During 9-13 September 2023, H.E. Ms. Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India, led the Team Thailand in India delegation, including the Consul-General of Thailand, Kolkata, Director of Thai Trade Centre in New Delhi, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand in New Delhi, and officials, to visit the State of Sikkim. The main purpose of this visit is to explore potential collaboration between Thailand and Sikkim in the mutual areas of interest.

The delegation paid a courtesy call on hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, attended a meeting with heads of line departments from Govt. of Sikkim, chaired by Chief Secretary, Shri V.B. Pathak, had interactive discussion with stakeholders from tourism and commerce and industry sectors, as well as visited Sikkim Supreme factory, which is Government’s owned food preservation unit and experienced tourism management of the state.

Both sides expressed strong interests for collaboration in various areas such as 1) Tourism: to promote more exchanges between tourists especially on sustainable and eco- tourism. In the meeting with the CM, he tasked officials concerned on the possibility of establishing a helpdesk in Kolkata to facilitate permits for Thai tourists visiting Sikkim and Ambassador requested Sikkim Government for point of contact in assisting Thai tourists in emergency situations. In addition, collaboration in different types of tourism and hospitality and wellness sector were also discussed. 2) Agriculture and food processing, such as the exchange of farm management practices, inviting Thai businesses to invest in food processing industry 3) Trade: Thai food and fashion products have great potential in Sikkim market. Thai side also encouraged Sikkim to send trade delegation to Thailand 4) Education: to promote exchange of youth and students and establish cooperation between universities of both sides 5) Technical Cooperation: Sikkim requested for a support of trainers for Thai food class in culinary institute in Sikkim as well as handicrafts and textile product development and upskilling.

Thailand and Sikkim share various commonalities in cultural and social life, leading to possibilities for closer collaboration in many areas.