South Sudan–Thailand Trade Hits $20 Million Mark

(JUBA) – Diplomatic relations between South Sudan and the Kingdom of Thailand are expected to strengthen, despite the limited number of formal diplomatic engagements. The two nations officially began diplomatic relations on 5 December 2013, when then Thai Ambassador to Kenya, Itthiphon Boonprakong and South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Majok Guandong Thiep, signed a Joint Communiqué at the United Nations Office in Nairobi.

Thailand had earlier recognised South Sudan’s independence through a resolution passed by its Cabinet on 6 September 2011. This move authorised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish official ties with Africa’s youngest nation, following South Sudan’s historic independence declaration on 9 July 2011 after decades of conflict with Sudan.

The civil war that led to independence claimed nearly 2 million lives and displaced over 4 million people. South Sudan’s independence was declared in the presence of foreign dignitaries and marked by the raising of the national flag amid cheers from thousands of citizens.

The former Speaker of Parliament, James Wani Igga, stated during the declaration that South Sudan’s foundation was built on democratic principles, inclusivity and a commitment to friendly relations with the global community.

Bilateral trade between the two countries remains small but symbolically significant. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, total trade in 2018 reached $20.75 million (approx. SSP 94.4 billion). Thailand exported $20.74 million (SSP 94.37 billion) worth of goods to South Sudan, mainly consisting of automobiles and spare parts, electrical appliances, rubber products, paper and garments.

In contrast, imports from South Sudan amounted to only $0.01 million (SSP 45,500) and included items such as electrical components, printed materials and metal products.

In addition to trade, Thailand has contributed to peacebuilding in South Sudan through the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). On 14 December 2018, 12 Thai military engineers arrived in Juba, followed by an additional 261 personnel on 23 December the same year.

Their mission was focused on repairing rural roads, particularly dirt tracks and improving infrastructure in UN camps. These efforts were part of Thailand’s approach to supporting long-term peace in the country, based on the philosophy of “sufficiency economy” promoted by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The philosophy aims to address the root causes of conflict by promoting balance, moderation, and resilience, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

South Sudan, a landlocked country in East Africa with a population of over 12.7 million, has significant geographical and environmental assets. The Nile River runs through the country and supports diverse ecosystems, including the Sudd wetlands, one of the largest in the world.

For those interested in tourism, destinations such as Jebel Kujur offer panoramic views of Juba from its 684 metre peak. Once known as Korok, the hill was renamed due to its association with traditional beliefs and rituals.

Another key destination is Boma National Park in Jonglei State, which covers 22,800 square kilometres and hosts one of the largest animal migrations globally. Each year, nearly two million antelope and other species migrate through the park during the wet and dry seasons.

Wildlife in the park includes elephants, giraffes, oryx, baboons, and various antelope species. The seasonal rains drive the movements of these animals between Boma, Bandingilo National Park, and the Sudd wetlands.

Visitors are also encouraged to visit the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba, a site dedicated to the founding father of the nation. Dr John Garang led the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and played a key role in the country’s independence before dying in a helicopter crash after a visit to Uganda. His final resting place along the Avenue of Nations remains a key ceremonial site.

Thailand–South Sudan Engagement Overview