To mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Sovereign Order of Malta and Thailand, Ambassador Michael Mann of the Sovereign Order of Malta and Deputy Permanent Secretary Madame Busadee Santipitaks from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated the longstanding and positive relationship between the two entities. A reception was held in Bangkok in September, which attended by diplomats, former Thai ambassadors to the Order of Malta, members of the Order, and Thai officials.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1984, the Order of Malta and Thailand have enjoyed a close and productive partnership. One of the key moments in this relationship was the 2004 visit of the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to the Magistral Palace, which underscored the high level of mutual respect and engagement between the two sides.
The Sovereign Order of Malta, through Malteser International – its worldwide relief agency – has been a critical humanitarian partner in Thailand since 1979. MI’s efforts have primarily focused on healthcare, WASH services, and emergency relief, particularly for Karen and Burmese refugees at the Thai-Myanmar border. Over the years, MI has provided medical care, established training programs to enhance self-sufficiency, and offered psychosocial support to over 20,000 refugees.
“During past 40 years the Order has worked with Thailand to help displaced persons from neighbouring countries. For the past 30 years working in association with the European Union among other institutions, the Order of Malta with its relief worldwide agency has provided medical assistance daily to over 20,000 people on the border with Myanmar” said the Order’s Ambassador to Thailand, Michael Mann, thanking in particular the Thai Ministry of the Interior for its continued facilitation of this work.
“I remember only too well being in Khao Lak in 2004 a few days after the tsunami seeing the terrible devastation and the people in shock. Already Order of Malta staff was present in areas most impacted in Thailand and elsewhere helping those in need” adds Ambassador Mann.
Amongst other activities carried out by members of the Order of Malta in Thailand is the assistance provided to help the sick and the poor. “Just a few weeks ago they held in Pattaya a Camp for Disabled Youth from across the Asia-Pacific region” Michael Mann added.
Since 2015, members of the Order of Malta have expanded their humanitarian outreach by delivering food and essential goods to vulnerable communities, including refugees living in Bangkok and disabled individuals in northern Thailand. The Embassy also played an instrumental role in assisting Pakistani Christian refugees stuck in Bangkok, facilitating the resettlement of many to Australia and Canada.