Japan-Thailand Relations

Diplomatic relations:

• Established in September 1887

Number of Residents:

• Number of Japanese Nationals residing in Thailand: 72,308 (as of Oct. 2023)
• Number of Thai Nationals residing in Japan: 59,271 (as of Jun. 2023)

Number of Visitors:

• Number of Japanese Nationals visiting Thailand Approx. 810,000(2023)
• Number of Thai Nationals visiting Japan Approx. 1,000,000(2023)

Japan-Thailand Trade (Yen: billion)

(Source: Ministry of Finance, Japan)

Japan-Thailand EPA (JTEPA)

• Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA, November 2007)

Japan and Thailand have been maintaining a long cordial relationship.

Historical records attest to the existence of relations between Ryukyu (Okinawa) and Ayudhaya as far back as the 15th century. Trade between the two countries prospered during the 17th century, at which time the Japanese community in Ayudhaya flourished. But after Japan adopted the policy of Sakoku, a policy of closing the country to the outside world, in 1639, the community began to decline. Centuries later, a new chapter of the relations in modern history began with the Declaration of Amity and Commerce between Japan and Siam in 1887. At that time, Japanese experts on law, education, sericulture and so forth were dispatched to Thailand to contribute to the modernization of the country. At the time of World War II, Thailand, allied with Japan, declared war against the United States of America and the United Kingdom, but made the said declaration null after the War.

The year 2017 marked the 130 years anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Thailand. A number of ceremonies and events were organized in both countries to commemorate the auspicious year.

Symbolized by the close relationship between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Thailand, the two countries now engage in many forms of personnel exchange, carried out in various fields, such as politics and economics, among others.

The Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Thailand have traditionally been on friendly terms with each other. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan's visit to Thailand as their first overseas trip in 1991 after their enthronement and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's visit to Japan in May 1997 well epitomize the intimacy existing in the ties between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Thailand. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Thailand in 2006 to attend the ceremony in Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty the King's Accession the Throne. In March 2017, Their Majesties paid a condolence visit to Thailand to show respect for His Majesty the former King Bumibol Adulyadej who passed away in Oct 2016. Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino visited Thailand to attend royal cremation ceremony for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Oct 2017. May 2019 was a memorable time for both the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Thailand when His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito acceded throne in Japan and the coronation ceremony for His Majesty the King Maha Vajiralongkorn was held in Thailand.

After cooperation with each other to solve the problem of Cambodia, Thailand and Japan have been building a relationship that exceeds the bounds of their bilateral relationship through close dialogues and cooperation in their combined efforts to solve the problems of the Southeast Asian region and the Asia-Pacific region. Since May 1998 the two countries have held their Politico-Military Talks between Japan and Thailand once every year, while their cooperation in security issues is also being duly strengthened. In 2012, Japan and Thailand upgraded the relationship to a strategic partnership, and in 2022, both countries elevated it to even higher level to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” on the basis of the progress made in the bilateral relations in a wide range of areas.