Thailand officially recognizes Palestinian State

BANGKOK, January 20 (TNA) - The Thai government has officially recognized Palestine as an independent state, a move hailed by Palestinian leaders who are eager to boost their international standing amid a stalemate with Israel. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Thani Thongphakdi told journalists on Friday that Thailand has already informed the Palestinian delegation and all permanent member countries and observer missions of the New York-based United Nations that it has officially given recognition to the Palestinian State. The official announcement by the Thai government has brought the number of countries which have recognized the Palestinian State to 131 so far. The move came as Palestine is pushing for its full UN membership, a bid Washington has opposed, reasoning that a political settlement between Palestine and Israel must be reached first. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas thanked Thailand for the move, saying that procedures will then begin to establish diplomatic relations between the Palestinian State and Thailand. Thailand, meanwhile, has maintained friendly relations with Israel, after recognizing the Jewish state in 1954, and has been a major Israeli vacation destination so far, as both countries have also cooperated in agriculture and other areas. (TNA)