Ukraine has called on Thailand to appoint a special trade envoy to Kyiv to help coordinate reconstruction efforts in the war-torn country.
The request was made during a diplomatic visit by three Ukrainian MPs: Vadym Halaichuk of the Servant of the People Party, Tamila Tasheva, who oversees restoration in occupied territories, and Lesia Vasylenko, head of climate change and clean air panels.
Speaking to the Bangkok Post, Mr Halaichuk emphasised the enduring friendship between Ukraine and Thailand since Ukraine’s independence, and the importance of expanding cooperation in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression.
“This visit is part of a broader effort to inform our partners in Thailand about the realities in Ukraine,” Mr Halaichuk said.”Our top priority is to share our fight for freedom, independence, and territorial integrity — and to engage directly with decision-makers in Parliament, government, and civil society.”
The Ukrainian delegation met with Thai officials from the Senate, House of Representatives, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and academic institutions.
More to be done
Mr Halaichuk highlighted Thailand’s consistent support for Ukraine at the United Nations, particularly in backing resolutions that defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and provide other humanitarian assistance, such as donations.
However, he noted that more could be done in areas such as trade, sanctions, and economic cooperation.
Mr Halaichuk also stressed the need for closer consultation between the two governments.
“We’re proposing formal consultations to push forward economic and cultural cooperation,” he said. “Appointing a Thai special trade envoy to Ukraine would be a significant step in that direction.”
“Seventeen countries have already appointed special envoys. We hope Thailand will join them soon,” he said.
He said that the Thai envoy’s role would be distinct — focused solely on reconstruction. “We need someone whose full attention is on rebuilding Ukraine.”
Thai officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department for European Affairs, reacted positively to the proposal.
“There’s strong interest. Now we await Thailand’s decision on who will take up this important role,” he said.
Mr Halaichuk said he had told Thai officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives that Ukraine is not only seeking humanitarian aid but also strategic investment partnerships.
“We are grateful for Thailand’s donations — money, medicine, electricity generators — but now we must focus on rebuilding,” he said. “We cannot wait for the war to end. Reconstruction must happen alongside resistance.”
Ukraine is currently rebuilding homes and infrastructure destroyed by Russian attacks, and he said Thailand’s potential role in supplying construction materials and modular housing technology is needed.
“Glass, for example, is in high demand, and Thailand has the capacity to provide it,” he noted.
“So these are very concrete issues that we have discussed,” he said.
“And hopefully, as the information passes through, certain decisions will be made, which will make those priorities addressed at our governmental level too … and with our businesses and put people together to work on.”
Mr Halaichuk affirmed that Ukraine’s commitment to international partnerships remains strong.
“Our president remains in office, and our foreign policy goals are clear. We’re ready to move forward with Thailand on multiple fronts,” he said.
Looking to Asean
Ms Tasheva said she has urged Thailand and other Asean nations to deepen cooperation with Ukraine, particularly through sectoral partnerships and humanitarian support for repatriating abducted Ukrainian children.
Ms Tasheva also met with Thai MPs, the Senate, and university students, emphasising the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue and regional engagement.
Ms Tasheva, who previously served as the President’s Permanent Representative in Crimea (2022-2024), said that her delegation’s visit to Thailand followed stops in Malaysia and the Philippines.
“We’ve had meaningful exchanges with parliamentarians and civil society across the region,” she said. “These relationships are essential — not only for post-war recovery but for building a shared future,” she said.
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Ukrainian lawmakers recently participated in the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), holding 12 bilateral meetings to explore cooperation.
“We understand how vital it is to build relationships with Southeast Asian countries,” she said. “Platforms like AIPA are key to fostering long-term cooperation.”
In the Philippines, the delegation engaged with parliamentarians, women’s organisations, think tanks, and universities. Discussions focused on hybrid warfare, maritime security, academic collaboration, and trade development.
Ms Tasheva also praised Thailand’s delegation for its strong statement of support during recent Asean observer country dialogues.
“Ukraine is currently an observer in Asean, but we hope that next year, member states will vote to grant us sectoral partnership status,” she said.
“We see great potential for collaboration, especially in agriculture and development.”
The MP also highlighted Ukraine’s humanitarian initiative “Bring Kids Back”, which seeks to return children allegedly abducted by Russia during the war. “This is not just a Ukrainian issue — it’s a matter of international humanitarian law,” she said.