Bangkok, May 14 (AseanAll)  — On May 14, 2026,  at the Thai Government House,  Khalil Yaqoob AlKhayat, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on occasion of his assumption of ambassadorship.  

The Prime Minister congratulated the Bahraini Ambassador for his assumption of the position, and affirmed the importance of Bahrain as Thailand’s friend and major partner in the Middle East. He also underscored close and long-standing relations between the two countries at all levels, be it, the royal families, Governments, and people-to-people. Thailand and Bahrain are set to celebrate their 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations next year. The Ambassador expressed pleasure to be tenured in Thailand. As a former diplomat posted in Thailand, he has been familiarized and possess well-rounded understanding on the country.

The Prime Minister and the Ambassador of Bahrain were both pleased with the cooperation progress between the two countries and agreed to further promote collaboration in areas of mutual potential, particularly trade and investment, medical tourism, and food security, the fields in which Thailand possesses expertise and readiness to expand cooperation.

On trade and investment, the two parties agreed to increase bilateral trade value, encourage two-way investment, and explore new economic opportunities together. The Prime Minister expressed hope for more exchanges of private sector visits between Thailand and Bahrain. The Bahraini Ambassador expressed readiness to push forward imports of Thai products. He noted Bahrain’s proximity to Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, which represent large markets, and affirmed the country’s readiness to become a gateway for Thai products into the wider Middle East. 

On tourism and medical tourism, Thailand remains a popular destination for Bahraini visitors, especially for medical services. In 2025, more than 30,000 Bahraini nationals traveled to Thailand. The Prime Minister emphasized the desire to further encourage Bahrainis to seek medical services in Thailand. The Ambassador commended Thailand’s medical capabilities and agreed to tighten cooperation in this sector. On food security, Thailand reaffirmed its role as a reliable producer and exporter of quality food to support Bahrain’s food security. 

The Prime Minister expressed concern over the Middle East situation and reiterated the importance of dialogue and de-escalation. Nevertheless, despite ongoing regional challenges, both the Prime Minister and the Ambassador reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual benefit.

Toward the end of the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Ambassador will play an important role in strengthening and elevating bilateral relations, as well as in promoting closer cooperation between the two countries in the future. He also wished the Ambassador success in his mission throughout his tenure in Thailand.