Japan and Thailand

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress with 

King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress are escorted by

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn of Thailand

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress greet

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand

Japan and Thailand have long had a close friendship. In the distant past interactions were fewer but developed more over time, particularly with Japan and Thailand having the distinction of being the only countries in East Asia never ruled by a European power. During World War II there was an alliance between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Empire of Japan. The Japanese mediated an end to the war between French Indochina and Thailand which saw the return of disputed territories to Thailand. When British forces bombed Bangkok, the Kingdom of Thailand declared war on the United Kingdom and United States in solidarity with Japan. Thailand also gained four provinces in northern Malaysia after the Japanese drove out the British forces from the region. This was the last period of expansion for Thailand. In the years since the war, both countries have cooperated in international relations often highlighted by the friendly relationship between the two sacred monarchies of the Thai Royal Family and the Imperial Family of Japan.