assistance to foster mutually beneficial economic collaborations. Uganda, with its rich deposits of oil, iron ore, and arable land, emerged as a prime target. According to a report by the International Policy Institute, “The Ugandan government’s proactive engagement with multiple nations seeking access to its resources – combined with a relatively stable political environment – presented a compelling opportunity for Thailand to secure a foothold.”
Key stakeholders include, predictably, the Ugandan government, led by President Patrick Mbabazi, and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spearheaded by Minister Sirichai Somsawat. Uganda’s motivation is fundamentally driven by economic necessity; its need for foreign investment to diversify its economy beyond agriculture and petroleum. Thailand, under Somsawat’s leadership, is focused on securing long-term access to Ugandan resources while simultaneously enhancing its global standing as a leading player in the Asia-Africa trade corridor. A statement released by the Thai Ministry highlighted the value of “cultivating a robust diplomatic network across the continent, offering Thailand a strategic vantage point for navigating emerging global challenges.” The presence of the Thailand-Africa Investment Fund (TAIF), which had previously focused primarily on Southeast Asia, suggests a commitment to expanding its portfolio.
Recent developments over the past six months reinforce this trajectory. In July 2025, a Thai consortium secured exploration rights for a portion of the Lake Albert oil field, contingent on meeting specific environmental regulations – a move designed to demonstrate both commitment to sustainability and a pragmatic approach to resource extraction. Furthermore, Thai tourism numbers to Uganda increased by 18% year-on-year, largely due to targeted marketing campaigns emphasizing the country’s wildlife and cultural heritage. This trend is further bolstered by the continued development of the Bujagali hydropower project, partially funded by Thai investment. Data from the Uganda Revenue Authority indicates that Thai businesses accounted for approximately 8% of foreign direct investment in the country during 2024, a figure projected to rise significantly in the coming years.
Looking ahead, the next six months will likely see a deepening of these existing partnerships, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and agricultural technology. The Thai government is reportedly considering a phased investment program to support the construction of a new railway line connecting Kampala to the port of Mombasa, a project vital for regional trade. Longer-term, over the next five to ten years, Thailand’s engagement with Uganda – and, by extension, other East African nations – could position the country as a key intermediary between Asia and Africa, facilitating the flow of goods, capital, and expertise. “The crucial element will be Thailand’s ability to adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape,” notes Dr. Anya Sharma, Senior Fellow at the Center for African Studies at Bangkok University. “Maintaining a consistent and transparent approach, while adhering to international norms and respecting the sovereignty of its partners, will be paramount to sustained success.” However, potential challenges remain, including the ongoing risks associated with political instability in neighboring countries (particularly South Sudan), and the need to address concerns about environmental sustainability. Successfully navigating these hurdles will determine whether Thailand’s African strategy becomes a model of pragmatic engagement, or another example of a nation attempting to stake a claim in a complex and volatile region.