Essaar's Writing Itinerary

“Once perfect strangers, now perfect friends” is a well-suited aphoristic sentence, which can be used for defining the time-tested, versatile, cordial and protean relations existing between Thailand and Pakistan. Sharing the same vision on a number of historic, social, cultural and industrial fronts, the ever-expanding ties between “The Land of the Smiles” (Thailand) and “The Land of the Pure” (Pakistan) continues to grow and flourish with time. While quite a lot of conscientious efforts have been made by the Government of Thailand and the Government of Pakistan alike in weaving the golden thread of friendship between the two countries, a myriad of meticulous measures are needed still so as to strengthen and energize the nexus between the two countries. By tapping the T’s including trade, tourism, transferals and two-sided endeavors in the sphere of social work, the bilateral relations between the two countries can be further fortified and toned up.

Foreign trade and foreign relations go hand in hand. In order to ameliorate the foreign relations between the two countries, the volume of foreign trade has to be expanded by exploring the varied business sectors. Although, a two-way trade including the exchange of agricultural, chemical and pharmaceutical products is being conducted, the increased number of joint ventures between the two states is the need of time. Besides, an interchange of trade delegations may also play a significant role in bringing the two countries closer.

Tourism is another sphere that could be exploited for enhancing the mutual ties and boosting the economy at the same time. The culture of Thailand revolves around Buddhism to be precise, and as luck would have it, Pakistan already shares a cultural heritage with Thailand in the shapes of Gandhara and Taxila. On the other hand, manifestations of Islamic culture can be widely observed in certain parts of Thailand with Muslims being one of the largest minorities. Therefore, the promotion of tourism between the two states can contribute a great deal towards establishing and invigorating the cultural ties amongst the people of Pakistan and Thailand.

Besides, two-sided or bilateral endeavors in the field of social work can lead to a better understanding of the social environment of the two countries. Cumulative efforts on shared social concerns and social problems will not only enhance the cooperation between the two countries but will also deepen cultural bonds between the nations in future.

Last but not the least; both the developing countries should focus on frequent exchanges of trained workforce, students, technology and theatrical performances, which would mutually benefit the two states.

The friendly relations between Thailand and Pakistan have undeniably contributed in improving the trade and commerce of Pakistan. Thailand’s interest in participating in the joint ventures with Pakistan, its efforts pertaining to the bilateral Air Services Agreement between PIA and Thai Airways, and General Sonthi Boonyaratglin’s presentation of a cheque of US $ 300,000 for the earthquake victims are a few instances portraying amicability and friendliness of Thailand towards Pakistan, which is indeed appreciable and worthy of praise and bears a testimonial to a proverb, which goes: A friend in need is a friend, indeed.