The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Thailand have announced the resolution of extended tensions in their relationship following the crisis known as the "Blue Sapphire Theft" from 1989. The two countries agreed to fully restore diplomatic relations and to "appoint ambassadors in the capitals of both countries in the near future," in a "historic step resulting from long-term efforts at various levels by both sides to restore mutual trust and friendship," according to a joint statement reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
On Tuesday, Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-cha visited the Kingdom at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as stated by SPA. Prayuth Chan-o-cha confirmed that his country is "keen to resolve all outstanding issues between the two sides," expressing his sincere regret for the tragic events that occurred in the Kingdom of Thailand between 1989 and 1990.
He stated that the Thai government is "prepared to escalate the issues to the relevant authorities if new and legitimate evidence related to the unfortunate cases emerges," affirming their commitment to safeguarding members of the Saudi mission in Thailand. Relations between the two countries deteriorated following the theft of 90 kilograms of gemstones by a Thai worker from the palace of Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1989. Among these jewels, estimated to be worth around $20 million, was a 50-carat blue sapphire that has yet to be recovered from Thailand.
