Monica Bolanos Perez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, Visits Thailand
By Kathleen Pokrud
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, HE Mrs Mónica Bolaños Pérez, recently visited Bangkok to co-chair the 1st Meeting of the Thailand-Guatemala Political Consultations. The visit marked a major milestone in bilateral relations, facilitating key agreements and diplomatic appointments. Both sides welcomed the longstanding friendship between Thailand and Guatemala and discussed plans to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Thai - Guatemalan diplomatic relations in 2027. Elite+ sat down with the Vice Minister to discuss the Guatemalan-Thai bilateral relations.
What are the key areas of bilateral cooperation that both governments aim to strengthen during this visit?
Guatemala and Thailand have enjoyed friendly relations since 1957, and this visit advances commitments made by both Foreign Ministers in December 2025 as this partnership now focuses on five pillars:
• Political dialogue through the launch of the first Guatemala–Thailand Political Consultations Mechanism, enabling regular, high-level exchanges and better coordination in multilateral fora
• Technical and development cooperation includes a forthcoming MoU between Guatemala’s MFA and TICA to expand technical assistance, training, scholarships and institutional capacity building. Thailand’s expertise in sustainable development, public health, food security, digital transformation and disaster management aligns with Guatemala’s modernization priorities.
• Trade and investment, leveraging Guatemala’s strategic location, competitive human capital and market access, alongside Thailand’s role as a regional industrial and logistics hub
• Innovation and digital transformation, with Guatemala seeking collaboration in AI, advanced manufacturing, digital government, smart industries and semiconductor value chains
• People-to-people ties through tourism, culture, education and academic exchanges
Two agreements have been signed in the last six months. What are their main objectives and how will they benefit both countries?
This visit marked another milestone in bilateral relations. Over the past six months, Guatemala and Thailand have signed two important agreements:
• The Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Political Consultations Mechanism between the Republic of Guatemala and the Kingdom of Thailand, providing a framework for regular political dialogue, strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing coordination in multilateral fora.
• The Agreement on the Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports, facilitating official travel and strengthening institutional dialogue.
In addition, a cooperation agreement with the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) is currently under negotiation. It aims to establish a long-term framework for technical assistance, training, scholarships and expert exchanges.
Guatemala values Thailand’s experience in agricultural modernization, healthcare, tourism, food processing, vocational education, digital technologies and SME development. Guatemala contributes strengths in biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and cultural heritage.
The Royal Thai Government has also approved the establishment of a Guatemalan Honorary Consulate in Phuket, which will enhance commercial, cultural and consular cooperation.
What are the sectors with greatest potential?
Key areas for expanded collaboration include:
• Trade, especially Guatemala’s high-quality agricultural exports such as coffee, cardamom, cocoa, sugar and fresh produce
• Investment, with Guatemala offering a stable, competitive platform connecting North, Central and South America
• Technology and innovation, including digital transformation, cybersecurity, AI, advanced manufacturing and research partnerships
• Tourism, combining Guatemala’s archaeological and ecotourism assets with Thailand’s global leadership in sustainable tourism and hospitality
How can Guatemala and Thailand strengthen regional connectivity through ASEAN?
Guatemala views ASEAN as a leading model of regional integration and a major engine of global growth. Strengthening engagement with ASEAN is a foreign policy priority.
Thailand is Guatemala’s natural gateway to Southeast Asia while Guatemala can serve as Thailand’s bridge to Central America. Opportunities include cooperation in logistics, supply chain resilience, trade facilitation, digital connectivity, innovation and academic collaboration.
Guatemala also supports stronger ASEAN–SICA dialogue and cooperation on sustainable development, climate resilience, food security, digital governance and emerging technologies.
Are there initiatives to enhance cultural exchange, education and mobility?
People-to-people diplomacy remains central to bilateral relations. Priorities include:
• Expanding academic exchanges, scholarships, professional training and scientific collaboration
• Increasing cultural cooperation in performing arts, exhibitions, gastronomy, creative industries and heritage preservation
• Celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 with cultural and academic events in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai
• Facilitating official mobility through the new visa exemption agreement and exploring initiatives to encourage tourism, business travel and academic exchanges.
What are the next steps following this visit?
This visit reflects sustained coordination between both countries and a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Immediate priorities include:
• Implementing the Political Consultations Mechanism
• Finalizing and operationalizing the cooperation framework with TICA
• Expanding trade and investment promotion
• Strengthening institutional cooperation and encouraging private-sector and academic participation
Future collaboration will focus on digital innovation, AI, advanced manufacturing, climate resilience, food security, renewable energy and sustainable development. Guatemala also aims to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia as part of a diversified foreign policy that builds bridges across regions.
Both countries are united by shared values: peace, sustainable development, innovation, international cooperation and inclusive economic growth.
