Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul made an official visit to the Philippines on 20-21 June 2013 in conjunction with the 5^th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) between the Philippines and Thailand, which he co-chaired with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario.Foreign Minister Surapong arrived in Manila in the morning of June 20.  In the afternoon of the same day, he paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Benigno Aquino III at Malacanan Palace.

On the following day, prior to the opening of the 5^th Meeting of the JCBC, Foreign Minister Surapong laid a wreath at the Rizal Shrine in Luneta Park.  He was formally received by outgoing Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim who also presented him with a symbolic key to the City of Manila.

From the Luneta Park, Foreign Minister Surapong’s entourage proceeded to the Department of Foreign Affairs for the 5^th Meeting of the JCBC with DFA officials led by Secretary Albert Del Rosario.  The two sides discussed overall bilateral relations between the Philippines and Thailand.  They also exchanged views on economic and political developments in their respective countries and in the region.