Thai Exports to Juba Cross $20 Million

(JUBA) – Despite limited diplomatic presence, Thailand and South Sudan continue to strengthen their bilateral relationship through trade, military support and development cooperation. The formal establishment of diplomatic relations began on 5 December 2013, when Thailand’s then-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.

This step followed a 6 September 2011 resolution by Thailand’s Cabinet, which officially recognised South Sudan following its independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011. South Sudan’s birth as a nation came after decades of internal conflict that claimed nearly two million lives and displaced over four million people.

At South Sudan’s declaration of independence, then-Speaker of Parliament James Wani Igga described the event as a moment of fulfilment for the will of the people, as expressed in the referendum for self-determination. The declaration, made before an audience of foreign dignitaries and cheering citizens, confirmed the country’s identity as a democratic, multi-ethnic and peace-seeking state committed to friendly international relations.

Since establishing ties, Thailand has contributed to South Sudan’s development through both trade and military engineering. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bilateral trade in 2018 was valued at $20.75 million (SSP 94.4 billion at the July 2025 exchange rate). Of this, Thai exports to South Sudan totalled $20.74 million (SSP 94.37 billion), while imports from South Sudan amounted to only $0.01 million (SSP 45,500), giving Thailand a trade surplus of $20.73 million.

Thailand primarily exports automobiles and vehicle parts, electrical appliances, rubber products, paper and garments to South Sudan. Imports from South Sudan have included a small amount of electrical components, printed materials, and metal products.

Thailand’s role in South Sudan has extended beyond economics. On 14 December 2018, an advance team of 12 Thai military engineers arrived in Juba, followed by 261 more on 23 December. Their primary mission was to repair rural roads and improve infrastructure at United Nations military bases under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Their engineering efforts also serve a broader peacebuilding role, guided by Thailand’s sufficiency economy philosophy, promoted by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The approach encourages sustainable development to prevent the recurrence of conflict, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

South Sudan, though landlocked and often portrayed through the lens of conflict, has growing potential for eco-tourism and historical exploration. The Nile River and its vast Sudd wetlands dominate the country’s geography, offering scenic and ecological value. Jebel Kujur, once called Korok, provides panoramic views of Juba and holds cultural significance tied to local beliefs.

Another attraction is Boma National Park in Jonglei State. Covering 22,800 square kilometres, it hosts one of the largest wildlife migrations on the continent, with roughly two million antelopes, including kobs and gazelles, moving seasonally between the Sudd and Ethiopia. The park is also home to more than 7,000 elephants and a wide variety of wildlife, from giraffes to oryx.

Visitors to the capital can also stop at the John Garang Mausoleum, a site honouring the founder of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Garang led the decades-long resistance that eventually delivered independence to South Sudan. The mausoleum, located along the ceremonial Avenue of Nations in Juba, serves as both a national monument and a gathering site for official events.

Overview of Thailand–South Sudan Engagement