Nordic Studies Center [Thailand]

Thailand and Denmark have always enjoyed close, cordial and harmonious relations. Their close ties and bond of friendship have been built on a solid foundation of over 3 centuries of commercial relations; as well as the cordial, friendly and personal rapport established between their successive Monarchs and Royal Families since mid 1850s. After the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation in A.D. 1858, Siamese and Danish envoys were also appointed in Copenhagen and Bangkok.

Danish business and trading companies, particularly The East Asiatic Co., Maersk Lines of A.P. Moller and Carlsberg, as well as the Thai and Danish Monarchs, particularly H.M. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V),who visited several European states (including Denmark) in 1897 and 1907, played crucial roles in promoting, forging and enhancing bilateral relations. Their tasks were supplemented by several successive Royal visits, particularly the state visits of Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit to Denmark in September 1960, and King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid to Thailand in January 1962. Queen Margrethe II also made unofficial visits to Thailand in 1963 as Crown Princess, and in 1981 with her Consort, Prince Henrik. In addition, many prominent individuals belonging to the government and private sectors from both countries have, for many years, also established official and personal contacts and rapport.

Equally important is of course tourism which, in recent years, has brought many Thais and Danes much closer together in realizing their common interests, understanding and friendship. For several years, Thailand has been awarded best country destination by tour-travel agencies and magazines in the Scandinavian countries. Last year alone some 80,000 Danes visited Thailand.

Despite differences in cultures, levels of economic development, and approaches in dealing with certain important issues such as Myanmar and trade liberalisation matters, Thai-Danish relations have been further strengthened by their shared common values and ideals in democracy, freedom, market economy and human rights. At times, conflicts of interests may occur because Denmark, as a member of the European Union, has to comply with its own and the EU's strict observance of health and environmental standards against importing non-EU goods

On the whole, however, Thailand has a growing, satisfactory commercial relations with Denmark. Between 1990-1996, Denmark had trade surpluses with Thailand. Since 1997, with the devaluation of the Thai Baht and increased Thai competitiveness, the balance of trade has been in Thailand's favour. Total trade volume in 1998 and 1999 were respectively US$ 367.40 m. and US$ 318.94 m., with US$ 109.42 m. and US$ 107.60 m. surpluses for Thailand. Principal Thai exports to Denmark in both years were: shoes and parts; telecommunications and parts; garments; veneer and parquet; furniture and parts; canned seafood; TV-radio and parts; cars; canned fruits and vegetables; jewelry and accessories. Principal imports from Denmark were: industrial machinery; scientific and medical equipment; fertilizers; paper; cardboard and products; chemicals; integrated circuits; electric machinery and parts; electrical appliances; metal products; medical and pharmaceutical products.

Although Denmark's size and population are only about one-tenth (43,100 sq. km. and 5.3 million people) of Thailand, there are potentials and opportunities for further expansion of bilateral trade, particularly with the recovery of the Thai economy. Danish market, which can also be utilized as a gateway to neighboring Baltic States, has strong purchasing power.

Thai-Danish relations have also been built on close bilateral development cooperation, started in early 1960s with DANIDA (of the Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs) providing assistance in scholarships, experts and mixed credits for establishing Thai-Denmark Dairy Farm and Training Centre, and emphasizing in areas of agricultural development which are now being phased out. Since 1994 when DANCED (of Denmark's Ministry of Environment and Energy) was established, assistance (of approximately Danish Kroner 90 m. or 450 m. Baht annually) has been concentrated on environment development and protection. This trend is likely to continue. Thailand is grateful since, for many years, it has been given priority for Danish development assistance.

In conclusion, Thai-Danish relations have always been warm and friendly. It is my sincere hope that this will be maintained, further developed and strengthened for our common interests and mutual benefits.