After 32 years of frosty relations, the dramatic normalisation of Thai-Saudi diplomatic relations have far-reaching implications for both countries’ diplomatic pathways in the world’s most volatile region.
Over the past three decades, Thailand’s overall relations with the Middle East have been inhibited by the absence of diplomatic relations and cooperation with Saudi Arabia, one of the largest and most powerful Arab countries. Riyadh is also a member of the G20 and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec).
The decision to mend the Thai-Saudi relationship was taken as both countries realised that further delay would have far and wide negative impacts.
