On 6 November 2024, Lt. Sorawud Preededilok, Minister attached to Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), welcomed Mr. Yoshiyuki Hiyakawa, Director of Tourism Promotion, Industry Promotion Department, Kushiro City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, together with his delegations, during a courtesy visit. Representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand Office, as well as officials from TICA, were attended at TICA office.

Mr. Yoshiyuki Hiyakawa expressed his sincere gratitude to TICA for dispatching Ms. Wisuttha Wonglaw, a Friends from Thailand (FFT) volunteer, who recently completed her assignment as a Tourism Promotion Officer in Kushiro. He was appreciated that TICA will continue dispatch FFT volunteer in early 2025. This will mark the third time that TICA has sent volunteers to Kushiro City, and it will be the first time that the assignment of volunteer will be 1-year. Lt. Sorawud also extended his appreciation to Kushiro City for warmly welcoming and supporting the previous two volunteers. He highlighted that the city’s assistance is important for the volunteers’ success and effective contribution to the local community.

Lt. Sorawud was also confident that the volunteer will not only contribute significantly to the promotion of Kushiro City’s tourism attractions but will also play an important role in fostering greater understanding and closer ties between the Thai and Japanese people. He emphasized that this collaboration reflects a strong partnership between Thailand and Japan, and FFT Programme can build bridges of friendship, exchange culture for mutual benefit of both countries.