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ylene and propylene; refined fuels; and chemical products. The top Thai imports from the Philippines are electronic integrated circuits, vehicle parts and accessories, electrical machinery and parts, and computers, parts and accessories.In 2014, Philippine snacks and food company Chef Tony’s set up a factory and warehouse facility in Thailand. Other Philippine companies in Thailand include San Miguel Corp, UNILAB, Liwayway Marketing, Monde Nissin and Goldilocks. Thailand has, of course, a big business presence in the Philippines through companies like Siam Cement Group, PTT, Charoen Pokphand Foods, Electric Generating Company (EGCO) and Dusit Thani, among others. Our respective private business sectors are actively engaged with each other.Are there any ongoing collabora- tions between Thailand and the Philippines that you’d like to highlight?At the government-to-government level, we have the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation through which our respective officials discuss issues and concerns affecting bilateral relations and possible new areas of cooperation. In the private sector, there is the Joint Trade Council, through which the Philippines-Thailand Busi- ness Council and its Thai counterpart discuss issues and concerns about our commercial relations.We also actively collaborate with each other, and with other ASEAN- member countries, in addressing traditional and non-traditional threats to national and regional security. When the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, the Thai government and people generouslyAs the representative of my country to your government, it is also my duty to ensure that Filipinos in Thailand are provided ample protection if and when they need it, as well as to constantly seek ways of strengthening our commercial relationsgave cash and material donations to the typhoon victims.What is the main focus of your diplomatic duties in Thailand?To maintain the cordial and harmo- nious relations between our two countries in all aspects. Part of this work is reporting on developments in Thailand in as impartial and objective a manner as possible, following the ASEAN principle of respecting the internal affairs of the other member states. As the representative of my country to your government, it is also my duty to ensure that Filipinos in Thailand are provided ample protection if and when they need it, as well as to constantly seek ways of strengthening our commercial relations.I also try to raise awareness of Philippine customs and traditions among Thais and, at the same time,Elite+ 19