AFTER almost 74 years since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship with Thailand, relations can be described as warm and friendly. Both countries are founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 1967 and then the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (Seato) in 1954.

Over the years, several bilateral agreements have been signed, such as defense, investment, environment, tourism, air services, science and technology, and agriculture. There are also agreements on taxation, energy, business, exchanges of professional teachers, and combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs.