From 1-3 October 2024, H.E. Mr. Sira Swangsilpa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Qatar, along with officials from the Royal Thai Embassy in Doha, welcomed H.E. Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand, and a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Commerce, during their visit to Qatar to participate in the Business Forum and the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha. Joining the delegation was Mr. Trirong Wan-ar-ree, Minister Counsellor for Commercial Affairs at the Office of Commercial Affairs, Tehran, covering Qatar.

During the visit, H.E. Minister of Commerce, accompanied by H.E. Ambassador and Embassy officials, engaged in various activities aimed at strengthening trade cooperation and supporting Thai businesses in Qatar. One key focus was on food security, highlighting Thailand’s potential as a significant producer and exporter of food in the region. The Minister recognized Thailand's capacity to serve as a strategic food storage hub for Qatar and other neighboring countries.

On 1 October 2024, H.E. Ambassador led H.E. Minister of Commerce and his delegation on a visit to Lulu Hypermarket, D-Ring Branch, where they inaugurated a Thai product booth featuring popular Thai goods in Qatar, including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, beverages, snacks, seasonings, cosmetics, and kitchenware. H.E. Minister of Commerce extended an invitation to senior executives of Lulu Hypermarket to visit Thailand and participate in food exhibitions to source quality products in the future. On 2 October 2024, H.E. Minister of Commerce presented the Thai SELECT award to Thai restaurants in Qatar that have demonstrated excellence in Thai cuisine. Currently, six restaurants in Qatar hold the Thai SELECT designation: Thai Aroi, The Siam, Saffron, Chx N Rise, Jasmine Thai, and Thai Smile. H.E. Minister of Commerce also met with the restaurant operators to discuss the importance of maintaining quality standards and promoting Thai cuisine abroad.

In addition, on 2 October 2024, H.E. Minister of Commerce delivered a keynote speech at the 2nd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Business Forum, addressing the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and new business models. He emphasized Thailand’s progress in developing digital infrastructure and the application of AI across various industries. H.E. Minister also participated in the 3rd ACD Summit on 3 October 2024, alongside H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.

This visit by H.E. Minister of Commerce and his delegation further strengthened bilateral relations between Thailand and Qatar, particularly in the areas of trade cooperation and support for Thai entrepreneurs in Qatar. It also laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration between the two countries. The Royal Thai Embassy will continue to build on these initiatives, working closely with Thailand’s team of agencies to promote Thailand’s interests and explore new economic opportunities for Thai businesses in Qatar.