Congratulatory Message by HE Mr OTAKA Masato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand,
on the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor’s Birthday
Today, it is with great pleasure we celebrate the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. On this occasion, I would also like to express my congratulations on the long-standing and strong ties between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Thai Royal Family.
I would like to once again express our deepest condolences for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who passed away last October. Her Majesty made immense contributions to the unity and prosperity of the Thai people over many years. Her Majesty’s achievements will remain deeply engraved in our memory. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit also served as a symbol of the friendly relations between Japan and Thailand. Her Majesty’s first visit to Japan in 1963 deepened the trust and friendship between our two countries. Her Majesty’s profound understanding and respect for Japanese culture and traditions laid the foundation for the Japan-Thailand relationship that continues to this day.
Photo by Imperial HouseholdAgency of Japan
Over the years, our two countries have overcome numerous challenges together, including natural disasters. The severe flooding that struck southern Thailand last November caused significant social anxiety and disruption. Japan was among the first to provide emergency relief supplies and dispatch experts. Our two countries are “true friends” who support each other in times of difficulty.
In economics, Japan and Thailand have also built an exceptionally strong partnership. Looking back over the past 40 years, Japan's cumulative investment in Thailand has reached 4 trillion baht, accounting for approximately 40% of total foreign direct investment (FDI) in Thailand, ranking Japan first among all countries. Currently, around 6,000 Japanese companies operate in Thailand. In recent years, cooperation between our two countries has deepened further in next-generation growth sectors such as the advancement and electrification of the automotive industry, the digital economy, decarbonization and space. Cooperation in these areas not only enhances the competitiveness of both economies, but also contributes to the sustainable growth of the entire region. At the same time, Thailand and Japan both face common challenges such as declining birthrates and aging populations, as well as climate change. Going forward, Japan and Thailand will share their respective experiences and strengths to jointly deal with these challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
People-to-people exchanges between our two countries are also progressing steadily. In 2025, the number of Thai travellers to Japan reached approximately 1.23 million, the highest among all ASEAN countries. Furthermore, this September will see Japan host the Asian Games and Asian Para Games. With 45 countries and regions participating, including Thailand, we anticipate that these events will strengthen Asian unity through sports and further deepen regional bonds.
Moreover, food is another important element that connects the two countries. Currently, there are approximately 6,000 Japanese restaurants in Thailand, and Thai people's knowledge of Japanese cuisine has continued to grow year by year. In this way, exchanges through tourism, sports and food play an important role beyond economic aspects, deepening mutual understanding and trust between peoples. I am confident that such exchanges will lead to a more fruitful future.
In addition, amid the increasingly severe international conditions, including the situations in Ukraine, Myanmar and the Middle East, I would like to continue to work with long-time friends to cooperate on various issues and to foster strong relations between Japan and Thailand. Next year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Thailand. Furthermore, the International Horticultural Exhibition (GREEN×EXPO 2027) will be held in Yokohama City, and Thailand has confirmed its participation. Looking ahead to the 140th anniversary of Japan-Thailand diplomatic relations in 2027, I sincerely hope that this year, as equal partners, both countries will join hands to further develop our relationship and deepen our friendship.
OTAKA Masato,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Thailand
