Thais, Japanese share strong 'kizuna' bond
Previously, I wrote how Muang Ake, where I lived, was hard hit by floods and how residents there needed support. Later, Muang Ake residents got aid from various agencies, including the Japanese government who sent two big water pump cars to drain large am
Thailand and Japan have enjoyed a close, cordial relationship for decades. Historical records attest to flourishing relations between Ryukyu (Okinawa) and Ayudhaya as far back as the 15th century. The amicable ties are reflected at all levels, encompassing the Imperial and Royal families, government officials, politicians, the private sector, academics and via people-to-people exchanges.
Today, we can see that the “kizuna” (“bonds”) between Thailand and Japan, especially people
to people, have got closer and closer through
several events, and undoubtedly, challenges in the past.
For instance, in 1997, when Thailand was severely hit by the economic crisis, the Japanese government provided significant assistance under the “Miyazawa Plan” to help create jobs for Thai people, boost the Thai economy and mitigate the social impact.
In 2004, when Thailand was hit hard by the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Japan promptly provided assistance, including the dispatch of rescue and medical teams and large amounts of emergency relief.
Japanese people also provided encouragement to Thais at that time.
Last year, when Japan and Thailand faced massive disasters and hardship through the great East Japan earthquake and the severe flood in Thailand, we could see stronger and closer ties more clearly.
Thais are known for their nam jai, or outpouring of the heart. They sent assistance to victims of the quake and tsunami in the Tohoku region – donations of Bt940 million (excluding help from the Royal Family and government) and goods, plus words of encouragement. Some Thais said they wanted to reciprocate the support the Japanese government and people offered Thailand after the 2004 Tsunami.
When Thailand faced massive floods last year, not only was there a large amount of assistance provided by the government in Tokyo, but Japanese people gave around Bt600 million, as well as sent messages, songs and video clips as moral support for Thais affected by the flood.
These acts clearly show the strong and vibrant kizuna between people of the two countries. The Embassy of Japan (@JapanEmb_Thai) and Japanese community in Thailand established the campaign “Arigatou, gambarou. Nippon-Thai” (Thank You and Keep Going, Japan and Thailand) to boost recovery in both countries from large-scale disasters.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will pay her first official visit to Japan on March 6-9. She will meet and discuss important issues with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and leaders of the Japanese business sector, then visit disaster-affected areas in Sendai to convey condolences and encouragement to victims, officials and volunteers working hard on reconstruction and rehabilitation. The visit will boost bilateral relations, and move both countries beyond the challenges faced in the past year.
Finally, this year marks the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It is expected that the strong “kizuna between the people of the two countries will continue and further develop through many activities in celebration of the anniversary.
Yordying Supasri (@yordyings) is a Nagoya University graduate and diplomat at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who studied in Japan for 10 years. The views expressed here are personal.
