Three decades after diplomatic relations between Thailand and Saudi Arabia broke down over the ‘Blue Diamond Affair’, the countries are working to mend ties.

November 23, 2022

In January this year, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha’s landmark visit to Saudi Arabia marked the highest level of contact between the two countries after the $20-million heist controversy, resuming full diplomatic ties.
Now, Salman’s visit to Thailand came on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
The crown prince said restoration of ties has benefits for both countries, as the two leaders inked agreements pledging to increase trade and investment.

The Blue Diamond Affair:

Saudi Arabia downgraded its diplomatic relations with Thailand over the theft that led to a string of mysterious killings and became known as the Blue Diamond affair.
- It all started with the theft of jewelry and other valuable gems from the palace of Prince Faisal bin Fahd, the eldest son of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, in 1989.
- A Thai worker employed as a servant at the palace, stole precious gems worth $20 million from Prince Faisal’s home, which also included a rare 50-carat blue diamond, which is still missing.
- The ensuing diplomatic repercussion was thus named after the gem.
Present Saudi-Thailand relations: Recent The high-level meeting also saw the two leaders agreeing on the appointment of ambassadors “in the near future” and to strengthen economic and trade relations
- As the two countries turned a new page in their relationship, Saudi restarted direct flights to Thailand in February.
- Since January 2022, many friendly exchanges have taken place between the two countries — one being an agreement between state-owned energy firms Saudi Aramco and Thailand’s PTT for cooperation in carbon capture and crude oil sourcing.