JICA Thailand Office

Sawasdee Krab

I arrived inThailand to be the Chief Representative of the JICA Office here on 20th April, 2011. This is my fourth assignment overseas, including two missions in Indonesia, and one in Cambodia. I feel that JICA and ODA have different roles in Thailand, compared with those they play in the two other countries.

Drawing on its own budget and human resources, with the strong initiative of the Thai Government, and a robust private sector, we have seen sustainable economic growth here. I am quite envious of this, and would like to praise participants very much for the level of development attained in Thailand, when one thinks of the recent stagnation in Japan. At the same time, I am proud to think that Japan has been playing a role and contributing to this development through our economic cooperation in many fields and from many perspectives. Cumulatively, Thailand is the second largest recipient of Japanese technical cooperation, and the fifth greatest recipient of Japanese ODA loans.

On the other hand, GNI per capita in Thailand is $3,800. That is still one tenth of that of Japan, and half that of Malaysia. Also, we are still faced with a variety of challenges including the disparities between Bangkok and other areas, the separation of rich and poor, urban problems in the Bangkok Metropolitan area, and global issues, including the environment and climate change. Japan has been working hard to tackle many of these issues. One of the most important roles played by ODA is that government officers, engineers, and researchers in both Thailand and Japan may share challenges, discussing and finding solution to them.

Thailand is today providing technical cooperation and loans to neighbouring countries. JICA's role is to share its experience and know-how, as well as being a partner working together with Thai institutions providing assistance to neighbouring countries. JICA will not "teach" Thailand, but rather, we shall "learn" from each other, aiming for better regional cooperation.

ASEAN member countries have agreed to establish the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, and abolish tariffs in the region to achieve free flows of investment and human resources. In order to enhance the competitiveness of the Thai economy, this movement is inevitable, as is reducing the disparity among ASEAN countries. Japanese ODA firmly supports this process.

I would like to introduce you to JICA's activities in Thailand, and for ASEAN region, through this website. Please be aware that we appreciate your understanding and your continuing support in our work. Your opinions, ideas, and information are all very welcome.

The world is increasingly interdependent. I hope that JICA activities enhance the friendship between Thailand and Japan, and the friendship between ASEAN countries and Japan, strengthening the ties between us.

Kobkhunmakkrab. Thank you very much.

Kazuhiro YONEDA
Chief Representative, JICA Thailand Office
(16th May, 2011)