Commemorating Six Decades of Strong Bilateral Relations

Special Logo Unveiled to Mark the Milestone

Singapore and Thailand are celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year. To honor this significant milestone, the Singaporean Embassy has introduced a commemorative logo, which was selected through a competition organized in collaboration with the foreign ministries of both countries and the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore.

A Partnership Built on Multifaceted Collaboration

Speaking at the logo launch event at Siam Paragon in Bangkok, Catherine Wong Siow Ping, Singapore’s Ambassador to Thailand, highlighted the deep and diverse partnership between the two nations. Established on September 20, 1965, the relationship spans politics, economics, defense, education, and more.

Innovative Collaborations Strengthening Ties

Pioneering Real-Time Payment System Linkage

In 2021, Singapore and Thailand launched the world’s first real-time payment system linkage between Singapore’s PayNow and Thailand’s PromptPay. This groundbreaking initiative has facilitated seamless cross-border transactions, enhancing economic connectivity between the two nations.

Advancing Renewable Energy Integration

The following year, the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project was initiated, promoting multilateral cross-border trade in renewable energy. These initiatives underscore the commitment of both countries to innovation and sustainable development.

Thriving Economic and Investment Ties

Mutual Trade and Investment Growth

In 2023, Singapore and Thailand were each other’s 9th-largest trading partners, reflecting robust economic ties. Singapore has consistently ranked among Thailand’s top five sources of foreign direct investment (FDI), and in 2023, it emerged as Thailand’s top foreign investor, demonstrating continued confidence in the Thai economy.

Exploring New Areas of Cooperation

During Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official visit to Thailand in November 2023, both governments discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as food and energy security, as well as carbon credit trade. Singapore also looks forward to welcoming Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an introductory visit this year.

Historical and Regional Connections

A Legacy of Friendship Dating Back Centuries

Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister of Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, emphasized that the ties between Thailand and Singapore predate formal diplomatic relations. In 1871, King Rama V made the first regional land visit to Singapore, gifting a bronze elephant that still stands in front of the Old Parliament House as a symbol of enduring friendship.

Founding Members of ASEAN with a Shared Vision

Both nations are founding members of ASEAN and have played pivotal roles in promoting peace and prosperity in the region. Their shared vision of regionalism has driven ASEAN’s growth into a globally recognized organization with one of the world’s largest economies.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Bilateral Relations

Strengthening Ties Through Continued Collaboration

As Thailand and Singapore celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, both nations remain committed to deepening their partnership. The commemorative logo serves as a reminder of their shared history and a symbol of their promising future.

A Model for Regional and Global Cooperation

The enduring friendship and collaboration between Thailand and Singapore set a benchmark for regional and global partnerships. Their joint efforts in innovation, sustainability, and economic integration continue to inspire and benefit the broader ASEAN community.

World Heritage Committee Influences Design Changes

Height Reduction to Protect Ayutthaya’s Historical Value

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced plans to reduce the height of the Ayutthaya High-Speed Rail Station’s roof structure following recommendations from the World Heritage Committee’s advisory body. This decision aims to preserve the historical significance of the original Ayutthaya Railway Station, ensuring it is not overshadowed by the new development.

Collaboration with International Experts

SRT governor Veeris Ammarapala revealed that SRT officials, alongside experts from the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), conducted a thorough assessment of the high-speed rail project’s impact on the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Assessing the Impact on Ayutthaya’s Heritage

Field Visits to Key Historical Landmarks

From Monday to Wednesday, the delegation visited significant heritage sites, including Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Mahathat, the Ayutthaya Railway Station, Wat Phanan Choeng, and the Japanese Village. These visits aimed to evaluate the cultural and physical effects of the high-speed rail project on the region’s historical landscape.

Data Synthesis for World Heritage Committee

The team is now compiling data on landscape, urban development, tourism, and traffic to present a comprehensive report to the World Heritage Committee. This report will guide future decisions to balance modernization with heritage preservation.

Design Adjustments for the High-Speed Rail Station

Reducing Station Height and Track Elevation

In response to the advisory body’s recommendations, the SRT plans to lower the Ayutthaya High-Speed Rail Station’s height from 37.45 meters to 35.45 meters and reduce the track elevation from 19 meters to 17 meters. These changes aim to minimize the visual impact on the Ayutthaya Historical Park’s iconic scenery.

Heritage Impact Assessment Report in Progress

The SRT is preparing a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report based on the advisory body’s suggestions. This report will be submitted to the World Heritage Centre, ensuring that the project aligns with global heritage preservation standards.

Temporary Halt on Ayutthaya Section of High-Speed Rail

13.3-Kilometer Project Paused Pending Approval

The Ayutthaya section of the Sino-Thai high-speed rail project, spanning 13.3 kilometers with a budget exceeding 10.3 billion baht, has been temporarily halted. Work will resume only after the HIA report is approved, ensuring compliance with heritage preservation guidelines.

Balancing Development and Cultural Preservation

The SRT’s decision reflects a commitment to balancing Thailand’s infrastructure development with the need to protect its rich cultural heritage. By incorporating feedback from international experts, the project aims to set a precedent for responsible development near UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Automatic Check-In System Failure Sparks Long Queues

Passengers Face Delays and Frustration

Early Saturday morning, a technical issue with the automatic check-in system at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok led to long queues and significant flight delays. Passengers were left stranded as the system malfunctioned, causing widespread inconvenience. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported that the system began to resume operations around 9:45 am, with airport staff deployed to assist affected travelers.

Airlines Urged to Uphold Passenger Rights

The CAAT has instructed airlines to comply with passenger rights as stipulated by law, particularly in cases of delays or cancellations. Travelers were advised to arrive at least three hours before their flights or to use online check-in options if they were not carrying luggage.

System Breakdown Disrupts Early Morning Flights

Passenger Accounts Highlight Widespread Impact

One passenger shared that the check-in system collapsed around 3 am, severely disrupting travel plans. His flight to Nakhon Phanom province was delayed by approximately an hour, reflecting the broader impact of the technical glitch. The incident left many travelers frustrated as they navigated the unexpected delays.

Root Cause: Technical Issue During System Update

Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) president Kirati Kijmanawat explained that the SITA Passenger Service System (SITA PSS) for the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) encountered a technical problem during an update at around 1 am. This issue affected check-in operations and caused subsequent flight delays. Technicians worked tirelessly to resolve the problem, with normal operations expected to resume by noon.

Airport Authorities Issue Apology and Guidance

AoT Acknowledges Inconvenience, Offers Support

In response to the disruption, AoT issued an apology to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the system failure. Travelers were encouraged to contact AoT’s contact center at 1722 or the public relations center at 02 535 1192 for further assistance or updates.

Proactive Measures to Prevent Future Incidents

The incident has raised questions about the reliability of automated systems during critical updates. Airport authorities are likely to review their protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring smoother operations for passengers.

Travelers Advised to Plan Ahead

Online Check-In Recommended for Efficiency

To avoid delays, passengers are encouraged to utilize online check-in services, especially if they are traveling without luggage. This proactive approach can help mitigate the impact of potential system failures and ensure a more seamless travel experience.

Lessons Learned from the Don Mueang Disruption

The Don Mueang Airport incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust technical systems and contingency plans in the aviation industry. As airports increasingly rely on automation, ensuring system reliability and passenger satisfaction remains a top priority.