The 65th anniversary of Côte d'Ivoire's independence marked a significant moment in the history of Thailand-Ivorian relations, with Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, representing Minister of Foreign Affairs at a reception held by the Honorary Consulate of Côte d'Ivoire in Bangkok.
This event highlights the evolving nature of Southeast Asian-African relations, which have gained increasing prominence in recent years. The growing interest from Southeast Asian countries in Africa is driven by several factors, including expanding trade opportunities, security concerns, and a desire to promote development cooperation.
The Thai-Ivorian relationship has undergone significant developments in the past year, with official visits exchanged between the two sides. In February 2025, H.E. Mr. Léon Kacou Adom, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, of Côte d'Ivoire, paid a visit to Thailand at the invitation of his Thai counterpart. This was followed by a Thai delegation led by Director-General Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat's visit to Côte d'Ivoire in July 2025.
These visits demonstrate the commitment of both sides to strengthening their ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation. The areas under focus include agriculture, trade, investment, and development cooperation. Thailand is keen on pursuing mutually beneficial partnerships with African countries, which are crucial for the country's economic growth and stability.
Thailand's engagement in Côte d'Ivoire is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Africa. The Southeast Asian country aims to increase its influence on the continent by promoting economic development, security, and people-to-people exchanges. This approach reflects Thailand's growing recognition of the importance of Africa as a strategic partner for regional stability and global prosperity.
The significance of Thailand-Ivorian relations cannot be overstated. Côte d'Ivoire is one of the largest economies in West Africa, with significant potential for trade and investment. Strengthening ties between the two countries could provide opportunities for Thai businesses to expand their operations on the continent and access new markets. Conversely, Ivorians can benefit from Thailand's expertise in areas such as agriculture and infrastructure development.
In light of these developments, several questions arise regarding the future trajectory of Southeast Asian-African relations. Will these efforts yield significant results, or will they remain a niche aspect of regional diplomacy? How will other Southeast Asian countries respond to Thailand's initiatives, and what implications might this have for the broader region?
As we look ahead, it is essential to recognize that Thailand's quiet diplomacy in Côte d'Ivoire represents just one strand in the complex tapestry of Southeast Asian-African relations. The next six months will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of these efforts, as well as their potential impact on regional stability and global prosperity.
Expert Insights
"The strengthening of ties between Southeast Asia and Africa is a vital component of the region's growth strategy," notes Mr. Kanitha Rohanapakdi, Director-General of the Department of International Economic Organization and Trade Policy at the Ministry of Commerce. "Thailand's engagement in Côte d'Ivoire reflects its commitment to promoting economic development and cooperation on the continent."
"SEAsiaAfrica – a platform that aims to promote people-to-people exchanges between Southeast Asia and Africa," adds Dr. Pichitcha Panichpakdee, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Thailand. "Thailand's quiet diplomacy is an essential aspect of this initiative, as it seeks to foster greater understanding and cooperation between the two regions."
As we move forward, it will be crucial to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives and their potential impact on regional stability and global prosperity.
Current Developments
In July 2025, a Thai delegation led by Director-General Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat visited Côte d'Ivoire to explore opportunities for cooperation in areas such as agriculture and infrastructure development.
The Honorary Consulate of Côte d'Ivoire in Bangkok hosted a reception marking the 65th anniversary of the country's independence, with Director-General Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat representing Minister of Foreign Affairs at the event.
Outlook
Over the next six months, it is likely that Thailand will continue to strengthen its ties with Côte d'Ivoire and explore new avenues for cooperation. The effectiveness of these efforts will depend on several factors, including the level of engagement from other Southeast Asian countries and the potential for Ivorians to benefit from Thai expertise in areas such as agriculture and infrastructure development.
In the long term, Thailand's quiet diplomacy in Côte d'Ivoire could have significant implications for regional stability and global prosperity. As the region continues to evolve, it will be crucial to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives and their potential impact on regional stability and global prosperity.