It was the first direct commercial flight from Saudi Arabia in 32 years, following the recent normalisation of diplomatic ties. Mr Jurin, also deputy prime minister, on Sunday led a trade delegation to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia downgraded diplomatic ties with Thailand after the murder of Saudi diplomats and the disappearance of a Saudi businessman in Bangkok following the theft of Saudi state gems in 1989. The DITP said Mr Jurin is also scheduled to meet the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Thailand's leading exports to Saudi Arabia are vehicles and auto parts and accessories, wood and wood products, air-conditioners and parts, rubber products, and processed seafood.
