By paying an official visit to Thailand, Federal President Steinmeier underscored Germany’s intention to expand international partnerships and strengthen political ties with Southeast Asia. The aim of the visit was to provide new momentum for the long-standing ties between our countries. Economic ties with the region are also to be intensified. The Federal President was accompanied by a business delegation.
In Bangkok, the Federal President met with King Rama X and with Prime Minister Thavisin for political talks. He also exchanged views with opposition politicians. Contacts between Thailand and Germany have a long history. Our relations go back a long way,
as the Federal President said, paying tribute to the connection between our two countries that goes back more than 160 years.
For German businesses, Thailand has for many years been an attractive country in terms of investment opportunities and an interesting market. After all I have seen and heard, I am certain that Thailand’s ability to attract investment will continue to grow,
as the Federal President said after meeting with business representatives. With a volume of trade of some 14 billion euro, Germany is Thailand’s most important trading partner in the European Union.
During a tour of a Mercedes-Benz plant, the Federal President was able to see for himself the opportunities for economic cooperation in the context of climate change and the energy transition. Our two countries agree that we can only protect the climate and restructure the economy to promote climate neutrality if we work together. That is why we are tackling these challenges together,
he said.
Thailand is often called the kitchen of the world
. The country has a highly productive agricultural sector and is one of the most important suppliers of foodstuffs for the global market. Yet Thailand is also one of the ten countries in the world most affected by climate change. During his visit to Ubon Ratchathani in eastern Thailand, the Federal President was able to see how the country is dealing with these challenges.
On the last leg of his trip to Asia, he visited a pilot farm for sustainable rice cultivation. The farmers there are learning how to save water and emit fewer greenhouse gases when cultivating rice. It was interesting to see how knowledge and management can generate 20 percent more income for farmers using less water as well as fewer pesticides and fertilisers,
as the Federal President reflected after this visit. Germany is supporting the project as part of the International Climate Initiative.
Just how closely Germany and Thailand are cooperating on the energy transition was plain to see at the next stop on the trip: a floating hydro-solar farm in the Sirindhorn Reservoir. A combination of water and solar power ensures that the entire province is supplied with sustainable electricity. Some of the technology has been provided by German companies. The plant also reduces CO2 emissions by 47,000 tons per year.
The Federal President then paid a visit to Pha Taem National Park, right in the east of the country. Here he viewed prehistoric rock paintings which are estimated to be between 3000 and 4000 years old.
Concluding his trip to Viet Nam and Thailand, the Federal President underscored the value of the partnerships with the two countries: We have to focus on this region. Here we are meeting with partners who are different from us but with whom shared interests form a bond.
Overview of the programme
Thursday, 25 January 2024
- Morning, Talat Noi
Walk through the historic quarter - 10.00 a.m., Government House
Welcome with military honours by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin - Thereafter
Signing of the visitors’ book - Thereafter
Talks with the Prime Minister - Thereafter
Meeting with the business delegation, together with the Prime Minister - 11.30 a.m.
Joint press conference - Thereafter
Luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister - Afternoon, Samut Prakan
Visit to the Mercedes-Benz plant - Evening, Dusit Palace
Talks with King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana - Thereafter, delegation hotel
Talks with the leader of the Move Forward Party, Chaithawat Tulathon - 8.00 p.m., Museum of Contemporary Art
Tour of the exhibition - Thereafter
Reception hosted by the German Ambassador
Friday, 26 January 2024
- Morning
Flight to Ubon Ratchathani - 12.15 p.m.
Visit to a pilot farm for sustainable rice cultivation and land use - Thereafter
Talks with representatives of the local community - Afternoon, Sirindhorn Reservoir
Guided tour of the integrated control centre - Thereafter
Guided tour of the floating hydro-solar farm - Thereafter, Pha Taem National Park
Walk to the historical rock paintings - Evening
Flight to Berlin
Saturday, 27 January 2024
- Morning
Arrival in Berlin
