BANGKOK – Thailand has launched a landmark initiative to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), underscoring the nation’s enduring diplomatic legacy and evolving role in global affairs. The commemorative exhibition, “Once Upon a Time,” was inaugurated on May 19 at the MFA headquarters and features an exclusive array of historical photographs, original treaties, royal dispatches, and diplomatic memorabilia—many publicly displayed for the first time.
As part of Thailand’s push for inclusivity and modern engagement, the exhibition will move to the Department of Consular Affairs on Chaeng Watthana Road from June 9, and a virtual version will be launched to broaden access domestically and internationally.
A Journey Through Time
The centerpiece event, a live seminar titled “8-Minute History on Stage,” was led by prominent historian Dr. Wit Sittivaekin, offering a vivid narrative of Thailand’s diplomatic evolution from the Ayutthaya period to the present day. Esteemed scholars and cultural experts—including Professor Tongthong Chandransu, Anek Nawikkamun, Thongchai Likitpornsawan, and Paothong Thongchua—also contributed insights into how diplomacy has long been interwoven with Thai storytelling, cultural diplomacy, and meticulous record-keeping.
Founded in 1875 under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the MFA was among the country’s first four ministries. It was established during a pivotal time when Thailand sought to assert its sovereignty and modernize in the face of colonial pressures. Before its formation, foreign policy was personally managed by the monarch.
Over the years, the MFA has discreetly navigated global challenges—from colonial encroachment and world wars to regional power shifts—solidifying Thailand’s status as a sovereign, culturally rich, and diplomatically agile nation. The ministry is often referred to as “a ministry where the sun never sets” due to its around-the-clock presence across embassies and missions worldwide.
Thai-German Relations: A Historic Bond
A key feature of the exhibition is the spotlight on Thailand’s longstanding bilateral partnerships, including its historic ties with Germany. Diplomatic relations between the two nations trace back to February 7, 1862, when Prussia and other German states signed a Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation with Siam. This treaty laid the foundation for mutual diplomatic, trade, and consular cooperation.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, German nationals played crucial roles in Siam’s development, particularly in commerce and engineering. After World War II, Thailand reestablished ties with West Germany in 1957, and relations further expanded after German reunification in 1990.
Today, Germany remains one of Thailand’s key European partners, with robust cooperation in trade and investment, education, tourism, and cultural exchange. Recent bilateral dialogues have emphasized climate policy, sustainable development, and digital transformation as new pillars of cooperation.
Building on Heritage, Shaping the Future
The theme of the 150th anniversary, “Building on Heritage, Shaping the Future,” underscores the belief that a deep understanding of history can serve as a guiding compass for future diplomacy. With digitization, inclusivity, and strategic storytelling at its core, the MFA continues to evolve while upholding the legacy of protecting Thailand’s independence, identity, and values on the global stage.
As new challenges emerge in the international arena, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains a steady force, often operating behind the scenes but playing a critical role in fostering regional stability, international cooperation, and mutual respect among nations. (zai)