Akrapong CHALERMNON, Consul General of Royal Thai Consulate-General in Osaka

Thailand and Kansai as Strategic Co-Creators — Linking the Legacy to the Future through “Targeted Follow-Up”

The Thailand Pavilion as a Business Engine — Generating 10,000 Business Matches

Q: What was the most significant achievement during the Expo?
　
　One of the most significant achievements was that Thailand presented its national vision in a compelling, visible form—and translated it into measurable international impact. Under the official theme “Thailand Connecting Lives for Greatest Happiness,” the Pavilion welcomed over 2.1 million visitors, placing it among the top 20 most visited pavilions. Enabling such a broad audience to experience the essence of Thailand’s identity was a major achievement in its own right.

　At the same time, visitor numbers were never the only outcome we pursued.The true legacy is that the Thailand Pavilion functioned as a business engine—advancing Thailand–Japan trade,investment,and long‑term cooperation, especially for SMEs and emerging industries. In concrete terms, the Pavilion facilitated nearly 10,000 business‑matching connections and handled more than 350,000 business inquiries.

　Behind these results were close coordination with partner organizations and an operational framework that enabled us to quickly share on‑site information and apply it directly to our daily operations. With a visitor‑centric design, we built pathways to ensure that inquiries did not end at the counter but led to the next concrete step.

　Within a healthcare‑focused thematic structure, we also ran weekly rotating exhibitions and steadily expanded participation opportunities—particularly for Thai healthcare companies. This approach multiplied practical touchpoints and helped maximize business outcomes.

An “International Village” Made Real, and a Rediscovery of Kansai’s Strength

Q: Could you share any memorable episodes or initiatives from the Expo?

　From the moment we entered the site, we felt that the Expo had created a genuine “international village”—a place where diverse cultures and values came together naturally and where new connections formed every day. In that sense, the Expo truly brought the idea of an international village to life.

　Welcoming Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Akishino and Prince Hisahito to the Thailand Pavilion was also a great honor and an unforgettable moment. Their stay lasted longer than planned, and their deep interest in our healthcare exhibits and cultural performances served as a powerful symbol of the historic friendship shared between Thailand and Japan.

　Another strong impression from the Expo was a renewed appreciation of Kansai’s strengths. Osaka is not merely a regional city—it is a truly international city, one that functions as a global innovation laboratory. These strengths are underpinned by a diversified and resilient economy with world‑class clusters in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and green tech, supported by a robust ecosystem of high‑tech SMEs and research institutions. In addition, the frankness and openness often described as the “Kansai spirit” naturally welcome visitors and help accelerate international collaboration.

　These characteristics hold significant potential for advancing cooperation with Thailand. Building on the experiences and practical initiatives of the Expo, we therefore found new opportunities for collaboration with Kansai.

Thailand and Kansai — A 140-Year Friendship Aiming for the “Gold Standard”

Q: Are you planning initiatives in Kansai to promote international exchange and business?

　Now that the Expo has concluded, our priority is to carry its outcomes forward as a lasting legacy. The key to achieving this is “the targeted follow‑ups.” We are entering the next phase, and that principle will guide our actions. Concretely, the nearly 10,000 business‑matching connections made during the Expo are entry points, not endpoints; our task is to mature them into specific and sustained collaborations—MOUs and practical joint work—especially in pharmaceuticals, food tech, and the creative economy. Together with public and private partners in Kansai, we will track each case, refine it, and move it to the next concrete action.

　At the same time, we will keep generating people‑to‑people exchanges in Thailand’s areas of strength—wellness, tourism, and professional internships—which naturally foster ongoing interaction. We believe the “Kansai spirit” will support these efforts. The lead actors at the next stage are SMEs. SMEs in Kansai and Thailand complement each other in technological capability and agility, enabling two‑way value creation through co‑development and concrete deals catalyzed by the Expo.

　 Thailand and Japan have a remarkably stable partnership built on long‑standing trust and play vital roles in supporting global supply and value chains. In this context, Thailand–Kansai relations are not merely a buyer and a seller but have evolved into strategic co‑creators of the future society. By the time we mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, we aim for the Thailand–Kansai partnership to be the gold standard for international cooperation in Asia. Whatever changes arise in the international environment, we need to support one another and keep making progress. That is why we will stand together, work together, fight together, and move into the future together. We will continue walking forward with partners who share that future.

Contact Information

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kansai Bureau
International Affairs Division
Address: 1-5-44 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-8535
Phone：+81-6-6966-6031
E-Mail：bzl-kin-kokusaiinfo@meti.go.jp