On 25 May 2009, the delegation of 16 new recruits from Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs paid a courtesy call on Mr. Nopadol Gunavibool, Thai Ambassador to Singapore, and visited the Royal Thai Embassy at Singapore. The activities were part of those held under the framework of Thailand-Singapore Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP) during 25-27 May 2009.

          The Ambassador took this opportunity to brief the delegation about the cordial bilateral relations between Thailand and Singapore. He also advised the new recruits how to work as a professional diplomat and recommended the group to observe and learn Singapores working system with good management and efficient advance plan, as well as to consider and apply it in the context of Thai society.

          Apart from the Royal Thai Embassy, the delegation also visited Singapores Ministry of Foreign Affairs to attend the lecture of Singapores Foreign Policies, the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies to participate in the seminar on roles of Singapore in ASEAN and Singapores water management system, Urban Redevelopment Authority to attend the briefing on city plan and land development, Asian Civilisations Museum to take a tour and listen to a short briefing on social, art and cultural evolution in Asia, and Singapores Changi Airport to attend the lecture on the Airports managing system.

          Thailand-Singapore Civil Service Exchange Programme (CSEP) was established as a result of a fruitful meeting between the two governments in 1997. The programme aims at establishing a channel for high level officials from both countries to meet, exchange views, and make a starting point for other bilateral cooperation programmes. CSEP includes cooperation in 13 areas, such as exchange programme of civil servants, exchange programme of people from media, art and culture scene, exchange in academic field, and cooperation between Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and Singapore.