SOCIETY 368 / 2015

DIPLOMATIE
THAILAND
Austria and Thailand
share a long history of
diplomatic relations.
SOCIETY spoke to H.E.
Arthayudh Srisamoot,
the Thai Ambassador to
Austria, about existing
trade cooperations and
the importance of fighting
drug trafficking.
INTERVIEW: TANJA TAUCHHAMMER
Since when do diplomatic relations
between Austria and Thailand exist?
Diplomatic relations started between
the Austro-Hungarian Empire
and the Kingdom of Siam, more specifically
with the Treaty of Friendship and Navigation.
The Treaty was signed in 1869 and in 1878
the two countries exchanged Ambassadors for
the first time.
What kinds of relations exist between Austria
and Thailand? Can you name a few projects?
We host many group visits – Thailand is an
emerging country. It is the 20th largest economy
in the world. Many study visits take place here:
Austria’s court and justice system is of great interest
to Thai officials. Recently, I had the President
of the Thai Constitution Court and Supreme
Court meet with the Austrian President of the
Constitution Court. Before that, we had a group
of visitors from the anti-corruption agencies of
Thailand. The former Prime Minister of Thailand
also came on a study trip; many people come here
to meet with their counter parts. We are also interested
in water management and sustainable
development. Engineering and medical services
are also often looked at. Siemens Graz for instance
was building some of the locomotive sections
for the sky train in Bangkok that has been
running for 20 years now. In addition, we have
the Red Bull cooperation. The popular energy
drink originated in Thailand, where it is called
Krating Daeng (Thai for Red Bull). In 1982, Didi
Mateschitz travelled to Thailand, discovered it
there and brought it back to Europe. It is a little
stronger in Asia to suit the Asian consumers. ➢
SOCIETY 2_2015 | 37