He said both nations share a flexible approach in their foreign relations and policies which in Thailand is known as 'bamboo diplomacy'. Compared to the plant bamboo diplomacy means foreign policy that is strongly rooted but which can also adapt to the circumstances. He said these priorities allow Oman and Thailand to maintain good relations with a wide spectrum of countries.

'Omani diplomacy is very similar to Thai diplomacy. Oman is friendly to all and Oman is always flexible' he said in an interview at the Thai Embassy. 'At the same time we Thais adhere to the principle of bamboo diplomacy which means we would also be flexible we are not going to be an enemy to anyone. We are friends to all.'

He said globalisation and inter-dependence have forced the two Indian Ocean countries to work closely. 'I believe that Thailand can learn a lot from Oman especially issues related to the Middle East or the Arab world including the Muslim world and at the same time Oman may know more about Southeast Asia.'

The MoUs which are on political consultation and health highlight the growth of bilateral ties in recent years. 'This marks another chapter for not only our diplomacy but also diplomatic relations' said the Ambassador. 'Not only that it signifies the working visit of the Thai delegation to the sultanate but it has laid a firm ground for further development and cooperation.'

The Thai foreign minister had visited Oman last September. Before that the head of the ASEAN Department in Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had visited Thailand. From Oman's perspective Thailand is important as a founding member of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) block which includes Thailand Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines Singapore Brunei Cambodia Laos Myanmar and Vietnam. For Thailand Oman is gateway to the Gulf and Arab countries.

'It's based on the understanding of the peoples of both sides to try to study further what the other side can offer - what Thailand can offer to Oman and at the same time what Oman can offer to Thailand' said the Ambassador. 'This is something both sides may have to do more in order to boost relationship and also for mutual benefit.'

Nittikarn Chomworakul First Secretary at the Thai Embassy said that Oman could be useful in engaging with Iran especially after the lifting of sanctions. Oman and Thailand have strong trade in oil. Besides Oman exports seafood to Thailand while imports automotive parts air conditioning refrigerating and agriculture products from it.

The recent agreements complement previous MoUs on tourism (2005) avoidance of double taxation (2003) and trade (1998) among others. Discussions are ongoing for additional MoUs in labour education and agriculture according to Chomworakul.