Amman-- Thailand's Ambassador Pornpong Kanittanon said Monday that Jordan maintained its security and stability in a turbulent region, thanks to its wise leadership and the awareness of its people.

 

Speaking on the occasion of his country's National Day, the ambassador expressed Thailand's appreciation for Jordan's support through the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), noting that Thailand has 5 million Muslims, the second largest religion in Thailand after Buddhism.

 

With regard to economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, the envoy said Thailand ranks first in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in terms of economic cooperation with Jordan, noting that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries amounts to JD130 million with the potential to increase the figure, which both parties are currently working to fulfill.

 

He pointed out that there are 500 Thai students enrolled in Jordanian universities in the disciplines of Arabic and Sharia Islamic law, and that Thai students choose Jordan as a moderate and stable country, thanking the Kingdom for providing facilities to them.

 

He added that there are also 200 Thais working in international organizations, airlines, jewelry and hotels in Jordan, and also highlighted the Thailand International Cooperation Agency's (TICA) role in providing training and rehabilitation programs for Jordanians in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning.

 

The ambassador said that there are about 15 Jordanian employees who go for training in Thailand annually and this number is expected to increase.

 

Thailand, he said, supports His Majesty King Abdullah's efforts to achieve security, stability and peace in the Middle East, stressing the importance of the King's initiative within the framework of Aqaba Meetings to address extremism and terrorism and exchange data and expertise in this regard.

 

He also noted that the number of Thai tourists coming to Jordan is rising remarkably due to the Kingdom's rich historical and cultural heritage and attractions, such as Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash and other sites.

 

Furthermore, there is an increase in the number of Jordanians traveling to Thailand and the direct daily flights between Amman and Bangkok, the envoy concluded