BangkokPost-May 18
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said Saudi Arabia is expected to provide about 200,000 vacancies for Thai workers as the two countries take another step closer after restoring bilateral ties. Mr Don is leading a delegation of state officials and business operators on a formal visit to Saudi Arabia that ends on Wednesday. It is the first time in 32 years that Thai dignitaries have set foot in the country for formal talks. The visit is part of efforts to rebuild investment opportunities and forge joint ventures after the restoration of full diplomatic ties between the two countries was announced in the wake of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s visit to Riyadh. Gen Prayut met with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz there on Jan 25. Speaking after meeting Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Mr Don said the two countries had finalized the draft of action plans promoting bilateral ties. They also finalized the draft of a memorandum of understanding to set up a Thai-Saudi cooperation council jointly chaired by their respective foreign ministers. In addition, they agreed in principle to waive visas for holders of diplomatic and official passports, Mr Don said, adding Saudi Arabia will consider helping 800 Thais who have overstayed their visas in the Arab country. Mr Don said Thai labor is needed there as the kingdom is investing heavily in several construction projects. He said there are at least 500,000 vacancies for construction workers and workers in the service industry. There are 1,334 Thai employees in the country, mostly working in factories and restaurants or as domestic workers. Read more at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2311466/saudi-ties-may-yield-200k-jobs
