H.E. Ms. Muna Abbas Mahmood Radhi, the new Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand arrived Thailand directly from Bahrain in September 2021. In June, Ambassador Muna presented her credentials to His Majesty Raja Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. She is in charge of Singapore, Myanmar, and Laos Republic in capacity as non-resident Ambassador. Expat Life had the opportunity to meet up with Ambassador Muna in the embassy office. She disclosed that her relations with Thailand goes back to 10 years when she was the officer in charge of Asia and then the Director of Afro-Asian Affairs Directorate in 2017 until the appointment to Thailand.
She was previously posted in Geneva, looking after the office of the United Nations, covering Bahrain’s membership at the Human Rights Council, World Health Organisation, International Labour Organisation and other multilateral organisations based in Geneva.
Which city were you born and brought up?
I was born, lived and raised in the capital Manama. I later moved to live in Riffa with my parents
At which age did you decide to become a diplomat?
I always wanted to become a diplomat from a very young age. To achieve this goal, I started learning foreign languages, starting with French, at Richmond, the American International University in London, and continued learning French at Alliance Francaise in Bahrain, and then spent one year in France at the Sorbonne University. Then I started learning Spanish in Bahrain, and in 2019 I started learning Russian language. My goal is to know the six official languages of the UN. Since I was appointed as Ambassador in Thailand, I decided to explore the Thai language and culture, so I am studying Thai language at Berlitz Institute here in Thailand.
Do you have any other diplomats in your family?
I have had cousins who worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but no one from my close family is a diplomat. My elder sister is a computer programmer and youngest brother also work in a bank and I have a young sister who is a dentist working in Bahrain.
How do you see Thailand today, in ASEAN, and in a wider context?
This year marks 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Thailand, based on the common desire to strengthen friendly relations and develop bilateral cooperation in various fields of common interest between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Thailand and keenness to develop relations based on mutual respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations and international law.
Bahrain and Thailand enjoy historical and longstanding relations, and this is reflected in the high-level bilateral visits between the two countries. In 2019, Bahrain signed the Treaty of Amities and Cooperation of ASEAN (TAC), aiming at further strengthening cooperation with ASEAN countries in political, economic, cultural, educational, agricultural, and other fields, and its desire to develop it into a partnership relation in the cooperation sectors with ASEAN. This reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, with support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, to strengthen cooperation with all, encourage dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, support all efforts to promote regional and international security and peace, and develop relations and joint cooperation with the Asian continent. Bahrain has always considered Thailand as a gateway to SE Asia, while hoping that Thailand considers Bahrain as a gateway to the Gulf region market.
Do you see any similarities between your country and Thailand?
Bahrain and Thailand share close ties and cooperation at various levels, including political, economic, social, and cultural relations. Non oil trade exchange reached 318 million USD in 2019.
Recently, THAI MART BAHRAIN - An only total showcase of Thai Products in the Middle East was opened in Bahrain. Located in the heart of Diyar Al Muharraq, Kingdom of Bahrain: Thai Mart is an only complete Thai Shopping Mall in the Middle East. Thai Mart has over 130 retail outlets and variety of food and beverage outlets. Thai Mart offers wide range of authentic Thai products, combined with variety of fine dining, entertainment, and leisure attractions. The niche component of Thai retail shops, Jewellery Trade Centre, international cuisine, massage and spa center, and kids entertainment area will offer you great shopping and dining experience. The project of fine and strong collaboration between Thailand’s Vega Intertrade & Exhibitions LLC., and Bahrain counterpart Diyar Al Muharraq. Thai Mart is a new community mall with real Thai ambiance in the decoration, architecture, products, services, and activities for the best Thai experience to the visitors.
Do you have children, if so at what age and where do they go to school, university or work?
I am not married and do not have children.
How do you look upon your work here? How does an average day look like?
I always plan my workday ahead and come to office with a check list to do. I look for new opportunities to tighten ties between Bahrain and Thailand in the various fields.
Have you set some goals you really would like to fulfil before you leave Thailand?
As Bahrain Ambassador to Thailand, my goal is to strengthen bilateral ties and bring them to a higher level, especially in view of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and Bahrain post-Covid Economic Recovery Plan and which focuses on increasing foreign direct investment in Bahrain in important strategic sectors including manufacturing, information technology, education, tourism, healthcare.
Some sectors, like tourism and healthcare and wellbeing are important sectors for Thailand as well including East Economic Corridor and Thailand’s this year hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit under the theme of sustainability, balance, and green economy, which focuses on reviving the economy affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, opening the country to tourism, curative hospitalisation and promoting a circular, vibrant and green economy. This complies with Bahrain’s chairmanship of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (2021-2022) under the theme “post Covid green recovery in the health sector”. We will try to benefit from our experiences in these fields for the mutual benefit of the Governments and peoples of both friendly countries.
Have you managed to travel in Thailand yet?
I have paid a visit to Ayutthaya, the old capital of the Kingdom of Thailand. I also visited the ancient city to discover the heritage of the different provinces of Thailand. Due to the current Covid situation I didn’t get the chance to explore more of beautiful Thailand. However, I have a pending invitation to visit Pattaya and the southern part of Thailand, from Prince of Songkhla University which I’m looking forward to.
When you have a day off, what do you prefer to do? A hobby or pastimes?
During days off, if I have my family visiting me, we try to discover the different parts of Bangkok, the remarkable shopping malls, and good food. Otherwise, when I am alone, I like to learn foreign languages or read a book in my flat and enjoy watching the rain from my balcony which overviews Lumpini Park and the golf course.
How many of your countryfolk are living in Thailand? When and why did Thailand become a desirable destination for your people?
Some hundreds of Bahrainis live and work in Thailand, and some retired people come to stay and enjoy the green life. Thailand has become a desirable destination for Bahraini people ever since direct flights were established between the two friendly countries based on Air Service Agreement signed in 1978. Many Bahraini tourists come to visit due to visa facilitation between the two countries. Thailand is considered the second largest tourist destination for Bahrainis.
Does your country and Thailand have an exchange program for students?
A Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Bahrain and Prince Songkhla University of Thailand was signed in Manama on April 25, 2017. Five students were nominated to study in the Kingdom of Bahrain pursuant to the MOU. Eight other Thai students are studying at the expense of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Any fun moment from Thailand that you’d like to tell us about?
Once, we took the longboat in a river trip through the canals towards the Chaw Phraya River, visiting the old temples in Bangkok. It was an interesting experience. I also enjoyed the elephant ride in Ayutthaya, but I do not think I will repeat it.
Do you regularly meet up with your community?
Since Thailand is a tourist destination for Bahrainis, who come for pleasure as well as for medical tourism, I intend to meet Bahrainis who reach out to the embassy and visit us and provide them with consular services.
