2022 ushered in a new dawn in Thai-Saudi relations

20 Sept 22:17 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand and Saudi Arabia normalized relations in 2022, concluding a 32-year diplomatic freeze that began after a 1989 jewelry heist and subsequent murders of Saudi diplomats.
The rapprochement was marked by historic visits from Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to Riyadh and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Thailand, leading to the signing of five cooperation pacts.
While initial hopes for significant Thai labor opportunities in Saudi Arabia were not fully met due to changed market dynamics, bilateral trade surged by 65.54% in the first nine months of 2022.
Both nations are actively pursuing deeper cooperation across various sectors, including tourism, energy, trade, and investment, leveraging Saudi Vision 2030 and Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.