Ambassador of Thailand Visits Canada’s Oil-rich Region to Promote Cooperation

(18/03/2013)

During 4-7 February 2013, H.E. Mr. Udomphol Ninnad, Ambassador of Thailand to Canada led a delegation on a four-day visit to the city of Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta, and the city of Regina in Saskatchewan to promote networking and strengthen the cooperation between Thailand and the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. These provinces are recognized for their abundant oil reserves and fast-growing energy-related industries.

On 4 February 2013, H.E. Mr. Udomphol Ninnad, Mr. Narong Boonsatheanwong, Minister-Counsellor,  Mr. Nopakhun Luichant, First Secretary, met with Dr. Yothin Tongpenyai, President of Petroleum Authority of Thailand Exploration and Production Co. Ltd. (PTTEP) for a briefing on current status of PTTEP’s oil sands investment project in Alberta.  The following day, the delegation visited the University of Regina to meet with Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick, Vice-President (Research) and Dr. Paitoon Tontiwachwuthikul, a Thai professor who is also Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.  Dr. Paitoon briefed the Delegation on the functions and importance of the International Test Centre for CO2 Capture which he co-founded. The Delegation and President of  PTTEP later met with Thai students and the President of the Thai Student Association of the University of Regina. There are approximately 40 Thai students currently pursuing their studies at the University of Regina.

On February 6, 2013, the Delegation arrived in Edmonton and was greeted by Mr. Dennis Anderson, Honourary Consul-General of Thailand. The Delegation also conversed with Mrs. Jitra Kriangkum, President of the Alberta Thai Association and other members of the association during luncheon hosted by the Honourary Consul-General.

On the last day of the visit, the Delegation and President of PTTEP paid a courtesy call on Hon. Allison Redford, Premier of Alberta. The Delegation also met with Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, Deputy Premier, Mrs. Maryann Everett, Assistant Deputy Minister, Enterprise and Advanced Education Ministry, Hon. Cal Dallas, Minister of International and Intergovernmental  Relations and Hon. Teresa Woo-Paw, Assistant Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations who hosted luncheon for the Delegation.  During the meeting, issues such as energy, workforce, education, consular affairs, and promotion of relations between Alberta and Thailand were discussed.