As Israel and Thailand commemorate 72 years of diplomatic relations, Thai Ambassador Boonyarit Vichienpuntu led a visit to the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem to meet the elephants gifted by Thailand in 1994. These elephants symbolize the strong ties between the two nations, with Vichienpuntu stating, "The elephant is part of our people-to-people relations." The ambassador noted ongoing collaboration in agriculture, particularly through the adoption of Israeli irrigation technology. He expressed optimism about the growing relationship, mentioning the upcoming Thai Festival in Israel, aimed at showcasing Thai culture and soft power. Despite challenges such as the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, Vichienpuntu dismissed concerns about economic repercussions for Thailand. He highlighted the significant presence of Thai workers in Israel, especially following the suspension of work licenses for Palestinians after the October 7 attacks, which also tragically affected the Thai community. The ambassador affirmed that the shared experiences of grief have not diminished the friendship, but rather strengthened it, envisioning further cooperation in technology and sustainability.