The ‘Thai’ that binds
Ambassador Thanatip Upatising:
Close to three years since his posting in March 2015, Thai Ambassador Thanatip Upatising and his lovely wife Monthip (fondly called “Bee” by close friends) have made so many friends and become one of the most popular couples in the diplomatic circle. So much so that people were saddened to hear that they would soon be moving to Moscow for the Thai diplomat’s new assignment.
Ambassador Upatising has actually done so much to strengthen the ties that bind the Philippines and Thailand, from people-to-people relationships to education to agriculture to technology and tourism, among many others. For instance, he would go to Mindanao to visit a public elementary school and see if it could become a beneficiary of a project by Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Formerly connected with the United Nations ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), Mrs. Bee Upatising has also used her impressive culinary skills to showcase the rich culture of her country, organizing cooking demonstrations for several ladies who are interested to know more about Thai cuisine.
Ordinary Filipinos certainly appreciate the Thai ambassador’s efforts to help improve their lives. During a National Shrimp Congress in Bacolod City late last year, he vowed support for Philippine aquaculture, sharing that technology has made Thailand become one of the world’s biggest producers of shrimp. There should be more players to encourage fair market competition and benefit farmers, he said, stressing that, “in aquaculture and any sector of agriculture, you have to look at the farmers.”
Noting that the Philippines used to be a top exporter of shrimp, he assured that Thailand is not a competitor. And since both countries belong to ASEAN, they have to work closely on food security, Ambassador Upatising remarked, rightly concluding that, “What is good for the Philippines is good for Thailand,”