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Canada–Thailand relations

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Canadian–Thai relations
Map indicating locations of Canada and Thailand

Canada
Thailand

Historical relations

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Canada established diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of Thailand in 1961. Canada maintains an embassy in Bangkok and Thailand maintains an embassy in Ottawa, as well as consulates general in Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver and Montreal. Ties between the two countries have consistently been friendly.[1] Both countries are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and Canada sits on the ASEAN Regional Forum.

Political relations

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In March 2025, Canada and the United States offered asylum to 48 Uyghur detainees held in Thailand, but Thailand, fearing diplomatic repercussions with China, did not accept these offers. Despite support from international human rights bodies and the UN, Thailand deported the Uyghurs to China in early March 2025, under the premise of adhering to international law, while receiving reassurances from Beijing on the well-being of the detainees.[2]

Economic relations

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China is Thailand's largest trade partner, and economic ties between the two nations are close, which influenced Thailand’s reluctance to engage with Western offers for resettlement of the Uyghurs.[2]

Diplomatic relations

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Diplomatic ties were established in 1961. In 1967 the King and Queen of Thailand visited Canada. Prime minister Prem Tinsulanonda visited Canada in 1984. Prime minister Chuan Leekpai visited the country in 1994. Canadian prime ministers Jean Chretien and Pierre Trudeau visited Thailand in 1983 and 1997. Prime minister Stephen Harper also visited Thailand in 2012.[3] During the visit, the possibility of free trade agreement between the two countries was discussed.[4]

Canadian parliamentary secretary Deepak Obhrai visited Thailand in 2009.[5] In 2013, Canada expressed concerns over the unrest in Thailand.[6]

Cultural relations

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Thai immigration to Canada started in 1950. As of 2016, about 19,005 Canadians reported having Thai roots. Most Thai Canadians live in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.[7]

Resident diplomatic missions

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Embassy of Canada in Bangkok
LocationBangkok
Address15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place 990 Rama IV Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
AmbassadorSarah Taylor
Embassy of Thailand in Ottawa
LocationOttawa
Address180 Island Park Dr. K1Y 0A2
AmbassadorSefydliad Llywodraeth

References

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  1. ^ "Canada - Thailand Relations". Government of Canada. June 23, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  2. ^ a b Wongcha-um, Panu (5 March 2025). "Exclusive: Canada and US offered Uyghurs in Thailand asylum before deportation to China, sources say". Reuters. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  3. ^ "Diplomatic Relations". Royal Thai Embassy Ottawa, Canada. The Royal Thai Embassy Ottawa, Canada. Archived from the original on March 28, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  4. ^ Brewster, Murray (March 26, 2017). "Harper sets Canada, Thailand on path to free-trade agreement". The Globe and Mail. The Globe and Mail Inc. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  5. ^ "Parliamentary Secretary Obhrai Concludes Productive ASEAN Meetings in Thailand". Government of Canada. July 23, 2009. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  6. ^ "Canada Concerned About Unrest in Thailand". Government of Canada. November 26, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  7. ^ Joy, Amanda; Lambert, Maude-Emmanuelle (March 5, 2018). "Thai Canadians". Historica Canada. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
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